One of the most important things you can do to maintain your RC car is to change the differential grease. This will help ensure a healthy life for your gears and keep them from stripping out. While it may be routine maintenance for some, if you’ve never changed the diff grease before, it can be somewhat of a daunting task. With so many different brands and weights to choose from, picking the right one and performing the maintenance can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this short list of some of our favorite differential greases.
Differential grease is nothing more than a thick lubrication for the gears on your RC car. Some cars have one differential, while 4-wheel drive cars have two. Without the proper weight of clean grease in your diff, your wheels can either struggle to turn or slip too freely, causing your RC car to become unmanageable. For your choosing convenience, we’ve listed three of the best RC differential grease.
What Is RC Differential Grease?
You already have an idea about what RC DIfferential grease is from above. But if you are new let’s again simplify this term:
RC differential grease is a specialized lubricant used in remote-controlled (RC) vehicles, particularly in their differentials. Differentials are gearbox-like components found in RC cars, trucks, and other vehicles that help distribute power from the motor to the wheels.
How It Works – RC differential grease is specifically formulated to reduce friction and wear within the differential, which allows for smoother operation and better performance of the vehicle. It helps to maintain the integrity of the gears and bearings inside the differential, ensuring that they operate efficiently and last longer.
Using the right differential grease is essential for maintaining the performance and longevity of your RC vehicle’s drivetrain. It helps to prevent overheating and premature wear of the gears, which can lead to decreased performance and potential damage to the vehicle.
3 Best RC Differential Grease
PERMATEX INC. 80345 WHITE LITHIUM GR
Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, is a go-to solution for lubricating your RC car parts. It serves as an all-purpose white lubricant. Like, if you want to use any electrical or metallic devices backend you are absolutely safe to apply it.
Another good thing is you can use it for both metal-to-metal and metal-to-plastic applications, ensuring smooth operation across various surfaces. This grease can withstand moisture and high heat and is reliable against rust, so you don’t have to worry about your RC car parts rusting. Additionally, it reduces friction on surfaces, resulting in smoother movements and enhanced performance.
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of RC car parts, including door hinges, hood latches, and seat tracks.
- Withstands moisture and heat, ensuring long-lasting lubrication.
- Guards against rust formation, preserving the integrity of metal components.
- Minimizes friction between surfaces, promoting smoother operation.
- Safe to use around children and pets, offering peace of mind during maintenance tasks.
Cons:
- Comes in a small 1.5-ounce tube, which may require frequent replenishment for heavy users.
Super Lube-21030 Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease
Super Lube-21030 Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease, weighing in at 3 ounces, is a versatile solution for a wide range of lubrication needs. Its patented synthetic NLGI grade 2 formulation allows it to operate smoothly on a wide range of surfaces.
One notable feature is its dielectric and food-grade properties, and it is safe for use in environments where incidental food contact may occur. This grease stands out for its non-drip, non-run, and non-evaporate characteristics, which provide long-lasting lubrication without frequent reapplication.
You can effectively use it on your RC greasing. Besides in household applications, such as lubricating threaded connections on garden hoses and hose bibs, preventing corrosion, and easing removal tasks. In addition to its ability to protect against water intrusion, the grease is compatible with plastics and rubbers.
Pros:
- Suitable for a wide range of household applications
- Provides effective lubrication and corrosion protection
- Safe for use in environments with incidental food contact
- Non-toxic formulation offers peace of mind during use
- Convenient tube packaging for easy application and storage
Cons:
- The small size may not be compatible with heavy users
Traxxas TRA5041 Grease
So the name is Traxxas. You may already be running any of their models. The brand name itself gives a sense of reliability, and yes, it lives up to its reputation. Traxxas TRA5041 Grease, in its premium high-performance formulation. It delivers excellent lubrication for your RC car’s gears, which ensures smooth operation and extends their lifespan.
What makes it stand out is its consistency, resembling lotion and it has vibrant green color. This makes it easy to apply and provides thorough coverage for optimal gear protection. The grease effectively prevents gear grinding, in any RC model, enhancing overall performance and durability.
Pros:
- Premium high-performance formulation for superior gear lubrication
- Easy-to-apply consistency similar to lotion
- Vibrant green color for easy identification during application
- Effectively prevents gear grinding, prolonging gear life
- Compatible with various Traxxas models and other RC vehicles
Cons:
- For heavy users, the 20cc tube may require frequent refills
- May be pricy than other brands.
Essential Requirements for RC Differential Grease
Here are some of the requirements you should know about RC differential grease requirement –
Stickiness: The grease should be sticky enough to adhere to the gears and surfaces inside the differential. However, not all lubricants do not have the same stickiness. This stickiness helps prevent the grease from flinging off during operation, ensuring long-lasting lubrication. Optimal stickiness ensures that the grease stays in place and provides effective lubrication, enhancing the performance and longevity of the differential.
Thickness: The grease should have a suitable viscosity or thickness to provide adequate lubrication while minimizing excessive friction. A thicker grease is beneficial for applications where heavy loads or high temperatures are involved, as it cushions and protects gears from wear and tear. In addition, it’s essential to strike a balance, as overly thick grease can slow down the differential action. The right grease thickness is crucial to maintaining RC differential performance and durability.
O-ring compatibility: The grease must be compatible with rubber O-rings commonly used to seal differential cases. Using grease that is safe for O-rings ensures that the seals remain intact and functional. It prevents leaks and contamination of the differential internals.
Resistance to extreme conditions: The grease should exhibit resistance to extreme temperatures, moisture, and contaminants commonly encountered during RC car operation. This helps the differential remain properly lubricated and protected, even under challenging environmental conditions.
Compatibility with gear materials: The grease should be compatible with the materials used in the differential gears, such as metal, rubber, or plastic. Using a grease suitable for specific gear materials helps prevent corrosion, wear, and damage, prolonging the lifespan of the differential components.
Takeaway
Picking the best RC differential grease is key to keeping your RC vehicle running smoothly and lasting longer. Just remember that a higher weight equals a thicker grease. With the right grease, your RC adventures will be a blast!
