Car maintenance???

[broken_parts]

Ok i have recently decide to go a step further with maintenance.like how do you clean the bearings,motor, and what ever else you need to do. before i just took a paint brush and wiped all the dirt and grime off.
Thanks
B_P
p.s. what all do you need to do when you rebuild the transmission??/
:(

EDit- i have stampede, and its a plantary diff.

[ 08-07-2001: Message edited by: broken_parts ]

[rims']

when you rebuild the tranny you replace the diff balls discs and other worn parts youre lhs should have a diff rebuild kit for youre car

[Jason C]

For the bearings, there is a small clip that holds in the shield (if you have shielded bearings). Use the tip of an exacto or a fine needle to gently pry it out and remove the shield. Do the same for both sides and use a good blast of motor spray to flush out any dirt. RPM makes a bearing cleaning device that directs the spray into the balls and also allows you to use less spray to get the job done. Relube them and reinstall the shields.

For the motor, remove the brushes and loosen the endbell screws about 4-5 turns (don't completely remove them) or until you can rotate the endbell freely. Gently tug on the endbell while turning it slowly and you should eventually line up the notch and slot on the can and ring that holds the endbell in place. Now that the endbell is off, pull the armature out being careful to note how many shims were on both ends of the shaft. Use your motor spray to blast out debris in both the motor can and endbell. If your motor has bearings, you can try to carefully pop them out and clean them too.
Since your armature is out, take a look at the commutator (copper colored part that contacts the brushes). Is it worn and dirty? Does it have burn marks? Some light blackish marks are normal, but if the comm is a dark brownish color, then your car may be overgeared. If you can, find someone with a lathe and have the comm trued. Unless you're a racer, this isn't really neccessary but it's good todo this once in a while to keep performance fresh.

An air compresser is a big help for cleaning off the chassis, or if you don't have one, get some cans of air duster. You can usually find them in computer stores or just about any office supply store.

As for your transmission, what kind of diff do you have? What car do you have? This will help us more in providing you with the info you need.
Ball diffs require more maintinence than gear diffs, but they're much smoother and more precise. If you have gear diffs, you can pretty much leave it alone unless something is acting up. (I have a 3 year-old car with gear diffs and I haven't opened them them up for maintinence since I first built the kit)

[BrahmaBullSQ]

ditto

[outsider]

BTW, it's maintenance. :D

[b3buggydude05]

well really just keep yur car lookin purdy and make sure u clean yur motor all the time
thats about it! :D

[Gutter Ball]

I was looking to buy a small air compressor so I could just blow away all the dust! Someone provides one for us at the track and it saves soooooooooooooooo much time! In about 30 seconds, your car is virtually dust free!! Of course, it doesn't beat a complete tear down. I blast my motor with motor cleaner and just wipe down my bearings. For my tranny, first I check the balls for any flat spots, if there are none then I check the diff plates for grooves. If those are okay, I just buy a new diff gear and a whole new thrust bolt assembly. I've never had a problem with the other gears(don't know what they're called off the top of my head). Relube with either MIP diff lub or the Losi white and the diff is silky smooth!

[Lordcalvert]

Gutter Ball, we were going to buy a compressor too, but instead we carry that compressed can air that is used to clean computers. It works really well, plus it comes out cold which helps if you need to touch any hot parts (engines/motors/batts/etc.). You can get it at computer stores or Office Depot/Office Max. Lot easier than luggin a compressor around. ;)

[broken_parts]

I am gonna pick up some canned air, anyone know how much it costs?>

[Lost Racer]

Canned air is a good temporary way to go. But eventually usually sooner thatn later you're gonna spend the same amount that you would for a small compressor. Canned air is like $3. Not expensive if you buy like 6 or 10. But it goes fast. Then you have to start all over again. IMO a compressor would be more cost effective than canned air. :D

[Gutter Ball]

Yah, I was considering canned air as well, but in the long run it'll cost way more as Lost Racer said. Heehee, I wasn't going to lug the compressor around(although if I get a small one, enough for 2 people, I just might!!), I was gonna leave it at home and just clean up when I got home...

[Lordcalvert]

Oh yeah, I would use a compressor at home also. I can just see someone hauling around an 80 gallon compressor. lol.

In fact here is a warning...

Take the label that says "Contents under pressure" seriously. My buddy left a can of the canned air in his truck over the weekend in the back seat and came out Monday morning to go to work and his center console had been destroyed by it exploding from the heat. And that console is/was big. :eek: