RC Car Parts

Have you ever felt that your RC car is getting less crispy and tight than it was when you took it out first time of the box? If so then don't be crazy and run out to buy a new kit of RC car parts just to get it back to as it was initially. Much likely to others you will be ignoring many things while you are wrenching. Your RC car always needs regular attention and service of its parts regardless the brand or type. Below are the steps, you should repeat regularly at the recommended times, so that you can maintain fresh, new feel of your RC car.

Keep a journal with a list of your RC car parts just to remind you of when it is time to do any necessary service of respective car part. You should know that certain conditions, such as sandy surfaces, deteriorate your RC car parts. So, plan accordingly!

Batteries:

Thumb Rule: Cycle them once each month

The action is particularly necessary with Ni-CD and Ni-MH battery packs. You must cycle them at least one time each month. Discharge the pack to an average of .9 Vs/cell (5.4-volts for a six-cell pack, 3.6-volts for a five-cell receiver pack), and then recharge the pack to its full; better to use a peak detection charger for it. If you use Li-Po battery packs then take care of them with a cell balancer as it levels the voltage supply throughout the pack.

Bearings:

Thumb Rule: Clean or replace after each gallon, or earlier as per condition.

Take out all drivetrain bearings and clean and re-oil them. Replace those still feeling gritty even after being cleaned. It is advised to check the axle bearings after every few runs, and it becomes even more necessary in dusty or dry environments. Gritty and seized axle bearing makes RC car feel twitchy.

Shock and diff seals:

Thumb Rule: Each second time you change oil

By getting cheap shock and diff O-rings, and replacing them frequently, you can get an extra protection against blown seals. In case of a blown shock or seals, it takes more time to clean the RC car's suspension than making a replacement.

Shock and diff oil:

Thumb Rule: Replace oil after racing for 6-days or 4-days

The silicone oil you are using in shocks and diffs of your RC car becomes ineffective after multiple uses and with abrupt temperature changes. Each time after 6-days of race, you must dump out all of the shock oil and completely empty the shock body by using motor spray. Follow the manufacturer's instructions while refilling and bleeding the shock. Your RC car’s diffs work under high temperatures, so replace diff oil once after four race days.

Fuel line:

Thumb Rule: Check frequently and replace with the new, if torn and brittle.

Though fuel tube is a low-cost part of your RC car, but it sometimes create big problems when it tears. Fuel line should be checked at least once after each racing day, as there may be some brittle patches or small tears. Replace it if you feel it necessary.

Glow plugs:

Your RC car has many consumable parts and glow plugs are also one of them. You will have to replace them after regular intervals to maintain your engine performance at its best. After every major racing activity, take out the plug and check its coil. If you find it distorted, white, damaged or broken then it’s time for replacement.

Clutch:

Thumb rule: After each half-gallon of fuel OR every racing week.

Engine is the heart of your RC car whereas the clutch is its blood. A nonfunctional clutch leads to tuning incompatibility and low performance. Disassemble your RC car's clutch after every half-gallon of fueling. Check it thoroughly; look for the broken spring, worn shoe, glazing on the shoes/clutch bells, and affects to the flywheel. It will save your money, if it just need chamfering of the affected edges of the shoes by using a file, otherwise you will have to replace the clutch bearings (recommendation: after each gallon), including shoes and springs.

Air filter:

Thumb Rule: Replace, or clean and re-oil them after each racing day.

I observed many racers using new air filter elements each time they feel them dirty, but there is no extensive requirement to change any dirty element; the only exception is a foam element even if it is not damaged. Fully clean the element with soap and water, apply air filter oil and put it in again. Some oils does not get clean easily with soap and water, if you are also using such oil then I would recommend getting a new, oiled filter element.

Most of the parts of your RC car that keep it running at its best are not much costly, and the performance you will obtain from your RC car in its tiptop condition is enough to justify the time and effort you spend on tuning it.