New season prep

[barry]

Just wondering, what do people do to prepare for the start of a new season? My local season is about to kick-off, and I haven't touched the car since October!

It's a touring car and I'm thinking of rebuilding the diff and giving the bearings a good spray with WD40 or something. Does this sound sufficient? The car was brand new in May 2010.

Cheers,
Barry

[Getpip]

Barry
I would say it depends on how much you used it last summer.
If its been in the house all should be fine if its been in a cold damp shed then it might need some closer attention.
If you have not rebuilt the diff before then it is probably time to do so.
It would be a good idea to check all the bearings just replace any that aren't smooth, they are cheap enough.
Other things to check are belts and outdrive blades for wear and damage.
Get it out and give it a blast!

[dale]

As always... "it depends".

The amount of prep needed to compete at BRCA national level will clearly be higher than that needed for a bit of fun racing at the local club.

Persoanlly I would give it a total strip-down and rebuild, replacing any parts that are bent or worn. It will be an ideal time to clean and oil the bearings and rebuild the diff and shocks, as well as regreasing the driveshaft joints.

It's amazing how much you find wrong with a car during this process.

[barry]

Originally Posted by dale

As always... "it depends".

The amount of prep needed to compete at BRCA national level will clearly be higher than that needed for a bit of fun racing at the local club.

Persoanlly I would give it a total strip-down and rebuild, replacing any parts that are bent or worn. It will be an ideal time to clean and oil the bearings and rebuild the diff and shocks, as well as regreasing the driveshaft joints.

It's amazing how much you find wrong with a car during this process.

Thanks for that. I'm not sure what the best stuff is to use in the way of cleaning etc. How about:
- cleaning bearings - WD40
- oiling bearings - 3-in-1 oil
- regreasing joints - diff grease

Thanks,
Barry

[dale]

I'd use brake cleaner for cleaning bearings.

To oil them you need some bearing oil; 3-in-1 is too thick and probably won't get past the shields very well. Any bearing oil from a modelshop will be fine (something like http://www.rcdisco.com/part-info.php?partNo=DY106230).

To grease the driveshafts use thick black grease like you use on the thrust race in a diff. The thicker the better.

[barry]

Great - thanks for the advice everyone.

Barry