powder coating axle?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PA
powder coating axle?
i would like to get my front and rear DANA axles powder coated before i install them in the crew cab only problem is they are already assembled and i'm not sure it would be a good idea to get them coated because of seals/bearings ect. question is is it a good or bad idea to have them coated? if not curious as to what would all get messed up by having them done.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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My powder coat kit needs to run up to 450F. That's a bit more than I would want any rubber parts two get up too. I have powder coated axles and chassis befor and it's not realy any better than a good chassis paint. they both chip and flake. I would spend the cash on blasting them and then pour 15 folowed by a gloss paint. I say bloss because you can wash a gloss paint off with a power washer in stead of aflat that you will never get clean..
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Logistics Pro
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From: PA
would the bearings, shafts and gears be alright to keep in the axle when being baked? or would they warp out of shape? i'd like to get them powder coated but really don't want to tear them down ive never done this before. i figured by time i got them blasted and buy paint why not just get them powder coated and be satisfied.
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Joined: Sep 2009
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It won't hurt any of the metal parts but it would most likely hurt the seals. I would call the place you would have fo the coating and find out how hot they go to. I wouldnt go over 300-350 withouth the fear of hurting any ruber seals.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: UPSTATE NY
i think what it boils down to is that when a part is stripped of all bearings, races, seals, etc. and thoroughly prepped blasted and powdercoated properly its what lasts the longest and looks the best. that sucker needs to be hanged in an oven and cooked! ofcourse it is the most pain in the neck and costly as well... but undoubtedly pleasing to the eye and the ultimate in freshness.
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Logistics Pro
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From: PA
Both options are good when thoroughly prepped I always just thought powder coating was alittle easier to clean and more durable how hard is it to put the axle back together when fully stripped to just the housing? I've never tore one apart or built one before is it something that can be done for a first timer
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SW Florida
The axles aren't too hard to take apart; the rear is easier than the front. The front has internal seals that are a pain to deal with though. I guess you can look at this two ways -- paint it and you can do it without disassembly. Powder coat and you probably should take it all apart. I'd worry about putting the bearings and seals an the oven, so if I were doing the powder coat I'd strip the axles down and remove the gears and bearings and then replace the seals after the coating was applied (so the seal surfaces weren't built up with powder film).
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PA
If I were to get it powder coated I would tear the axles down i think I will go this route but may have to hold off until I can find someone to help me with the assembley is there any backlash or preload I will have to do with the gears when I put it back together? I've seen people using dial gauges already when they put the gears back in on certain axles will this need done on mine?
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SW Florida
There are backlash settings, but you won't have to worry about changing those because you're not pressing the bearings off. When you take it apart you just have to keep the races with the bearings they belong with and put it back together puttting everything back in the same place.
Having somebody help who's familiar would be a good idea, but it's not a hard task. Getting the carrier in & out might be a little tough; when it comes out there will be shims on either side and you need to watch those and keep them together too; tape them together and label where they came from.
Having somebody help who's familiar would be a good idea, but it's not a hard task. Getting the carrier in & out might be a little tough; when it comes out there will be shims on either side and you need to watch those and keep them together too; tape them together and label where they came from.
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Logistics Pro
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From: PA
The more I think of it I may hold off on the powder coating but they will be done eventually I figured if I'm tearing them apart I mise well get a locker new bearings and seals since its all apart I will need to adjust the backlash when putting in new bearings and gears correct? Is it cheaper to buy all these parts and build it yourself or does anyone know of a place that sells complete locker axles at a good price? For now I will just clean and paint them what's the best paint to use? POR15 is for painting over rust unless you use there other products underneath so it will stick. Would eastwoods chassis black be a better choice or is there something better for this application?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: PA
I'm debating on what to use to paint my axles the POR15 is good durable stuff but you need to thoroughly clean all the dirt off and use there other products underneath to have it stick. I'm thinking there might be something better to use on the axles is there not? What's some other good types of paint to use? Is it better to prime them first then put some paint on them? Or would a good heavy duty paint be good enough? I was thinking maybe try the eastwoods chassis black paint anyone agree or have any other suggestions?
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No matter which way you go, thorough prep/cleaning is needed. If the substrate (material being coated) isn't clean, then the impurities cause pealing. As for heat when powder coating, it depends on the powder used. Some powders cure at as low as 250 degrees.