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View Full Version : Flushing Rear Axle Housing


Mkelcy
10-01-2012, 05:30 PM
(I couldn't bring myself to use a "Flushing Rear End" title on this board. I never would have gotten past the jokes)

Anyway, I had the Ford 9" rear axle housing for my '68 project Camaro powder coated, which of course involved sand blasting it to get a good clean surface for the powder coating.

When I got the housing back, I spent a lot of time cleaning it using compressed air and rags, but didn't flush it out with any liquid.

I've been thinking about it and wondering how much, if any, abrasive sand may still be in my housing and how much damage it could cause. I don't want to be in the middle of nowhere with a cooked axle or differential bearing.

The housing, third member, axles, etc. are all assembled and the rear is installed in the car. I was considering trying to flush it with a solvent or other thin liquid, but I don't want to do more damage than I'm trying to avoid.

Any thoughts? And any thoughts on how I'd go about flushing the rear end (if that's the best approach) with it installed in the car?

Finally, am I worrying about nothing?

gerno
10-01-2012, 05:36 PM
Speaking of flushing.... I have seriously used a toilet bowl brush and solvent to clean grease out of the axle cubes then washed it out with the water hose. Took a little time and elbow grease but ended up nice and clean on the inside.