Best way to clean reusable diff gasket?

[Raider2]

Like the title states, doing my diff fluid this weekend. What’s the best way to clean this gasket? I was afraid to use brake cleaner on it because it’s rubber. Also the torque specs for the bolts say 15 ft/lbs plus 20 degrees. For those of us without expensive tools are you guys setting it to 15 and then going a little beyond that?

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[Janster]

Re-usable gaskets?? I’ve never heard of such a thing….

Have you consulted with the manufacturer users manual on how to clean it?

 

[Hootbro]

I just either dish soapy water or Purple Power cleaner and wipe dry. Then a film of either clean gear oil or petroleum jelly when installing. Of course making the matting surface clean and free of debris.

Funny thing is Tech Authority tells you to discard the gasket and bolts and install new ones at 30 ft lbs.

I can tell you from experience that if you reuse the bolts, do not exceed 25 ft lbs. or run the risk of snapping them off.

 

[NC_Overland]

Mine was suprisingly clean and like new. I didn’t do much with it. I just cleaned it up with soap and water, but I don’t think it needed anything. My front differential had a drain plug on the bottom. IIRC, my rear did too, but I wanted to look for any damage since the trash lock was making noise. IIRC, that’s a 2020 only thing.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Re-usable gaskets?? I’ve never heard of such a thing….

Have you consulted with the manufacturer users manual on how to clean it?

Yup, it’s reusable, and so is the transmission pan gasket.

 

[Rusty PW]

Electrical contact cleaner works too. Spray it on and wipe it off. Long as all of your surfaces are clean and dry. Shouldn't have a problem. Bolt torque. My torque wrist says snug up and a 1/3 turn after.

 

[firemedic2714]

I'm at 65k miles with two different fluid changes. I've just wiped the gasket down with a rag and put it back on. No leaks yet.

 

[DaddyWags]

Just changed out my front and rear diff fluid yesterday for the first time @ 40,000 miles. Went with 75W-140 gear oil, since I tow quite a bit. I just used brake cleaner on my gasket and immediately wiped it off. I also used brake cleaner to spray out the diff and the cover. I would also note that your fill plug does have a magnet in it, that you can remove and clean off. Also, for the rear, you should disconnect your rear sway bar from the axle in order to service. I just reused the bolts that held on the housing and torqued them to 30 ft/lbs. I did apply some anti-seize thread lubricant to those bolts. Make sure you put some teflon paste or tape rated for high temps on the fill plug and torque that to 25 ft/lbs. Then the sway bar bolts should be torqued to 41 ft/lbs. I did lift the frame up just enough for it to make it easier to service the front axle. With the tires still on the ground of course. I didn't have to do that with the rear. Have fun!

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