HalfOfEight

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 maintain ball diffs?

Joel Lagace

iTrader: (4)

Usually you will have to build them your self. With instuctions.. Normally the balls get a good coating and a safe setting would be to tighten the set screw in completely then back it off 1/4 turn. Do that for all of them.

edseb

Building a diff is one routine that you will need to know throughout your rc hobby. Follow the instructions to a tea, a good working diff is one of the most important things in the handling of a car. Mod drivers rebuild their diffs as often as every 8-10 runs in order for the action to operate at their top level. In other cars or when running less power like stock, you can get away with rebuilding less often. In offroad, often the diff is sealed so you can rebuild slightly less as well, but it is more by "feel," that you can tell when it needs a rebuild.

MarkA

iTrader: (21)

And, just to define it, to rebuild ususally means to replace the rings & balls and re-lube.

edseb

Not always. May be too much to cover here, but you can reuse your balls if they are in good shape, and in most ball diffs you can just flip the metal ring. Also you don't want your diff to slip, but still have smooth action. Many drivers use 600 wet sandpaper and lightly sand their rings to get a small amount of friction. ind of goes against line of thinking, but you want your diff to work smoothly without getting gritty and without slipping. Most 1/12th scale racers do this trick and it helps a lot. In touring cars, often some racers will switch to ceramic balls in their diffs. They cost more but are much harder and will last longer. You can clean the balls and reuse them.

edseb

Here's a good article about diffs by a 1/12th racer. It may be a little overkill for offroad, but you'll get the idea. Just skim down through the article till you get to the diff section.
http://www.markpayneblog.blogspot.com/