Traxxas 5040 Silicone Differential Oil 20M Weight Standard RC Fluid

Traxxas 5040 is an ultra-high-viscosity silicone differential oil designed for tuning and servicing compatible sealed RC differentials.

With a 20-million-weight rating, this fluid is substantially thicker than conventional differential oils. Its putty-like consistency greatly restricts differential action, helping reduce excessive unloading to the wheel or axle with the least traction.

Traxxas primarily uses this fluid in selected centre differential applications, where it can provide more direct power distribution between the front and rear drivetrains. It may also be used in compatible front or rear sealed differentials when an almost locked differential response is required.

Features

• 20-Million-Weight Viscosity: Extremely thick silicone fluid designed to substantially restrict differential action
• Centre Differential Tuning: Commonly used where more direct front-to-rear power distribution is required
• Reduced Differential Unloading: Helps limit excessive power transfer to the wheel or axle with the least traction
• Near-Locked Response: Creates a much firmer differential action without installing a mechanical spool or locker
• Silicone Formula: Intended for compatible sealed RC differential assemblies
• Handling Adjustment: Allows experienced users to alter acceleration, traction and differential response
• Factory Service Fluid: Used as standard differential fluid in selected Traxxas vehicles
• Genuine Traxxas Product: Manufactured for compatible Traxxas differential servicing and tuning

Specifications

• Brand: Traxxas
• Manufacturer Part Number: 5040
• Product Type: Silicone differential oil
• Viscosity Rating: 20M weight
• Equivalent Written Rating: 20,000,000 weight
• Consistency: Ultra-thick, putty-like fluid
• Primary Application: Sealed RC centre differentials
• Secondary Application: Compatible front or rear sealed differentials requiring heavily restricted action
• Container Type: Bottle
• Colour: Clear or translucent silicone fluid

Compatibility

• Suitable for compatible sealed RC differential assemblies specified for 20M silicone fluid
• Listed as a replacement differential fluid for selected Traxxas E-Revo VXL Brushless models
• Listed as a replacement differential fluid for selected Traxxas Maxx models
• Listed as a replacement differential fluid for selected Traxxas Sledge models
• Listed as a replacement differential fluid for selected Traxxas X-Maxx models
• May be used for custom differential tuning in other compatible vehicles when recommended by the manufacturer or an experienced technician

Vehicle models may have different differential specifications depending on their generation and configuration. Check the model’s instruction manual, exploded diagram or factory fluid specification before use.

Includes

• 1 × Bottle of Traxxas 20M-weight silicone differential oil

Required to Complete

• Compatible sealed RC differential
• Suitable hand tools for differential removal and disassembly
• Replacement differential seals, O-rings or gasket if required
• Suitable cleaning materials
• Grease for the ring and pinion gears where specified by the vehicle manufacturer

FAQ

What does 20M weight mean? It indicates an extremely high-viscosity differential fluid. The fluid is much thicker than common 10K, 30K, 50K or 100K RC differential oils.

Is Traxxas 5040 a liquid or a putty? It is sold as silicone differential oil, but its exceptionally high viscosity gives it a thick, sticky and putty-like consistency.

Does 20M oil completely lock the differential? No. It greatly restricts differential movement and can produce an almost locked response, but it does not create the solid mechanical connection provided by a spool or locker.

Where is 20M differential oil normally used? It is most commonly used in compatible centre differentials. It may also be used in front or rear differentials when heavily restricted differential action is specifically required.

How does thicker centre differential oil affect handling? Thicker fluid generally reduces front-to-rear differential action and limits power unloading to one end of the vehicle. This can increase acceleration consistency but may also change steering response and increase drivetrain loading.

Will 20M oil improve traction? It may improve usable power distribution where a thinner differential allows excessive unloading. Results depend on the vehicle, tyre grip, terrain, power system and driving style.

Can I use this in any RC differential? Only use it in a compatible sealed differential. It is unsuitable for open gear differentials that are designed for grease or for differentials that cannot retain silicone fluid.

Is this used on the ring and pinion gears? No. Silicone differential oil is placed inside a compatible sealed differential around the internal differential gears. External ring and pinion gears normally require the grease specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

Can 20M oil be mixed with thinner silicone oil? Silicone differential fluids may be mixed to create an intermediate response, but extremely thick 20M fluid can be difficult to blend evenly. Results will be approximate rather than a precisely certified viscosity.

Why is the fluid difficult to dispense? The very high viscosity makes it flow slowly. Warming the sealed bottle slightly in warm—not hot—water can make application easier. Keep water and contamination away from the fluid.

How much oil should be installed? Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s differential filling procedure. Overfilling can prevent correct assembly or create excessive internal pressure, while underfilling can produce inconsistent differential action.

Should the differential seals be inspected during servicing? Yes. Inspect the gasket, O-rings, output seals, gears and differential housing. Replace damaged or flattened seals before reassembly.

Important Notes

• This is ultra-thick differential fluid and is not suitable for every differential position or vehicle.
• Confirm the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity before use.
• Twenty-million-weight fluid greatly restricts differential action but does not mechanically lock the differential.
• Using fluid that is substantially thicker than the factory specification can alter steering, handling and drivetrain loads.
• Very thick fluid may increase stress on driveshafts, gears, differential outputs and tyres during high-power operation.
• Use only in a compatible sealed differential designed to retain silicone fluid.
• Do not use differential oil as a substitute for ring-and-pinion grease.
• Clean old fluid and contamination from the differential before refilling.
• Do not use aggressive solvents that may damage plastic housings, seals or O-rings.
• Inspect all seals and replace damaged components before reassembly.
• Follow the vehicle manual for the correct fill level and assembly procedure.
• Rotate the internal gears slowly during filling to help release trapped air.
• Allow the fluid time to settle before final assembly because its high viscosity traps air easily.
• Avoid contaminating the bottle with dirt, grease, water or other fluids.
• Keep the cap securely closed when not in use.
• Keep out of reach of children and avoid contact with eyes or ingestion.