RLCA skid cleaning tips?

[CharlieS]

I have a set of Turbo8's awesome rear lower control arm skids, but I didn't count on them collecting so much gunk. What're people doing to keep them cleaned out. Hit them with a pressure washer? I didn't even see it until I had the wheels off.

 

[TLC2013]

I noticed the same thing with my skids after running some muddy trails. I havent bothered to clean them out yet. Probably will just hit them with the garden hose with a decent nozzle.

 

[kcjaz]

I have a set of Turbo8's awesome rear lower control arm skids, but I didn't count on them collecting so much gunk. What're people doing to keep them cleaned out. Hit them with a pressure washer? I didn't even see it until I had the wheels off.

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yeah, I've been wondering if I need to pull them off periodically to clean them. Mud/dirt doesn't bother me but road salt in a small crevasse does. So far, I've just tried hitting them with pressure washer but to be effective I need a 90 degree nozzle end to actually get in there. I've thought about removing them, cleaning them, reinstalling and then fill the valleys with caulk or something.

 

[TheGrrrrr]

I have a set of Turbo8's awesome rear lower control arm skids, but I didn't count on them collecting so much gunk. What're people doing to keep them cleaned out. Hit them with a pressure washer? I didn't even see it until I had the wheels off.

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They are great and they do collect some gunk! I've basically decided that twice a year I'm going to remove all the skids (budbuilt and these RLCA ones) and do a thorough cleaning with the pressure washer. Timing-wise I'm doing it in March and September when both the weather is decent and before/after my primary off-roading season. I don't really think there are good options to avoid it and I'm pretty confident that both would be difficult to get a good cleaning without removal, so the extra work is probably worth it.

 

[CharlieS]

Yes, the mud and dirt traps the salt and brine and holds it against the steel, so double whammy.

 

[Tex68w]

Hmmm, maybe a design tweak with some holes along the skids to aid in drainage @turbo8?

 

[turbo8]

I have a set of Turbo8's awesome rear lower control arm skids, but I didn't count on them collecting so much gunk. What're people doing to keep them cleaned out. Hit them with a pressure washer? I didn't even see it until I had the wheels off.

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I'm glad I don't have to deal with that. Maybe I need add drain holes before each clamp? Judging off of your pics I have a feeling they would get clogged though.

 

[CharlieS]

I could definitely be a torture tester for aftermarket products. lol

 

[FerrisBueller]

A hole before each clamp would probably be sufficient. Even if it isn't enough, it would make spraying out with a hose more effective without removing the skids.

 

[CharlieS]

The material is mud most likely from deep mud crossings, and it got there in a liquid form that most likely would have drained out of drain holes.

 

[Tex68w]

Hoes, I mean holes it is!

 

[turbo8]

Took a look at mine, after however long they have been on. I have a little build up of crusty sand. If you want me too, I'll add holes in front of the 2 rear most clamps.