How To Clean, Prep, and Paint a Differential

After disassembling my differential it needed to be cleaned before I reassembled it. I also had plans to paint it while I was at it. Why not? This video covers all of those processes.
*Note* I would strongly recommend you wear a respirator during the prep portion as well as for painting. I woke up the next day with a heck of a sinus headache and had some really weird snot to go with it. To avoid that, wear a respirator during the prep work as well.
Previous video in series: • Ford 8.8" Differential...
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Camera: Eric Cook
Brian Kast
Thanks for watching!
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecarg...
Useful info
Ford 8.8 PDF: performancepar...
A great book on Differentials: www.amazon.com/...
Tools
Respirator: www.jbtoolsale...
Zep Brake Cleaner Sprayer: www.apmenginepa...
Zep Brake Cleaner: www.drillspot.c...
Parts washer gloves: www.amazon.com/...
Parts Washer: www.jbtoolsale...
The Paint I used: www.brandsport....
Angle Die Grinder: www.jbtoolsale...
Wire Wheels: www.jbtoolsale...
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ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.

[@JuanNOnly123]

I think we can all agree brake cleaner is probably the best thing ever made, it cleans just about EVERYTHING

[@loot7206]

I use it instead on soap in the shower!

[@kille78]

+GO RE I prefer pure acetone for my daily showers. Not a single germ on my body......I don't have much skin left either but that's no big deal.....

[@MustObeyTheRules]

+GO RE I use bleach in the shower

[@mason122122goodman]

I even use it as toothpaste!!

[@EastMenloPark1650]

LOOT 720 😂😂😂😂

[@treeking9445]

Looks brand new to me. My favorite thing about you Eric, is how you take care of your tools, its so apparent you worked really hard for them and everything you have. Inspirational.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Eric is Epic - props to you Eric for having a family, running an auto repair business, building your own car, and running one of the best automotive youtube channels in the world... where do you get the time and the energy?

[@ANewEvilRising]

meth thrice a day

[@ericthecarguy]

I appreciate the comment very much. Thank you.

[@benhickman7736]

I massively appreciate the approach you take. Taking your advanced knowledge but still showing that you make errors and learn while you do. You are literally an inspiration.

[@ericthecarguy]

Thank you!

[@peterironrope]

Eric, I like the hammer and tape trick you used on the axle. I was a mechanic in the military and was taught by a more experienced mechanic in military on how to make axle flange gaskets using vanilla folder paper when we were short of supply on the real actual gaskets. The finished product worked perfectly. I like the work you do in your videos and think your performing an exceptional job in addition to the video and audio recordings explaining your work to us fans. Thanks Eric!!!!!

[@Rickyboy707]

18:02 - "..this was taught to me. It's not like I'm special." Eric, you ARE special! :)

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks.

[@rustycrustytriesstuff]

A little trick I do is to smear a tiny bit of grease/Vaseline on the bearing surfaces or anywhere you want to be bare metal. When the paint dries just come back and wipe it out with a rag. That'll keep the overspray under control and ready for assembly.

[@MrRandomcommentguy]

Love how in the automotive build and repair world brake clean is used least for cleaning brakes...

[@TheBrokenLife]

It's a magic elixir of repair... I literally buy it by the case.

[@TwinPeaksIndustries]

In my former workplace they keep a cabinet full of brake clean for the thermal injection molding machines. Mainly to keep the mold halfs from sticking together while in storage and to keep parts from sticking to the molds

[@TheBrokenLife]

SolarAlliance Yeah, but that stuff is always the less-toxic version... I like mine in original flavor.

[@yuribrandi8212]

Amen to that, brake cleaner for everything. I've even used it to start my lawn mowers once or twice.

[@brandonpeterman9964]

makes for a excellent bug killer way more effective than any wasp spray

[@bantz001]

This was pretty a thorough approach as a sort of backyard DIY situation which I appreciate. It definitely takes time, and I like the reasoning behind working outside in and with cleaner rags as you go. it's common sense, but that's not always used by people in the midst of the "get the crummy job done" attitude. Yes, pressure washing or media blasting is ideal, but most of the time "ideal" is not something many of us have access to.

[@ericthecarguy]

Well said. Thank you.

[@festol1]

Cameraman Brian does a great job Erick. He doesn't just stand still reconding you. He get to the parts with will, shows us importante bits and parts and angles. Great team work! Congratulations Brian.

[@ericthecarguy]

Actually, Brian only shot the intro to this video. :)

[@festol1]

Hey, don't envy our uber man talent ;) lol So you still got the mojo for shoting vídeos Erick. Love the philosophy envolving the Fairmont Project. Keep the fabrication up!

[@budsodalsky]

Nice! I'll use wire wheel thanks to your video. Im choosing POR-15 so hopefully the rust left on will not hinder adhesion or longevity

[@LarryDeSilva64]

Now thats what i call a thorough cleaning of a differential. If that paint dont stick to that there is really something wrong.Rotating with the axle shafts is a great idea also. Thanks for sharing

[@danny117hd]

That's a lot of work. A lot of awesome work. Thanks for staying clean and keeping the work area clean.

[@tybotiger]

Sir. Eric the car Guy, You Rock(kool)... I just graduated from Lincoln Tech. We watched some of your video In our lectures that mattered and I still watch your videos to stay in contact with my field.

[@carllibby5688]

A friend and I tore down a 86 Mustang and repainted the engine and cradle. We made a makeshift booth and sand blasted the cradle. From your video, I can tell it took a good amount of time to degrease the diff, but I think our sand blasting venture probably took less time. Maybe a bit more time to sweep up all the sand, but much less elbow grease. Love the videos, tho, Eric. Keep 'em coming.

[@ericthecarguy]

I don't have a sand blaster. :)

[@LMacNeill]

Brake Kleen is your friend! Awesome stuff -- cleans stuff without residue. I've used it on many, many parts over the years. That rear-end looks fantastic now! Excellent!

[@franciscogallegos4408]

This needs to be said I hope you read this Eric. YOU ARE an american TREASURE!!! The world needs you !! Eric live forever

[@nofoxgiven6315]

i agree he is a top bloke but as far as this stuff go's if you need eric to show you how to do it you shouldn't be doing it

[@ericthecarguy]

Wow, that's quite an endorsement. Thank you!

[@WILSON.1]

VHT paint is awesome. I've used it multiple times now, and I've been surprised by how well it holds up and maintains a nice appearance.

[@RockandrollNegro]

I found what I think is the ultimate combo for suspension/chassis paint. Base coat of VHT Suspension Epoxy paint with the VHT Rollbar/Chassis paint on top. It's hard to destroy that combination.

[@seeunow44]

Thanks for sharing… didn’t know about VHT expoxy

[@toomanyjoes9751]

I wanted to watch someone clean a differential with a wire wheel and I did. I love youtube. Thanks for sharing your work.

[@brady-ui7ht]

The tape and hammer trick is awesome! Ive never seen anyone do this! What a simple, smart idea. Beats a razorblade or trying to fine line.

[@Alexwaltman850]

Eric, I used to use a metal hammer to cut the masking tape but I actually found a hard rubber hammer (not mallet) works best. The rubber conforms to the contours and you don't need to worry about damaging the underlying metal.

[@wyattandwill12]

This video is gonna be fun to watch. Due to a fluid leak I have some metal granulates to clean out of my front diff because I don’t want any of them leftover when I put like $100 or so worth of new bearings/etc in 👍🏻

[@VacFink]

Ive been dreaming of doing exactly this to an 8.8 for a Mustang. I see so many videos of parts installations where they bolt on shiny new parts to a a mess. Its helpful to show its not that much work, just a bit of time and effort.

[@sldpf2113]

I like how this is the only mechanic channel that I enjoy watching

[@ericthecarguy]

I like how you comment.

[@vlzstallion1]

not sure if you know this or not, but that that harmonic weight (dogbone) that bolts to the bottom of the housing is designed for vibrations with stock gears. If using any aftermarket gears (3:73's or 4:10's) you simply don't need it anymore. When I went with 3:73's and an aluminum driveshaft in my mustang I took the weight off and it drives super smooth.

[@rashadsmith3435]

Awesome video! Easy off oven cleaner cuts grease like no other! Don't buy the cheap stuff because it leaves residue. If anyone is going to tear down the rear end like this, it would make sense to get it powder coated. Rattle can will last but powder coat will protect it longer and look awesome if you have a few extra dollars to spend. Just a thought for anyone that is going to follow this video.

[@aleblanc3547]

It came out really nice and, as you said, it won't embarrass any new parts that want to sit close to it.

[@RyanBurnsRed]

I don't know what it is about watching you do manual labor, but I love it!

[@kille78]

Where is the link for the broom?!?! This is important information that the fans deserve!

[@ericthecarguy]

At least you actually checked the description. You get points for that.

[@icurt06]

Always amazes me what a fresh coat of paint will do. Nice job Eric!

[@ermesborgnino4704]

Just now seeing this. Great work. and thank you for keeping the language clean too. It was somewhat therapeutic to watch this as i don't have a garage since housing is prohibitively expensive where i live. Kinda felt like i was back in the US at my own place while watching this.....next thing i know, the video was over. ^_^

[@Ben-lo7cy]

That was a good idea with the axles sticking out, I just did mine today and have scratches from the stands on the tubes. Oh well I can clean it up once it's in

[@VOLKSMAN28T]

Stay'n dirty, nice job Eric! I always look forward to Fridays!

[@BigHappysPlace]

I use to take transmissions and rear ends like this to the local car was and use the engine degreaser setting. Power washed the items and scrubbed off what I had to. They looked fabulous.

[@davidfrost4944]

Back in the early 80s I had a 65 Mustang with a white painted rear axle, jacked up, little red running lights mounted on my traction bars. It was quite a show back then.

[@76dro]

love your videos, i found easy off/goof off bbq cleaner soak a day, following up with your fave degreaser next day sit for a day, finally rinse an wire wheel destroys grease an grime with less elbow grease, GL thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@AutOdometer]

broomstick... nice touch. I love the "backyard mechanic use anything you can find" mentality

[@jasona6222]

Tips from a powder coat operation…burn all oil and grease before blasting. A cheap propane torch from harbor freight (weed burner) makes quick work if your seals/gaskets are out. It doesn’t generate enough heat to cause damage to an axle.

[@johnschutt9187]

Thanks, Eric, for all that you do to show us how it's done. I really like your videos.

[@Diligent_Tom]

Nice. Going to be doing the same thing to freshen up my spare 8.8 to go in my 94 Cobra soon.

[@alward9901]

Hi Eric nice demonstration for the DIY, an sand blaster would be grate , but as you said you need a pro shop for unit that big . I have tried it in my garage , it was like desert storm . And took a day to clean up , never again. Looking forward to the next episode ..

[@rhkips]

Eric and the Whiz-Wheel Symphonic Orchestra! Looks great!

[@ckm-mkc]

There's a product called Jasco which I use all the time. It's a rust reformer similar to naval jelly. I apply it with one of those green scrub pads. It is basically phosphoric acid and will neutralize rust. It also contains a light primer which will keep stuff from rusting for a small amount of time. Works great as a paint prep and to get areas that are hard to sand. Also works great on body panels with surface rust.

[@kaveh1836]

I could watch this all day

[@tonynoname455]

For future reference on your next rear end project. Which will come sooner than you think.Get a few gallons of Mineral Spirits. Before you completely disassemble pop the R.E.cover off drain the old lube out of it, add Mineral Spirits to it put cover back on let it sit & stew for a week or so. When you get ready to tackle the project, drain R.E. & the internals will be nice & clean. You can even put the cover back on & use the freshly drained Mineral Spirits to help clean the crud on the outside. ;)

[@andrewfalenski6583]

Just for future reference, businesses that make monuments(headstones) use sand blasters. That is where I had my axle housing sand blasted. When done, they also hit the outside with epoxy primer. Be sure to save tho old differential cover. Install it prior to sandblasting and painting to protect the inner bearing surfaces.

[@sammyraz6628]

Hard working professional. Appreciate your work. You make it look easy. GOD BLESS.

[@patrickwassall116]

Watching this series to rebuild my explorer 8.8, just wanna chime in and recommend an engine hoist to suspend heavy objects for painting. Did a front subframe like this perfectly.

[@Nomad8324]

I've found one of the best and most cost effective cleaners for rust and such is Salt and Vinegar. Only downside is its takes a a few days to really soak in. I've used it to great effect soaking parts overnight then scrubbing with hot water and soap then repeat as many times as needed.

[@carl_marks1626]

To speed up the paint thinning in a rattle can I let them sit in a jug of warm water for a few minutes. Take them out and wipe off any excess water with a rag before shaking. Some rattle cans can be sat for years on parts shelves and with this trick the paint comes out great and dries quicker.

[@jameelfakee7904]

Your videos are extremely informative and your workmanship is stellar. Very rare to find automotive mechanics who are so dedicated to providing quality repairs. Keep up the great work. Really enjoy your videos ! :)

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

Great job Eric and thanks for another entertaining video! Maybe a dumb idea, I don't know...but when I saw that axel I immediately thought, that I would use one of those brake caliper paints you have to apply with a brush.

[@ianpallini468]

Loved the trick with using a hammer to pinch/cut the masking tape. Very clever sir!

[@singlespeedman]

Great video Eric. Mayhew has a set of scrapers like the one you used in this video but they have striker heads on them. They are stout and can be used to pry casings apart as well as scrap gaskets.

[@zacharywatson3242]

Awesome video, man. I learn a lot watching all of your videos!

[@Napalmnate]

Your shop kicks so much ass! Love the channel Eric.

[@Trucks-kt9gt]

Great Job Eric. I agree with the brake cleaner as opposed to any other cleaner. I am however a bit lucky, we have a sandblasting shop here. I am going to add that for someone doing everything by hand... the cleaning and so forth you have done amazing I'm going to sub to you and check out other videos you have posted. Thanks a ton here from Canada

[@metal0n0v]

is it just me or I am really enjoying these like some wife watching cooking shows smh

[@nv1493]

Older but good video. I like to use oven cleaner and pressure washer for first couple of cleans, then degreaser with final oil and wax remover. You're cleaning the inside with degreaser or brake cleaner so the water doesn't hurt a thing. Black caliper paint over epoxy primer holds up better than the enamel paints.

[@KINGJB3100]

Nice work. I've found that cans of gunk really good for cleaning all that gummed up oil grease too.

[@chefdan87]

You need a steam pressure washer. Check out some videos on Northstar and Hotsy washers, they eat through oil, grease and grime very well and then you have a powerful spray to knock out everything else. A farming friend has one to clean his equipment. It is amazing how well they work.

[@Mrnicguy00]

Excellent video! The ONLY thing I can see that was missed was the axle tube re-enforcement. Due to them being pressed in at the factory. They tend to stop doing their job under high load. I would have welded the axle tubes to the center housing prior to painting. I have an 8.8 I'm prepping to rebuild now and I plan to do that to mine once it is cleaned.

[@oaxelo1]

That hammer on the tape trick is something i have used to make gaskets for years. Actually it is an oldschool trick.

[@KOakaKO]

I realize you probably don't do rear axles that often, but to pass on something that I know of because of work that somebody I used to know would do... He'd put the diff. cover back on, hose clamp rubber cups over the ends (plumbing parts), put bolt plugs in appropriate places, and then just sandblast the exterior of the entire thing. Removing the grease, dirt, everything, down to bare metal. After that it was just a matter of washing out the inside. I know you probably don't have a sandblasting rig already, but the cheap little setup at harbor freight would be perfect for something like this small job. One bag of bead, or fine sand, pull a hose out to a grassy spot behind the shop... and blow off all the crappy crud that it took you many hours to remove by hand. As a bonus, while the die grinder can never get everything brushed off - the blaster will remove EVERYTHING, even in all the tight corners and narrow spaces. Just a thought, mind you, not a criticism or anything. You did a lot of good work on this, even if it did take the entire day. But IF you get into another project like this in the future you might consider buying the cheap little blaster rig - mainly because it will save you so many hours of effort trying to get the thing all cleaned off and de-greased before painting.

[@KOakaKO]

ALSO, if you saw a slot in the end of your broomstick you can jam the rag in the slot and rotate it as you're pushing it through the axle tubes. Makes it a bit easier to get the tubes all swabbed out and clean. :D

[@danielnielseniceman]

VHT paint is an awesome brand of paint when used correctly.

[@WreckDiver99]

1:00 anybody else expecting Eric to snap his fingers and everything be put away and ready to go? OK...guess just me...

[@dougeastman]

Too much ChrisFix

[@IIGrayfoxII]

Yeah.

[@photilal1960]

It was a missed opportunity Imo lol

[@brandonscheuvront3322]

Would've been a cool effect

[@andrewfalenski6583]

I admit that I was also expecting a finger snap.

[@BCTCanadian]

Did Cameraman Brian have any of the same symptoms (headache and phlegm) after filming this segment? Also, CONGRATS on surpassing 800k subscribers. Proud to have watched for many years... what kind of crazy video are you going to release when you hit one million??

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

That turned out beautiful, Eric!

[@jrodpadilla22]

Eric, a chimney cleaning brush is perfect for the axle tube!

[@496c10]

Hey man not sure if your like me but when i clean all my tools up i use gojo wipes they work really good get all the grease and stuff of then follow with the blue shop towels keeps tools and box clean.

[@youtubesuxgotorumble]

Hey eric. What about when one of your rear axle shafts move in and out. Not up and down or side to side. I replaced the rear sway bar bushing and new lower control arms. Took it for a ride and the horrible rattling noise in the right rear. Put it on jack stands and went to check the bearing play. Up and down side to side. Accidently pushed it and heard a clunking noise. Bout an 8th inch play. Went to the drivers side and no play at all. Seems fine. I believe most of the mustang people are dealing with this. Thinking it's sway bar bushings.

[@TheRealMrCods]

I use the same paint to spray all my parts on the 4WD. Brilliant stuff, stays on and does a my painting skills justice lol Unfortunately the stuff costs a fortune here. About $25 a can

[@ChinnuWoW]

What a fun project! I love that type of work!

[@vetterfellow]

Very coooolll now you'll have a rear you can be proud of Eric.

[@getfkdnerd]

it looks really good eric! i like how you take time to make sure you do things right! cant wait to see the assembly video!

[@ericthecarguy]

Next week.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

I'm re-watching these videos, and I would change one thing: Use an RCMP (Rust Coat Metal Primer) _before_ using any paint -- that way, you use a brush for the primer, then you can use whatever brand of paint you want.

[@pinfarmer]

I'm currently redoing my first axle. I got degreaser metal prep and por15 from Eastwood to do the job. The rust converter doesn't seem to be working well. I think ill hit it again as it's quite rusty

[@888johnmac]

hi.. liked your trick with the masking tape.. when I was in college we were taught that for making gaskets from sheet material.. works every time

[@greganagnostopoulos]

I would invest in a pressure washer Eric 👍🏻

[@devonrathie1696]

Pressure washer is a bad idea. A rear end should only ever see solvent and gear oil

[@mikeashford9240]

Wow Eric, I really enjoy my steam cleaner after watching that video but then you don't need to worry about a big mess ether .... I had fun watching ......

[@benwoodall3173]

When you are blasting the threaded holes with compressed air hold a rag over the hole once you have put the nozzle in, to prevent it from going everywhere

[@supertroopercj5]

next time you paint an axle or other large part you can hang it from your lifts arms using tie down straps hooked to the shock tabs. that way you can get better access and have it at a more comfotable working height.

[@charliesantana461]

industrial strength grease cutter works really well I used it on my aluminum valve covers on my honda passport and then painted them blue and the look good too well till putting them back on then they got scratched on firewall side

[@TomsLife9]

I wouldn't trust brake cleaner as the last cleaning step before painting, with all its nasty chemicals it could leave a residue. I keep rubbing alcohol in an old windex bottle for the last cleaning before paint. It's cheap and evaporates quickly. Great video Eric.

[@Cragified]

You realize brake cleaner is meant to leave as little residue as possible right? Because you don't want oily residues on brake pads/shoes and rotors/drums.

[@TomsLife9]

I've never really thought about it, I use the brake clean to get the oil off of new rotors and then follow up with alcohol... just my method

[@clutchthepearls3062]

+AirSoftMaverick3232 I use rubbing alcohol for the final cleaning before paint when I care about the finish. For a something like this? Brake clean would be fine.

[@buggsyspam]

Alcohol actually leaves more residue than you'd think. Wipe it on a clean window or piece of glass and you can see all that it leave behind.

[@Cragified]

buggsyspam Your normal rubbing alcohol is mostly water is why.

[@Anth4044]

I know this is old video but I'd really like to know what you use in your parts cleaner to clean your parts sir? Thank you great video really enjoyed it 👍👍👍

[@tonyramsey3798]

I use a bunch rags wrapped like a Q Tip secured with grey tape on the end of a broom stick to clean the axle tubes

[@Xsoul1000]

Hi Eric, I know it's not a priority and you want to keep the sleeper look for the Fairmont, but a color change like a nice light grey would be nicer than the beige you currently have. Still, it's a very nice project your are doing. Cheers!

[@ericthecarguy]

I love the color of this car.

[@Xsoul1000]

Yeah, it's vintage. As long at it makes you happy. It was just a suggestion. Thanks for your vids.

[@josephtucci3666]

I do not know why but that was fun to watch!

[@megavern72]

Good paint job, Vader!

[@ootdega]

If you end up replacing the bushings in that dogbone damper, could you let us know how you got them? It took me a lot longer than I would have liked to find a damper like that for sale in the first place, the bushings specifically are unobtanium as far as I know. The bushings in this one are great, thankfully, but it would still be helpful to know how to get replacements.

[@TheSuraj03]

quick tip, You can also use the flat end of a flat head screwdriver to cut the tape. works better with aluminium than cast iron, because you arn't likely to indent the aluminium.

[@Robiam85]

Still the best auto repair/diagnostic videos on KZbin. You should start a university lol

[@ChillingwithMalc]

That little trick you showed us with the tape. A plastic hammer works well for that too and won't harm anything.

[@roberthale8407]

In this video Eric's compressor gets a workout.

[@mytten]

The trick you did with the masking tape and hammer, that you can also do with some sandpaper, where you just sand the edges. :D Good weekend from here! ;)

[@ericthecarguy]

Thanks for the recommendation.

[@HUBBABUBBADOOPYDOOP]

Eric- did you leave the Salamander going on it overnight? That VHT coatings work best when heat cured. I would've preheated it with a MAP or similar torch before painting it, to assure adhesion.

[@Aven134]

I really appreciate you posting this and it's a very well done video, great job. I just have to say that using a mallet and chisel to remove a cork/rubber gasket 04:31 made me yell at the screen

[@chadgama]

How has it held up since reinstallation against mother nature and thrown rocks etc...? Do you have to touch up? When I do mine I was thinking of spraying some Rock guard!

[@dosbox907]

gonna be doin this to a dana 60 rear pretty soon.

[@cliveramsbotty6077]

get a basic shot blast rig. blasting and etch baths are a revelation. you did a nice job though... have you seen the air guns with a bottle on the bottom and a long nozzle those things are awesome basically a jet washer for your air hose you can fill with spirits