How To Clean A Transmission Case

Westman Annert · Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 12:13 PM

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How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 12:13 PM

I just got a Trans and T-Case that have been under a tarp outside for years. How can I clean them out and what would you use?
Thanks!
Steve

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #1 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 12:21 PM

I just got a Trans and T-Case that have been under a tarp outside for years. How can I clean them out and what would you use?
Thanks!
Steve

Fill them with ATF and drive for half an hour or so. Let 'em get good and warm on that. Thoroughly drain them and fill with your usual fluid after that. I don't think you'll do any better than that without cracking the cases.

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #2 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 01:36 PM

For the outside powerwash with hot water then use oven cleaner on them and power wash again.

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #3 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 02:54 PM

For the outside powerwash with hot water then use oven cleaner on them and power wash again.

I am meaning the Inside. I am afraid there may be some rust in there from Moisture...What would be a good flush to clean the inside?

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #4 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 03:27 PM

The automatic transmission fluid is your best bet. (ATF)

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #5 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 03:32 PM

The automatic transmission fluid is your best bet. (ATF)

So just pour it in there and let it set for a few days?
I suppose it is not a good idea to open the case?

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #6 – Sunday, Jan 23, 2011, 04:15 PM

Safest bet would be to open it up if there is any real fear of rust. I used to take my VW engine cases and transaxle cases to a local radiator shop and have them boiled out in cleaner. Check for deep rust on the hardened surfaces of the gears, shafts, journals, etc. Flash rust on the surface will polish off first time it's used.

Keep in mind I'm going by 20+ years experience with a different vehicle, but they both have an aluminum transmission case.

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #7 – Monday, Jan 24, 2011, 10:08 AM

Don't use oven cleaner on aluminum parts! It will darken them to the color of lead. I recommend Simple Green, a stiff brush and a garden hose for the outsides, and ATF for the insides. HTH

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #8 – Monday, Jan 24, 2011, 01:06 PM

Simple green works great. But be careful. I'll eat skin.

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #9 – Monday, Jan 24, 2011, 05:10 PM

be careful. I'll eat skin.

please dont....

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #10 – Monday, Jan 24, 2011, 08:11 PM

LMFAO!

Re: How To Clean a Used Transfer Case and Transmission?

Reply #11 – Monday, Jan 24, 2011, 08:31 PM

ATF is excellent. Has very high detergent properties. The design of my old NP208 cases were similair; Aluminum Case with bearings and gears inside and Ford recommended ATF for them. X3 for ATF.

I used a steam pressure washer to clean my last case I rebuilt, but I had all the guts out of it because I was replacing all the bearings and seals. Don't know if I would do it with a case not intended for tear down though.