Troublesome problem

[harringtondav]

One year ago I was reassembling my Alpha II after a seal job and noticed the upper drive shaft was loose in the pinion. It's supposed to be a press fit. I cleaned the joint with acetone and applied green 609 cylindrical part retaining Loctite and crossed my fingers.

Reassembling again this year after replacing the gear yoke and seal I noticed it was loose again. I redid the Loctite using 271 red for the heck of it. But I also ordered a new shaft.

My worry is the shaft slides loose for the last 1/2" and presses the first part with just my fingers on the press jack. Seems to indicate the bottom of the pinion bore is over size. If the new shaft also loosens I'll have the shell out for a new upper gear set. Ouch.

Any theories why this shaft loosened? The fretting corrosion is visible in the pic. Bearings have always looked great.
Also any recommendations on a better retaining compound when I press (hopefully) in the new shaft?

 

[scoflaw]

I've had luck by wrapping a .002 feeler gauge around the shaft before pressing together

 

[harringtondav]

I've had luck by wrapping a .002 feeler gauge around the shaft before pressing together

Thanks. Good idea. ..not sure if my 12T hyd. press has the oomph.

 

[Bt Doctur]

From the blueing on the shaft I suspect the pini9on was spinning but not the shaft maybe from a incorrect shimming of the top cap bearing