Clicking Transmission, Lube Question

[bchymas]

My XL-1 Stampede's transmission has started clicking lately after some very unforgiving wheelies. I have a steel idler gear I can put in if that's the problem. My question is, what type of lubricant should I use before I seal up the tranny again? I know there are some some out there specifically for RCs but can I use something more common with good results? How about white lithium grease or a little synthetic motor oil? Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

[RCGuyN8]

I personally use something thicker than the lube that Traxxas includes in their kits. I like using full-sized car wheel bearing grease in my Traxxas transmissions, both on the outside of the gears, and in the diff. Use the thick, waterproof stuff. It's good and sticky, and keeps the truck from "diffing-out." The steel idler is a great idea, it's a must buy. Try rebuilding the tranny with the new idler, inspect the other gears, and just use a couple of dabs of grease on the gears teeth, it will spread itself over the gears surfaces as the tranny spins. This grease won't fling off, and will stay put on the gears. Inspect the bearings, too, and if you have a tranny with bushings-replace 'em. I hope this helps you get back up and running!

[pasan]

Avoid synthetic motor oil at all costs because it's harmful to plastics. I use Traxxas white lithium grease between the gears and Mobil 1 grease inside the diff to keep give a slight LSD action. But the clicking is probably the idler. Once you do that, it's best to get a steel ring diff as well cos that will be the next to go. Or scour ebay for a used VXL tranny. Those are pretty much the last set of gears you'll ever need.