DustinR

iTrader: (10)

Let’s talk about balls

Diff balls that is. I am just wondering what works the best and lasts the longest. I know that Losi, Associated, and many other companies make 3/32 carbide diff balls. I do not want this to turn into a plug your sponsors thread but I want this to be a question to those that have tried the MANY different brands. What do you like and why.

Also what about the thrust. Many people make those as well. The thrust has major impact on a smooth diff as well. Do you use the molded thrust of the loose ball thrusts. Why. What are the advantages and disadvantages to both. [besides not having the balls roll all over the place while building the diff]

And what about ceramic balls. All I know is that they are lighter. Do they last longer. Are they smoother than their carbide counterparts.

And lastly does any one know of where you can buy the 3/32 diff balls for less than $10 per set. Losi, Associated, and others must be getting them somewhere cheaper, repackaging them, and jacking the price up. Most often I find that if I can buy R/C stuff outside of R/C companies I get a better product at a cheaper price.

Thanks for any help.

serpentrush

i would also like to know come on guys your opinions please

xlgraphicspro

iTrader: (5)

I think you need a comma or a period in that statement. It just doesn't sound right!

mpetrich

That's pretty funny........

R/C Anonymous

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the laugh

Sluggo

iTrader: (12)

I have always used carbide balls for my diffs unless in a pinch, then steel ones for the moment to get me thru. I'm gonna try some ceramic balls that I just ordered for the first time and see how they work out. You can make a good diff with carbide balls and a little work for sure but I have been hearing real good things about the ceramic balls. When I finish building them and put some time on them I'll post back with my findings. These diffs are gonna be in a BJ4x4 Worlds Edition so they will get a work out.

natskiboy

how much is the price difference between a carbide and ceramic diff balls? I just got myself some carbide balls for $30 CAD and the ceramic diff ball werent far off in price.

So which one is better than the other?

danjoy25

iTrader: (38)

Between the 2 I would go for ceramics. Can take more heat and is a tad lighter.

Jack2

iTrader: (1)

I have ran a few different types but so far I have found Ceramic Nitride diff balls to be the best. They are the smoothest and they last for a lot rebuilds. Acer Racing has the ceramic nitride pro diff balls for about $13 and they last better than carbide. Just keep the diff plates fresh.

serpentrush

thanks but now one of the top guys at the track says that they dont make any difference than the steel balls and they cut through the plate faster than normal balls ? [ you notice any difference ??] or is he pulling a fast one over me

Jack2

iTrader: (1)

Well........As to cutting through the plates faster......I haven't seen any difference between steel or ceramic. Steel balls get gritty as they get pitted and scratched after a number of runs. Ceramic balls are very VERY hard.... just clean them and they are smooth again...they won't last forever but I'd say about 8-10 times longer than steel balls.

tamiyaboy

hey guys, how often should i rebuild my diffs? thanks

koabich

Well the largest different with Ceramic is that you'll never have to replace them. They are also closer to perfectly round and the surface of the ceramic ball is smoother. They are also much lighter...you can tell the difference just by holding them in your hand! All this is true if using quality Ceramic diff balls.

They do wear out the diff rings a litter faster...nothing to be concerned about. For example, if your diff rings last you 10 runs with steel balls, you diff rings will last you 8-9 runs with ceramic. The ceramic diff balls are harder so they wear out the rings a little faster.

I have been using Acer Ceramic bearings, diff balls and thrust balls in all my cars for the last 4 years and couldn't be happier. I highlt recommend them (and no, I am not sponsored by them).

Aluma

iTrader: (1)

hey guys with the diff plates...I hadn't rebuilt it in about a year, so mine had a little groove, so I sanded it down until it was gone with sandpaper, then used a fine grain to polish it out a bit. When I rebuilt it, the diff sounded gritty. It doesnt slip anymore, but the sound gets to me...is it the plate or the steel balls?

natskiboy

Since you are already rebuilding the diff, why not change the balls and the rings as well? The steel balls are not that expensive and it saves you time to dissasemble the car again