TC3 Diff help

[Sammy]

Hi All.

Just rebuilding a TC3, and I want to relube the inside of the gearbox where the gears rub together.

The AE manual instructs you to use "Stealth Diff Lube" is this any different to Tamiya Ceramic Grease? If yes, where can I get any Diff Lube?

Cheers.

Sam

[tt-01owner]

any grease works fine for the diff balls. i use my kit supplied tamiya a.w. grease(anti wear)

[terry.sc]

Do not just use any grease! Greases are usually designed to work under pressure, these actually get between the balls and the washers and prevent them contacting each other. No matter how much you tighten the diff it will always slip.

Use a grease for ball diffs, such as the stealth diff lube. These are designed for the specific conditions in a ball diff and will always give a better diff action over using any other grease and no slip. Personally I've found the Associated diff lube to be the best. Tamiya also make a specific ball diff grease (part no 53042) as well as most other car manufacturers. Most decent model shops should stock a ball diff grease. Associated Stealth Diff Lube should be available from any model shop that deals with CML Distribution, which covers just about every decent shop in the uK

[HunterZero]

Agreed, DEFINITELY don't just use any grease for ball differentials, or you'll need to overtighten the diff to get it even remotely working. use a grease specifically for ball differentials.

Tamiya have a special Ball Diff Grease for this job, which would probably work fine but I'd be inclined to use the exact grease that the manufacturer recommends.

- James

[Sammy]

As I said, I'm not putting the grease in the diff.

I'm using it where the 2 gears mesh inside the gearbox.

Sam

[DJTheo]

The other way around I wouldn't recommend ball diff grease for gear diff or for the gears, but the standard grease like ceramic. Anti wear grease is only for gear diffs (and if you want driveshafts, I preffer running them dry), if you want to have a stiffer diff action, but only for closed gear diffs as if it gets on other gears it will increase the friction of the transmission too much.

Cheers

[Backlash]

Sammy, I use tamiya ceramic grease in the gearbox of my TC3 and have had no trouble with it. I only use a very small amount, and find this sufficient for "limiting wear", and still find the drive train to be free.

This being said, I use stealth diff lube on the diff balls.

[havoxx]

Heh, I use Industrial Transmission grease on my gears, not the ball diffs, but the gears, it works quite nicely, and I've never gotten those things hot