C2 - Cleaning of the Rearend Differential

[Rory Riedy]

All,

Has anyone had experience cleaning up the rearend differential. Can the unit be sandblasted without taking it completely apart? If so what is the best way to protect against sand infiltration into the unit. Once cleaned what is the best way to protect the new finish?

Thanks as always.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 - Cleaning of the Rearend Differential

if they aren't too rusty, i usually go over them with a wire brush in a drill motor. if they are real bad, i usually disassemble them, inspect gears and bearings and replace as needed, then blast them empty. i've always feared some blasting media may get behind the yolks. mike

[Rob A.]

Re: C2 - Cleaning of the Rearend Differential

At one time, I had the differential out of my car, removed the side and front yokes, and inserted tight fitting caps in the openings. I took it to a sand blasting shop to have it cleaned up, and like Mike said, they told me the grains would find there way in no matter how I tried to protect it, and I took it back home. The old wire brush on a high speed drill works fine. I've used krylon satin clear to retain the natural finish on many parts with good success. Not sure, but you might want to use a high-temp clear on the rear end.