TM 5-3810-300-24 & P2
CAUTION
GASOLINE SHOULD BE AVOIDED. DO NOT CLEAN THESE PARTS IN A HOT SOLUTION TANK
OR WITH WATER AND ALKALINE SOLUTIONS SUCH AS SODIUM HYDROXIDE,
ORTHOSILICATES OR PHOSPHATES.
Do not recommend steam cleaning assembled drive units after they have been removed from the housing. When this
method of cleaning is used, water is trapped in the cored passage of the castings and in the close clearances between
parts as well as on the parts. This can lead to corrosion (rust) of critical parts of the assembly and the possibility of
circulating rust particles in the lubricant. Premature failure of bearings, gears and other parts can be caused by this
practice. Assembled drive units cannot be properly cleaned by steam cleaning, dipping or slushing. Complete drive unit
disassembly is a necessary requisite to thorough cleaning.
Rough Parts.
Rough parts such as differential carrier castings, cast brackets and some brake parts may be cleaned in hot solution
tanks with mild alkali solutions providing these parts are not ground or polished. The parts should remain in the tank long
enough to be thoroughly cleaned and heated through. This will aid the evaporation of the rinse water. The parts should
be thoroughly rinsed after cleaning to remove all traces of alkali.
CAUTION
EXERCISE CARE TO AVOID SKIN RASHES AND INHALATION OF VAPORS WHEN USING ALKALI
CLEANERS.
Complete Assemblies.
Completely assembled axles, torque dividers and transfer cases may be steam cleaned on the outside only, to facilitate
initial removal and disassembly, providing all openings are closed. Breathers, vented shift units, and all other openings
should be tightly covered or closed to prevent the possibility of water entering the assembly.
Drying.
Parts should be thoroughly dried immediately after cleaning. Use soft, clean, lintless absorbent paper towels or wiping
rags free of abrasive material, such as lapping compound, metal filings or contaminated oil. Bearings should never be
dried by spinning with compressed air.
Corrosion Prevention.
Parts that have been cleaned, dried, inspected and are to be immediately reassembled should be coated with light oil to
prevent corrosion. If these parts are to be stored for any length of time, they should be treated with a good RUST
PREVENTIVE and wrapped in special paper or other material designed to prevent corrosion.
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