Diff oil?

[millerracer]

I have an RS4 with the shaft drives.

I was told I can run silicone oil in the diff for lubrication....

What do you suggest? How much? What is the big diff between silicone shock oil anyway? Can't I just put some of that in it - and how much?

Also - dot 5 brake fluid is silicone... why not use that?

thanks.

 

[jon2]

hmmm... I didn't think the RS4 had sealed diffs. Have you checked?

Also DOT 5 is a different viscosity than regular model RC Nitro silicone oil. I would recommend AGAINST that.

 

[millerracer]

You are right on both counts... I know the center diff is wide open - the front and rear seem like they are closed though - I mean they will leak out the output shafts if oil is sloshing around in there - but I don't want to use a thicker grease and was told silicone would be the best bet.

What is the difference between silicone oil for the diff vs. shock oil? Viscosity rating/weight?

 

[jon2]

You are right on both counts... I know the center diff is wide open - the front and rear seem like they are closed though - I mean they will leak out the output shafts if oil is sloshing around in there - but I don't want to use a thicker grease and was told silicone would be the best bet.

What is the difference between silicone oil for the diff vs. shock oil? Viscosity rating/weight?

SIlicone is the best as it is easily cleaned but it onlly applies to diffs that are sealed.Now the diff oil has a different tolerance for heat whereas shock oil doesn't have any moving metal parts together that can create friction and heat. Don't try and mix it up. I use Kyosho silicon diff locking oil for sealed diffs.

If you really want to play with the diffs, Tamiya actually makes a diff grease that can be used to tune diffs that are not sealed.

 

[millerracer]

I saw their diff grease.. they even have a diff clay that helps lock or slow down diffs.

I'm not sure if I want to really lock the diffs... Since I don't race AWD vehicles - I am not really sure how to "tune" the diffs. Anyone have a nice link to a tutorial on diff tuning for on-road touring? I'd be interested in learning - even if it is a rule of thumb type of thing.

Like I said - I am currently using a some grease (not much as it is somewhat thick) then use a teflon spray oil to lubricate more. It is what we use in our superkart bearings (karts that routinely run over 135mph) without fail for years.

 

[AC48]

The only real option for tuning diffs on an RS4 is putting a spring in it to give it a limited slip type of feel, it comes stock on the RS4 3 SS (not the 18SS)

The RS4 diffs are not sealed so you cannot use silicone.

I would not lock your diffs, thats going to make the car handle like crap.

 

[millerracer]

whew.. in 20 minutes, you and Jon2 have amazingly uncomplicated my life... LOL. thanks again.

I will just keep lubing it like I have been - seems VERY free and no grit.

 

[AC48]

No problem.

If you are interested in learing how to tune diffs, check out the 1/8 buggy forum, silicone oils in the diffs is a major part in tuning a buggy.

 

[jon2]

I would not lock your diffs, thats going to make the car handle like crap.

I agree.If you are not running a 4WD MT, then I suggest something else like playing with your suspension to give you more traction but that is a different thread.

 

[Plaidfish]

is this a ball diff?
sorry but I thought the RS4 was belt drive?
as far as locking diffs I like the front spool in my electric TC4...it makes it point and shoot kind of driving...off power turning is awsome but on power stinks......not sure how the nitro TC guys like that though.....

 

[AC48]

Plaid, the old RS4s are belt, but he has the RS4 3 which is shaft drive.