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FD7

Member Since: 16 Feb 2021
Location: Midland
Posts: 182

2006 Defender 90 V8 Petrol ST Auto Chawton White

Chassis cleaner - dry mud/sand ?

Seem to have found myself underneath a new to me Defender today and noticed it was covered in a lot of dry sandy mud.

I have tried (as best I can) pressure washing / snow foaming and then some localised cleaners /degreasers alongside brushing, but it's taking an age. The only positive out of this is that areas I was able to clean have highlighted a very solid chassis!

The gearbox and transfer box area are covered by all of this too.

Has anybody got a good recommendation for a cleaner which is perhaps more powerful?

(ideally something that won't strip away any of the underbody chassis coating)>

6th Apr 2025 6:31pm

BrickBox

Member Since: 05 Oct 2021
Location: Wales
Posts: 918

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 USW Zermatt Silver

You’ll have to use a hot power wash on something that dried on. 2008 2.4 110 Utility Station Wagon XS.

6th Apr 2025 7:36pm

ickle

Member Since: 22 Jul 2010
Location: South Vendee
Posts: 1849

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Alpine White

Mine was only just over a year old but was caked inside and out with Spanish red dust and mud - I left it on axle stands as high as possible, but angled down at the front, then set an oscillating garden sprinkler underneath on a timer - a couple of minutes per hour for 24 hours, this really softened the mud, then I used a Karcher on the outside and a drain snake inside.

After drying for several days I lathered it in various Dinitrols and MIL Spec cavity wax and 15 years later chassis is still superb

HTH Keith

6th Apr 2025 8:30pm

jim4244

Member Since: 13 Apr 2014
Location: Bedfordshire
Posts: 916

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver

Hi

Do an internet search for your local truck wash. They will normally do a full chassis and underside clean for a reasonable price.

You are then left with a blank canvas that allows you to assess the condition of your chassis and running gear, make repairs if necessary but most importantly treat for rust and then apply one of the many 'protective' products to help keep corrosion at bay.

Jim

7th Apr 2025 4:33am

custom90

Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 20717

Leave it to dampen, a lot of it is where it is dry, personally I keep pressure washers away far too much damage and water pushed in where it shouldn’t.

It does take a lot of time to do a top job.

Are you painting or rust proofing? WeWillWin🇬🇧🇺🇸
⛽️🛢️⚙️🧰💪

7th Apr 2025 4:03pm

FD7

Member Since: 16 Feb 2021
Location: Midland
Posts: 182

Thanks for the tips.

The aim was to assess the rust proofing and top up if required. However it's mostly the inner rails and gearbox / transfer and lower engine that were dusty/dirty.

I'm quite satisfied in the condition of the chassis, it remains solid and black. Almost as if the dry mud has formed a protection layer.

It is more in this case for my vanity purposes for wanting the mechanical components a little cleaner.

I will dampen dampen dampen, perhaps use a TFR and localise steam clean the area. Given the better weather at the minute it seems doable, otherwise I will find a truck wash ....

9th Apr 2025 4:22am

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