Weird Ball Diff Issue

[Rich D]

Hi Guys

Whilst this isnt so much of a problem, im puzzled as to why it happens. In my 511, i have assembled the diffs as per Lee Martins method, sanding the plates with fine wet and dry, black grease on the thrust race and ceramic balls in the diff. Its nice and smooth and doesnt slip.
Anyway, sometimes if i pull the car off after a run ( i have probably only done 12 runs with it now since assembley ), the diff will feel and sound really notchy. Whilst its not slipping, its as if the balls arent running on a flat surface. If i hold the spur and left rear with my left hand and turn the right rear 1/4 turn with my right hand ( putting the diff under pressure whilst theres no obvious slip ) then try again its instantly smooth again.

It hasnt been a problem and it doesnt happen every run. Its more annoying than anything else. If i check the slipper tension then it seems perfect as it always slips whilst the diff doesnt.

Any suggestions as to why its happening ?

[MattW]

Chipped diff ball. Can happen with ceramics.

[Rich D]

Cheers Matt - i guess that makes sense

[Pops]

Ah..Chipped diff ball! Having same prob in theX6..Seems obvious now its been said

[Rich D]

Originally Posted by Pops

Ah..Chipped diff ball! Having same prob in theX6..Seems obvious now its been said

Yeah thats what i thought

[TKG26]

i'd like a picture posted of a chipped diff ball please

[fastinfastout]

maybe one or more of your diff balls have flat spots. It happens, and you wont be able to see it by eye. Build up a new diff with new balls, reverse the plates, new thrust washers and balls, and try not to tighten it up too much, and never too loose.

[Rich D]

They are the TRF ceramic ones and have only done like i said 12 runs or so. I`ll replace them for new as suggested next rebuild though.

Cheers guys

[DaveG28]

Originally Posted by Rich D

They are the TRF ceramic ones and have only done like i said 12 runs or so. I`ll replace them for new as suggested next rebuild though.

Cheers guys

You've been unlucky there mate, my front diff dates back to 2009 and is still smooth, only just changed the rear diff too!

[Rich D]

Originally Posted by DaveG28

You've been unlucky there mate, my front diff dates back to 2009 and is still smooth, only just changed the rear diff too!

Yeah sounds about right Dave - see you at Worksop soon no doubt ! Will be there for the players too this year !

[Rich D]

Originally Posted by fastinfastout

maybe one or more of your diff balls have flat spots. It happens, and you wont be able to see it by eye. Build up a new diff with new balls, reverse the plates, new thrust washers and balls, and try not to tighten it up too much, and never too loose.

This would make sense mate cos i checked them all and couldnt see any damaged ones. If it was bad enough to see it would be as if it was full of bricks i guess . Thanks for the input.