Cleaning Rear axle housings

[Vic in E-TN]

I am putting together pair of rear ends and before I get the axle housings media blasted I want to clean them out so that any media residue does not ruin the job. They will not fit in my parts washer. Has anyone used a large cork to plug the outside hole and filled them with kerosene for a few days to dissolve the grease?

Thanks,
Vic

[Pete]

The best way to clean them and positively know they are clean is take them to an engine rebuild shop and have them hot tanked.

[Mitch//pa]

You can also seal off the ends so the media does not get inside the tube

[Pinesdune]

I took mine to the steam cleaner

[Tom Wesenberg]

I used a large round toilet brush and gas. I extended the brush handle by using hose clamps and a long wood handle to do the torque tube.

[Kevin in NJ]

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Welding rod with a rag tied to one end. Put the bottom in tub with the safety clean pouring in the tub. Then kept dipping the rag at the end in the fresh SC and scrubbing the inside.

[wrndln]

I do what Tom does, but it is a dirty job, except I use paint thinner instead of gasoline. If you media blast the housing, like Mitch says, seal of the ends with heavy plastic and duct tape before blasting. If you can find a shop with a large degreasing tank that will degrease the housing for a reasonable price, that might be the easiest way to go, labor wise.
Rusty Nelson

[fiddlybits]

I stood them upright in my parts washer and scrubbed them out using a toilet brush with an aluminum angle handle extention.

The brushh I used had a lip brush that worked fantastic at cleaning out behind the bearing race.

[noboD]

Oven cleaner will attack the oil residue. Then go to the car wash.

[Dodge]

The toilet brush with extension is the way to go. Works well Model A, Model T and V-8
I've use gas, paint thinner and wash tank. I think putting in the hot wash tank worked
the best. you plug one end and let it run for 15-20 mins. Then turn it around the other
was and do the same thing, then start scrubbing, it gets them real clean once the housings
get hot.

[racingrufus]

I just rebuilt the rear end in my 29 coupe and I did as Pete said. I had both side housings, the center housing and the drive shaft tube cleaned for 25 dollars at engine machine shop. I would not bead blast, a little hand sanding, primer and paint after it is together.

[1929]

Originally Posted by Kevin in NJ

Welding rod with a rag tied to one end. Put the bottom in tub with the safety clean pouring in the tub. Then kept dipping the rag at the end in the fresh SC and scrubbing the inside.

I did the same as Kevin, with great results.

[Mike V. Florida]

I used the brush, hot water and dawn in a large bucket.

[Indiana A. Lover]

DO NOT SAND BLAST , you will never get the grit out. Don in Indiana

[CarlG]

I haven't done the axle housings, but I have done the torque tube. What I did there was to seal up one end with a piece of plywood with vinyl tile as a gasket bolted to the flange. Stand it upright, fill it with MEK and let it set for a day or so. Then use a toilet brush with a long handle and scrub the interior. Pour the gunk out, rinse with Stoddards solvent. Turned out clean as a whistle.

[katy]

Don't forget that after cleaning you check the housings for straightness before assembling.

[Tom Wesenberg]

If you sandblast the axle tubes be sure to cover the bearing surface and plug the hole for grease.

[Vic in E-TN]

Everyone:
Thanks for the advice. I bought two toilet brushes this morning and a few corks. I will get to this tomorrow. Yesterday was a mess with a 1600 psi pressure blaster that did not work too well.

Vic

[Brentwood Bob]

Rubber cork/stopper to plug up the small end.
Lacquer thinner for solvent, and a toilet bowl brush like tom's.
Bob

[burner31]

I used the toilet brush from the front bathroom, I don't know why the Wife got so pissed off, I mean, I put it back when I was done...women...go figure.