Jason_25
01-30-2002, 03:45 PM
Here's a noive question to you guys. How do I make the rear axle cover and the flange perfectly clean so I can install sealant on it? Can I use a wire brush?
|
View Full Version : Rear Diff Seal Jason_25 01-30-2002, 03:45 PM Here's a noive question to you guys. How do I make the rear axle cover and the flange perfectly clean so I can install sealant on it? Can I use a wire brush? Gary Steeber 01-30-2002, 04:00 PM A wire brush is excellent then clean the area off with any type of solvent before you apply the RTV sealant, this will allow good adherence to the metal. Jason_25 01-30-2002, 04:02 PM Sweet thanks Gary for the quick response. Texan01 01-30-2002, 05:23 PM I got a gasket for mine, when I had to replace the pinon seal and the fluid (100,000 Posi) I ran a wire brush on the cover and scraped the housing clean with a putty knife. Word to the wise, if you got a Traction-Lock (LS, Posi, etc) use the Ford friction modifier, I used the generic stuff in my dad's '87 Dakota and it chatters all the time. Jason_25 01-30-2002, 10:33 PM How much did the gasket cost, and what is the pinion seal? Speedfreak 01-30-2002, 10:37 PM The pinion seal is something left to a mechanic if you have limited mechanical experience, but it is the seal behind the yoke on the front of the diff. I wouldn't bother with a gasket, go with silicon, Ford used it from the factory so there cann't be anything wrong with it. Texan01 01-31-2002, 12:22 PM unless you got a leak coming from where the driveshaft meets the rear-end, don't mess with it. Mine was leaking, and I've done a few of them to know what to do. I used a gasket because I'm not all that thrilled with RTV as a primary sealant. A word to the wise, Ford puts threadlock on everything back there, so it may be tough to wrench out. SteveVB 01-31-2002, 04:27 PM Jason, The RTV works great as long as the surfaces are clean, and you can let the rtv sit for a bit before it is reinstalled. then let it cure for a while if you can before refilling the diff. I let mine sit over night- I do have a few other vehiocles avail so that may not be an answer for everyone. I use lacquer thinner to clean the surfaces of the cover and the axle. Brake cleaner , mineral spirits, or some other low residue solvents work well also. Have fun, oh yea I wear disposable rubber gloves when working with diff fluid- the smell is hard to get off your hands (or clothes,tools, garage floor etc) , something to think about. You can get a hundred pairs or so for about $7 I think. |