How often to change ceramic diff balls?

[Timee80]

I rebuild my diff fairly regularly to keep it in good working order. I always use ceramic balls and normally change them after ive rebuild 4 times or so. How long should the balls last? Am I changing them too often and just wasting money?

[Rich D]

Hi Tim

I changed mine before the nationals and havent rebuilt the diffs all season. I only change the balls if the diffs still feel gritty after a rebuild. Its usually one of the balls thats chipped but its impossible to see which one it is.

Ive just rebuilt the diffs ready for indoors as a matter of course. I think people either rebuild them too often or run them too loose so they slip and wear the plates out too quickly.

i dont expect to rebuild my diffs again until before next outdoor season

I use the ceramics from RCLazy.

HTH

[sparrow.2]

Technically, if your diff hasn't slipped and/or run without grease the balls should be good for at least a season.
Every 4 rebuilds seems a bit much unless you're only doing rebuilds once a year

[Timee80]

I think im changing too often then. I rebuild whenever it doesnt feel perfectly buttery smooth. I never let it get anywhere near a bad notchy feel. I always thought that looking after the diff was the most important thing to do in 2wd. Ill ease off the maintanance from now on

[MikePimlott]

If a new ceramic diff feels gritty and horrible its usually crap in the thrust race.
A quick strip down and clean and re-grease your away again. Ceramic balls should wear the diff plates before the balls themselves wear.
I only change ceramic diff balls when i change cars

[mattybucks]

Everytime you rebuild the diff, and only replace with Buds Balls supplied by Telstar Racing..................... I wish.

I agree with the above posts, when/if it starts feeling gritty after a rebuild.

Also use some really fine wet and dry on the plates with a bit of clutch cleaner on the paper to get your plates super smooth.

[Timee80]

I thought super smooth plates encourages the diff to slip? You need some grip for the balls to work the plates