Front axle water ingress...

[o0wiz0o]

Hi folks. Long time since I last posted.

I just serviced the front/rear diffs...well other than some new marine grease the rear diff was perfect. The front however was a complete mess! All bearings replaced.

The issue seems to be that unlike the rear that is sealed the front axle casing has to account for the C-hubs which means there are two nice big holes to let water run in easily.

I was wondering if any one has found a solution like a rubber nipple that can plug the hole allowing the axle shaft through? This would certainly help with the longevity of the axle.

Thanks.

[Benp]

There was a good thread on this a while ago. The OP came up with a really slick solution.

Hope this helps.

Waterproof axles??
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

[o0wiz0o]

Thank you! I wish I had the skill to make those. I also note I posted in that thread ages ago saying it's not that much a issue! Oops

I have also been thinking of putting a small hole in the top of the diff or cover so I can squirt oil in easily. I was just shocked at the difference in degradation between axles. Oh well...

[Steve g]

Pack it with marine grease. Messy, but will keep water from damaging anything.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[o0wiz0o]

Alas I think Marine grease has limits! I've always packed em and they have still rotted. Took a while to be fair...

I have had another idea....small grommets are hard to find. But I could enlarge the hole in the c-hub so it can fit a more standard grommet. Hmmm. 🙂

[o0wiz0o]

I have ordered some small grommets. I'm going to enlarge the hole and fit these. I'll let you folks know if it's a success. ��

[o0wiz0o]

Mission accomplished! Using 6mm grommets. They fit in fine. Pierce a hole and carefully enlarge it. I used larger and larger hex drivers. Be careful not to damage the grommet as you push the shaft through. That must help....roll on another wet and miserable UK winter. Hehe...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[NoGrip]

Nicely executed. The most simple solutions are the best. Traxxas should be doing this out of the box

[kincer]

Originally Posted by o0wiz0o

Mission accomplished! Using 6mm grommets. They fit in fine. Pierce a hole and carefully enlarge it. I used larger and larger hex drivers. Be careful not to damage the grommet as you push the shaft through. That must help....roll on another wet and miserable UK winter. Hehe...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

Where might we find a grommet like this? Is the outside diameter 6mm? I looked briefly at Mcmaster-Carr and didn't find anything similar.

[RCPawel]

What about friction? It might cook up the rubber with heat

[o0wiz0o]

Hi.

I bought these from eBay:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251932614002

You may be able to use the ones with a hole on both sides. But I don't have calipers so it was safer for me to make my own hole. You would want to measure the shaft and not the flat end that goes into the diff. That way it will be snug.

As for heat I'll keep you updated. They are lubed and I'll try and ensure they keep supple. :-)

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk

[crazee horse]

Too much grease and your locker won't work. I always rub submerged and ice never really had that bad a problem.

[o0wiz0o]

I trail in a lot of wet, damp conditions including coastal locations. Salt water is a different game from fresh water. As said marine grease could only do so much when there are gaping holes in either end of the axle case! Haha. (I don't drive in the sea).

Had to replace the foams recently and found this mess...steelies have their down side! Alloy next time.

Don't get me wrong this does not happen over night. It's been a few years and many miles but if I can slow it down...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using Tapatalk