Ball bearings are a vital part of RC cars and trucks. However, these ball bearings will eventually wear out, as the lifespan of these bearings can vary significantly due to numerous circumstances. Properly maintaining the ball bearings in your RC vehicle is important in extending their lifespan and maximizing performance. Keeping up with a consistent maintenance schedule is a great way to avoid many problems with your bearings while keeping your RC car in peak condition.

 

On the other hand, a lack of maintenance can cause your car to pull in one direction and make it challenging to navigate. You will also notice that sealed ball bearings can be found throughout your car, whether it's allowing the axles to move freely, helping you steer left to right, or allowing the engine to spin at a rapid rate. Staying proactive by regularly performing maintenance will significantly extend the lifespan of your RC ball bearings.

 

Here are a few tips to follow in keeping your ball bearings well-maintained. 

 

Removing Bearings

 

You might consider cleaning and oiling the bearings on your car without taking them out, but it's always best to remove them to clean them correctly. Sometimes it can be challenging to remove the bearings in hub carriers, as you can use the axle to wiggle it back and forth until the bearing eventually becomes free. 

 

Another popular method is removing the axle altogether and pressuring the bearing from the inside with a screwdriver or hex wrench. You should always be careful, as you can create a dent in the seal that will result in permanent damage.

 

Inspect and Clean

 

The next step is to apply motor spray on your bearings and use a rag to clean the exterior. Visually inspecting the bearings for any signs of damage is always important, such as missing or dented seals. You will always need to replace the bearing if you notice any damages. You can begin the process of cleaning the bearings if everything looks good. 

 

It's also important to avoid using a water-based cleaner for your bearings, as it can cause them to rust and eventually lead to premature failure. Acetone is always a great option, as it's very cheap and it can be found at your local hardware store. Using acetone is perfect for cleaning metal-shielded bearings.

 

How to Clean Rubber Sealed Bearings

 

Rubber sealed bearings are commonly used in RC cars. You can easily remove and replace the colored seals of these rubber sealed bearings by using a hobby knife. All you need to do is wedge the knife from the inside of the seal to pop it out, allowing you to work around the bearing. It's also important not to use the sharp side of the putty knife to avoid cutting the seal. Taking your time by going slowly will allow you to remove the seal without causing any damages.

 

Cleaning the rubber sealed bearings is simple once the inner components are exposed. You need to spray the bearing with motor spray and spin it using your fingers to feel for any signs of roughness. You will need to repeat spraying it with motor spray until you no longer feel any dirt or rough areas. Once everything is cleaned, the bearing will spin freely, but it will be louder than usual without lubricant.

 

How to Clean Metal-Shielded Bearings

 

Metal-shielded bearings are more challenging to clean compared to rubber sealed bearings. Using motor spray doesn't always work, and you can't replace the shields. However, staying patient throughout the process will make it easier to clean metal-shielded bearings without causing any damages. 

 

Typically, it's a good idea to put your metal-shielded bearings in a sealed plastic container or bottle while mixing them with acetone or another solvent. You will need to shake the bottle or container vigorously a few times. Replace the solvent with a fresh cleaner once it becomes dirty and repeat the process. 

 

Lubrication Process

 

One of the most critical aspects of increasing the lifespan of your bearings is to oil them. You can choose from nearly any type of thin-bearing oil available at your hardware store. It's not recommended to use grease for RC bearings due to the dirt easily sticking to the grease. For rubber sealed bearings, all you need to do is add a few drops on the inners and push the seal back in place with your finger. You should be able to quickly snap back the seal in place with only a minimal amount of effort.

 

Using a small applicator tube for applying bearing oil is always the easiest method to ensure the oil reaches the bearings and not the bench or floor. Once the bearings are oiled, they should become much less noisy and will spin freely. However, you may need to consider replacing your bearings if you notice that they are still slow or gritty after a thorough cleaning session.

 

Closing Thoughts

 

Taking the time to maintain the bearings in your RC vehicle will maximize their lifespan and result in a much better performance. Performing regular cleaning and maintenance will save you from many problems in the future and help you enjoy many fun hours using your RC car. If you haven't cleaned your ball bearings in a while, now is a great time to do this vital task!