Problem with Diff nut on D4

[joffacn]

HELP!!!

My threadlocker was too strong or too much used. When I tried to tighten the diff after running for a while the metal insert in the diff nut just spun inside the plastic part of the nut.

This means I can remove the plastic part but the metal part of the nut is still deep inside the outdrive and threadlocked to the diff bolt. I cannot tighten or remove the diff bolt.

ANY IDEAS to remove?

What is a substitute replacement part with a full metal nut like on the slipper? These are large head 25mm x M2 bolts and 2 mm special nut.
OR
Does the plastic part of the diff nut hold it in place without threadlock?

Thanks Jeff

[Adam Skelding]

Hi Jeff,

Getting the nut out of the outdrive can be a real pain in the ass. I've had this before with my old Losi, but never with the D4.
The only way I could get the nut back off was with much blood, sweat and tears and swearing... I used to get a flat bladed screwdriver which had a blade about the same width as the flat on the nut and push it down the outdrive. This jammed the blade in the gap between the flat on the nut and the outdrive. You are then able to gently turn the diff screw.

To dissolve the threadlock to make things easier. Try soaking the nut in acetone or WD40. This usually softens up the threadlock sufficiently to make the removal easier...

Threadlock on the diff nut. I use Loctite 251 (Blue). I put a drop in the nut and leave for 10-15mins to go slightly tacky before I assemble the diff. This stops the threadlock getting onto the diff half when you put it together.

I've not had a diff nut fail since I started running the prototype of the D4 back in Feb.. It still has the same nut holder although I do run the Edit Ti diff screw ED050010. It's stronger than the stock item and adds extra piece of mind.

Hope this helps

Adam

[joffacn]

Well the nut is removed, a bit mangled - too bad I don't have spares - yet.

The insert is splined into the plastic. I used some Max strength threadlock to bond the plastic back onto the metal insert and drilled a hole just deep enough into the nut from the side that I could lock it with a small rod. It worked I got it out.

I drilled an opposite hole and have used a bit of piano wire from each side and the Max threadlock to pin the metal and plastic together careful not to block the thread.

Maybe it can work until I can get a replacement.

I will certainly be only using LOW strength threadlock from now on.

Jeff