lyons238

iTrader: (15)

I searched the forums, but couldn't find a cleaning thread for off road RC cars. I will start out by sharing my method, which works quite well. I also have a question that I would appreciate an answer to.


Method:
1. Compressed air
2. Spray simple green (Pro HD version - pink) on open areas of the car
3. Use a paint brush to get in all the tight areas
4. Wipe clean with rag
5. Spray WD40 on acceptable/open areas of car (mostly plastics)
6. Use another paint brush to spread it around and hit ever nook and cranny
7. wipe off non-plastic surfaces (I find WD40 is best to just leave on the plastics, it seems to keep them fresh and easier to clean in the future.


QUESTION:

Has anyone used the Simple Green Pro HD pink stuff? It says it's non corrosive and 100% safe on aluminum, unlike normal simple green. However, I just wanted to hear some opinions on it and if it's my best option?

Socket

iTrader: (61)

Compressed air is the best method to fill the bearings with your cleaning fluid and dirt.

I recommend pulling all outboard bearings, foaming simple green on a tooth brush and on a towel, and wipe the plastics down.

Clean paper towel, I wipe down all of the outboard bearings and relube them.

floyd2810

i use a compressor sometimes too but socket is right.
keep your bearings clean!!!
wd40 will attract dirt. you will want to wipe it off.
does clean the plastic well though.
a paint brush works great for dusting off too.

lyons238

iTrader: (15)

yeah i already learned that lesson, except its not from compressed air, its from my cleaning fluids. they got into my bearings it seems? whats the best way to avoid this? i think im going to stop spraying the car with the cleaning fluids, and just spray it on the brush/rag.

im going to order a new set of bearings. should i go with the OEM TLR bearings or pick up some aftermarket ones from schelle or avid or another similar company?

Callaway

iTrader: (3)

I've ordered Avid bearings and
I'm happy with them. Great price, lots of options.

I use compressed air, loosen any caked-on stuff with a toothpick or hobby knife, then spray a little WD40 onto a black-bristle Purdy paint brush and use that to wipe down the whole vehicle. I'll lightly wipe the face of any exposed bearings with the WD40 brush. They all have rubber seals, so I'm not too worried about pushing dirt in or if the WD40 may attract a little later of dirt... I just want to keep gunk from building up on the bearings. Then I'll wipe off any excess WD40 with a paper towel. Really you don't need too much WD40: a little bit on the brush and some mildly brisk agitation will remove almost all the dirt.

Davidka

iTrader: (86)

Why all the chemicals/solvents? Water removes dirt just as well (without dissolving bearing lubes) and as long as you dry it off, nothing rusts.

There are combo cleaners for bikes that are soaps + light silicone that work very well for cleaning plastics and leaving behind a bead of anti-stick oil that doesn't attack any materials.

lyons238

iTrader: (15)

do you have a list of which bearings are which? im trying to create a kit but not sure what type of bearing to select where because i cant find all of the sizes anywhere.

well its just 2 fluids. simple green pro hd, which is supposed to be non corrosive...anyone have experience?

and then WD40 i have always used on my car and motocross bikes for cleaning/shining everything and everything.

but ill probably go with a less intrusive route. thanks

Davidka

iTrader: (86)

By all means, do what works for you. I've had good results with this stuff. Some of their products have been re-badged by Trak Power, O'Donnell and others in the R/C biz:

http://www.finishlineusa.com/product...uper-bike-wash

lyons238

iTrader: (15)

thanks maybe ill try that. i think i have some SC1 which is a silicone cleaner for motocross bikes, that should work alike? i think iv heard of people using it for RC.

but your right, id rather not use potentially harsh chemicals if i dont have to.

rustyus

iTrader: (1)

Not too many harsh chemicals in this post. 2008 to the present day, not one drop of liquid used to clean my B4 buggy. Just compressed air; paint brush, and a tooth brush between runs. Routine bearing maintenance/shock & tranny rebuilds...now that's a different story.

The retired racer, my B4, is now a daily track runner/basher. Running the buggy almost everyday I don't feel the need for a sparkly clean car to enjoy the hobby. The dusty ungroomed off-road course outside the backdoor is the harshest track I've ever had the pleasure of running on. If I have an off-road RC platform that's too clean, I don't want dirty it up.

Sure, when I used to race, it was easy to keep a RC clean especially when racing indoor clay tracks. Heaven forbid if you showed up with a dirty ride. Compressed air, brushes, soapy water, and original lemon scented Pledge.

Davidka

iTrader: (86)

That stuff works pretty well too.

Callaway

iTrader: (3)

You can look at the exploded view and parts list, or look at the assembly steps in the manual... everywhere a bearing is used, its size is called out in the margin.

For the wheel bearings, you can order their "revolution" style, which is one side rubber seal, one side metal seal. Install with the metal seal towards the inside of the hub where dirt can't really get. Same thing with differential housing bearings.

GNARKILL1332

iTrader: (2)

I USE A ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH AND ALCOHOL...

lyons238

iTrader: (15)

thank you!

RioImmagina

My track is basically clay. This clay is a nightmare. It sticks everywhere and resist compressed air, mountain bike cleaning product, isopropylic alcohol/detergent and wd40. No way I can have my ride clean without dismantling parts and rubbing with brush thoroughly. I dream a spray and blow product...