How to clean a gearbox at home?
Amanda Bartoletti
2025-06-25 11:08:29
Count answers: 12
I degreased the block/box first with white spirit and then spent hours going over it with wire brush attachments in an electric drill. This removed loads of surface rust and crud and gave a nice keyed finish for the paint to stick to. I cleaned the metal surfaces with thinners till you could eat your dinner off it. I masked off the appropriate areas so the dust did not get into the workings. I would consider vapour blasting as I have seen good results on peoples forum posts but have never done it myself and its probably costly. I sandblasted some of the other castings - alternator mount and top engine mount and sprayed them at the same time. The end result is excellent especially if you do a good job with the wire brushing.
Grace Rutherford
2025-06-25 10:01:15
Count answers: 15
I use SHELLITE, which is the proper name for lighter fluid. Its has a high flash point but is very safe as it doesnt go whoomp like petrol. You can clean gears, gear boxs, diffs, bearings, motors, clean polycab bodies, the sticky residue from all tapes and old decals and it doesnt harm and platics that i have found yet. I use it for just about every thing, i even clean my guns with it. And you dont have to rince with water, no flash rust occures.
Cleora Langosh
2025-06-25 07:21:20
Count answers: 7
Brake cleaner. Lots.
Use a mask, eye protection and gloves.
As you blast the brake cleaner into the bell housing it will hit the casting ridges and come straight back out!!
You may need a couple of cans but it should clean it ok.
Don't be shy in there you're not into the sensitive bits of the gearbox yet it's just a metal box.
Maybe go easy around the input shaft seal but that's it.
Just not needed Few cans of brake cleaner and it will be fine.
As already said, brake cleaner and a stiff brush.
It will come off fine.
You really won't need it.
Brake cleaner and a kitchen roll or two.
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