Ball Diffs

[rustnpede]

I just ordered f/c/r diffs for my mini inferno and realized that I dont know anything about ball diffs. Do need to lube, adjust or set anything before I install them? How do you care for and maintain ball diffs?

[pb4ugo]

Ball diffs are easy. Directions will come with. Yes you lube them. Usually a silicone on the diff balls (Associated diff lube is good, a classic non-gritty toothpaste works pretty well too) and a thick black grease on the thrust balls (again Associated has a good one). Don't go overboard on either, you'll attract too much dust. The most important part is proper initial adjustment. You want a smooth action without slipping when both outdrives are locked.

A couple of tricks that won't be in the directions:
-lightly polish the diff rings with 1500 grit sandpaper. this will give a cross-hatch pattern on the rings allowing them to grip and rotate as opposed to slipping on the balls. It's not a bad idea to sand the other side as well and add a drop of thick grease to prevent them from rotating on the outdrives. This is assuming the rings are not pinned or indexed in any way.
-If you are going to not run for an extended period of time, back off the adlusting screw to relieve tension and prevent pitting in the rings.
-Make sure you're using at least carbide balls

If your doing these things right, maintenance is not a big deal. When action starts to get gritty, you take apart the diff, clean, relube, and re-assemble. It would be wise to change the thrust bearing assembly then as well, it is the first to wear. Eventually the main balls and rings will need replacement, but you will get many cleanings before then.

[rustnpede]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks.

I had posted this question of another forum but I wasnt getting any detailed resopnses so I slapped them in anyway:037:

Out of the package the center diff grabs a bit on two points of the rotation. They diddnt come with any instructions and the website diddnt have any either :confused:. They were greased though. After a few runs I pulled it back out and had to tighten it quite a bit to keep it from slipping. Action is just as gritty as before.

Ill clean and lube them per your instructions.

[bdebde]

If they were slipping and you don't have carbide balls, you may have flat spots on the balls.