Air Compressor Usage

[TITANIUM94010]

I was looking to buy an air compressor for quite a while, so I did. It just arrived.

I've seen plenty of people just wash their rig down with a hose and use the air compressor and dry every drop of water off in minutes, so I decided to get one because my TRX4 gets muddied almost every time I take it out, and it's a pain to completely clean the car.

If I use an air compressor, I should just be able to hose it down and dry it off right?, or will it still miss some spots like behind the wheel.
I have all waterproof electronics, I've ran them submerged in water before fine.

How do you guys use your air compressors, and do you have any tips?

Thanks!

[JacktheRipper]

Do not get too happy with pressure, what compressor?

[vinnieb729]

That's how I clean mine too. I spray mine off with a hose then use air to blow it dry, then I'll squirt some silicone spray on all exposed moving parts like driveshafts, chubs, exposed bearings. Avoid focusing pressurized water/air directly on areas with an exposed bearing when possible. Compressed air can blow the mud/grit past the rubber shields. I've resorted to all stainless bearings. It helps but they still need an ultrasonic cleaning and re greasing periodically.

I almost always remove the wheels from the axles as I get lots of grass that wraps around the hubs...they usually look clean until I pop the wheel off...

I'd avoid the small pancake compressors that are used with various nail guns. Something with a larger air storage tank is easier to use with an air nozzle that's constantly blowing air.

[TITANIUM94010]

I’m using a Porter cable pancake 90psi, I’m fine with the low amount of air storage, as long as it works I’m fine with it.


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[TITANIUM94010]

Originally Posted by vinnieb729

That's how I clean mine too. I spray mine off with a hose then use air to blow it dry, then I'll squirt some silicone spray on all exposed moving parts like driveshafts, chubs, exposed bearings. Avoid focusing pressurized water/air directly on areas with an exposed bearing when possible. Compressed air can blow the mud/grit past the rubber shields. I've resorted to all stainless bearings. It helps but they still need an ultrasonic cleaning and re greasing periodically.

I almost always remove the wheels from the axles as I get lots of grass that wraps around the hubs...they usually look clean until I pop the wheel off...

I'd avoid the small pancake compressors that are used with various nail guns. Something with a larger air storage tank is easier to use with an air nozzle that's constantly blowing air.

Will silicone wd40 lubricant work? That’s the only silicone spray that I have. I’m using it on the axels and it works fine


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[vinnieb729]

I've used it without issue. I usually use whatever I find the cheapest. I'll give the entire truck a squirt and wipe it down too. Leaves everything nice and kind of a satin black without any oily residue. I'll use tooth brushes or some kind of brush like you'd apply shaving cream with to spread it around and get in nooks and crannies. You don't need a ton...no need for it to be dripping. This also seems to make the sticky mud rinse off easier without any staining.

The pancake will certainly work, you just need to give it a chance to catch up...at least the ones I've had.

On your front axles where they go into the C hub there's a decent sized hole that water likes to get in. best cure I've found so far is 2-3 small O-rings slipped over each axle shaft then slide it through the hole in the C hub. They'll sit tight to the hole helping to keep water out. I use cheap o-ring kits from Harbor Freight.

[JatoTheRipper]

You can theoretically blow water and debris into your bearings and electronics if the pressure is too high.

[JacktheRipper]

Do not know about the pancake deals. Do they have a regulator? If not you can find them for 5 - 10 bucks. Control the pressure and extend cycle time.


"Show us your compressor" some one start that thread, sounds fascinating .