Best way to de-gunk a differential?

[BTF/PTM]

The factory R180 out of my z (it has a non-LSD R200 in it) is absolutely caked with grime. Is there a specific method and/or cleaner that's best for getting all that off? Can the whole assembly be dunked in a bucket full of solvent? Perhaps I could have it hot-tanked?

[SteveJ]

My first thought is a parts washer and wire brushes to get the gunk off.

[jmortensen]

How about... wait for it... Gunk.

You can put the diff in a parts washer or a solvent tank, but if you submerge it you'll get solvent in the oil. Not sure what effect the solvent will have on the seals either if that matters. I put my bare housing in my solvent tank and cleaned it that way before reassembly, worked great.

[Walter Moore]

Simple green and a scrub brush will work. It just takes time.

[mlc240z]

Wire brush, brake cleaner or acetone and a little elbow grease and time always worked for me.

Rinse off and a fresh coat of paint and you'll forget how crappy it looked before.

[leftover z]

I had a couple cans of carb cleaner sitting on a shelf, so used that with a bbq grill brush. Worked like a charm.

[SteveJ]

I think I see a theme developing here...

[leftover z]

I think I see a theme developing here...

Ya, there is more than one way to clean your rear-end...

[SteveJ]

Ya, there is more than one way to clean your rear-end...

Actually, I was thinking that you have to be careful. If you scrub your rear end too hard with a wire brush, it might keep you from being able to drive your Z.

[leftover z]

Actually, I was thinking that you have to be careful. If you scrub your rear end too hard with a wire brush, it might keep you from being able to drive your Z.

Ya, NOW you tell me...... :stupid:

[oldhemi]

Soap and hot water, pressure washer works good. Light enough to bring to a car wash if you dont have these items! Easiest part on the car to clean, IMHO.

As others have stated, no solvent tank!

[John Coffey]

If its that dirty you might as well pull the rear cover and clean inside the diff.