SX3 Diff

[DiggerAde]

Hi all does anyone know if there is a geared diff upgrade for the Schumacher SX3 i know they do them for the SVR. I have just rebuilt the standard ones with new balls and washers also thrust bearings are new but they still seem very crunchy.

Any advise gratefully received.

[badger5]

There is no gear diff option for the SX3 unfortunatley, the K1 diffs will not fit. When you say the diffs are still crunchy after rebuild did you sand the diff washers down? I also found the tungsten carbide balls are better than the supposedly better and more expsenive ceramic ones, you can set the diff a bit looser without it slipping and makes it easier to get the diff setting right. If you are using the ceramics only use a smidge of lube on them, they need next to bugger all.

[DiggerAde]

Hi yes i foolishly fitted new ceramic balls and new washers but i didnt oil stone the washers before fitting them.

Do you think i should stone the washers and try tungsten balls.

Regards

[badger5]

If you have new washers then they should be ok but I still prefer to sand them down with some 800 or 1000 grit wet and dry to ensure they are flat etc,

[knighthawk]

Have you fitted new thrust washers and balls too !

[DiggerAde]

Yea i fitted new balls and washers but i have now ordered tungsten carbide balls hopefully that will help out.

[mark christopher]

He means the thrust washer in the out drive, held in with the circlip, not the diff plate and balls

[DiggerAde]

Ok i will try renewing them also i have cleaned them and they feel free enough but i will take your advise and replace them.

[i4n]

I've found that if your ball diff feels gritty, 9/10 times it's the thrust bearing that's at fault, to the point now that as I run ceramic balls it's normally only the thrust bearing I replace.

[DiggerAde]

Thanks for the advise i will certainly replace them

[Cardnim]

Originally Posted by i4n

I've found that if your ball diff feels gritty, 9/10 times it's the thrust bearing that's at fault, to the point now that as I run ceramic balls it's normally only the thrust bearing I replace.

Very interesting. Ive rarely replaced the thrust washers and struggle to get a really smooth diff. Maybe this is the culprit?

[i4n]

On my old Tamiya which I ran for 3 season on ball diffs I think I changed the main diff balls 2 or 3 times but the thrust bearings rarely lasted more than a couple of months.

I remember reading it on here ages ago when someone had a gritty diff that they couldn't get smooth and that sorted it so I tried it.