Cleaning Differential Internals

[dubster99]

I bought a complete, used 3.31 diff from a recycler online. It was shipped freight to me on a pallet with no fluid in it, but the axle holes weren't sealed with anything and left open. Should I clean it out before I install it? If yes, how and with what? Would it be best to just throw in some cheap diff oil, go drive it around for a bit and then drain it?

Thanks!

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[Jay-rod427]

take the cover off, pop the axles out, hose it with brake clean, reassemble, refill fluid.

 

[EFI]

As Jay said, but make sure you spin it by hand throughout the process so you can get all the parts exposed to the cleaner.

Afterwards it might not be a bad idea to fill it up with some cheap diff fluid, seal the unit, spin it for a while to get it all the oil everywhere then dump the fluid and refill with good stuff and run.

 

[dubster99]

take the cover off, pop the axles out, hose it with brake clean, reassemble, refill fluid.

Diff is already off the car with no axles in it. I'll take a peek in through the axle holes just to see if anything looks like it's in there. I'd rather not pop the cover off but better safe than sorry I guess. Will I need a new seal or anything for the cover?

 

[GT350Brakes.com]

Diff is already off the car with no axles in it. I'll take a peek in through the axle holes just to see if anything looks like it's in there. I'd rather not pop the cover off but better safe than sorry I guess. Will I need a new seal or anything for the cover?

You'll need some black rtv. You'll also need a razor blade or gasket scraper to get the old sealant off.

Be sure that when you apply it to not stick the cover back on immediately, I usually wait 5-10 minutes to let it get tacky then put it together.

You don't need much either, 1/8 bead or so all the way around.

Also check the directions for when you can put fluid in it. Some you can pour fluid in right after, some you have to wait 24 hours

 

[dubster99]

Thanks everybody!

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