RC Car Shock Replacement: A How-To Guide

RC Car Shock Replacement: A How-To Guide

RC car enthusiasts enjoy tinkering with their vehicles to push their performance limits. One essential area for modification is the shocks. Shocks play a vital role in a car’s handling and stability, particularly over challenging terrain. Changing the shocks is a fairly affordable upgrade to enhance your RC car’s performance. With a few tools, some careful planning and a bit of patience, you can change the shocks on your RC car yourself. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing shocks on an RC car. We will provide a list of materials needed, the steps involved in removing old shocks, installing new shocks, testing the new shocks and maintaining them in the future. You’ll be able to upgrade your RC car’s shocks quickly and easily, helping you to get the most out of your next backyard RC race. So let’s get started on the road to a better handling and more stable RC car!

Gather Your Materials

Before you start changing the shocks on your RC car, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials handy. We have prepared a list of the materials you will need to gather before you begin:

  • New shocks: It is essential to purchase the right shocks size that fit your RC car model. Some reputable brands include Traxxas, Losi, and Axial.
  • Wrenches: Depending on your car model, you may need a range of wrench sizes to fit different parts of the shocks.
  • Pliers: A pair of pliers will be handy in holding nuts and bolts as you loosen them.
  • Lubricant: A good quality silicone shock oil or grease will be necessary to lube the new shocks and keep them operating smoothly.

If you’re not sure what size shock you need for your RC car, consult the owner’s manual. The manual will guide you on the correct size and pair of shocks that are ideal for your car model. You can also browse various RC hobby store websites such as Horizon Hobby, RC Planet and AMain Hobbies to purchase new shocks and other essential tools.

How to Rebuild Shocks on a RC Car?

If you are experiencing a bumpy ride or oil leaks from the shocks of your RC car, it might be time to rebuild them. Here are the basic steps to rebuild shocks on a RC car:

  1. Remove the shocks from the car and take them apart
  2. Clean all the parts thoroughly and dry them off
  3. Replace any broken or worn out parts such as O-rings or seals
  4. Reassemble the shocks and fill them with fresh shock oil
  5. Test the shocks by compressing them and ensuring they rebound smoothly

For more detailed instructions or video tutorials, check out RC car enthusiast websites like RC Driver or products from reputable RC car manufacturers like Traxxas.

Remove Old Shocks

Once you’ve gathered all your tools and materials, you can start removing the old shocks. Here are some simple steps that you can follow:

  1. Remove the wheels: To access the shocks, you need to remove the wheels first. You can use a wrench to take the wheel nuts off.
  2. Unscrew the shock at the bottom: Locate the bottom of the shock and remove the nut that is holding it in place.
  3. Unscrew the shock at the top: Find the top of the shock and remove the screw that connects it to the car frame.
  4. Remove the old shock absorber: Carefully remove the old shock absorber and dispose of it properly.

Make sure that you have a container to catch any oil that may spill out of the shock absorber. It’s important to keep the parts organized as they come off the car to ensure that you can easily find them later for reassembly.

Interesting Fact:

Did you know that the function of shocks on an RC car is to absorb shock and vibrations, which helps to keep the car’s wheels in contact with the ground for more extended periods? Optimal performance is achieved when shocks are appropriately installed and maintained.

If any of the screws or nuts are damaged or rusty, it’s a good idea to replace them with a new one during reassembly. There are various online stores you can visit to purchase spare parts for your RC cars such as Amazon, HobbyPartz, and eBay. Here is a table of the top online stores that you can buy RC car parts from:

Online Store URL
Amazon https://www.amazon.com
HobbyPartz https://www.hobbypartz.com
eBay https://www.ebay.com
RC Planet https://www.rcplanet.com
Tower Hobbies https://www.towerhobbies.com

How do you remove old shocks?

To remove old shocks, follow these steps:

  • Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel where the shock is located.
  • Use a jack to lift the car and support it with jack stands.
  • Remove the wheel.
  • Remove the bolts that attach the shock to the suspension.
  • Remove any additional brackets or hardware holding the shock in place.
  • Repeat the process for any other shocks you need to replace.

For more detailed information or if you need replacement shocks, check out automotive repair websites or product pages for shock absorbers.

Install New Shocks

Now that you’ve removed the old shock absorber, it’s time to install the new one. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Insert one end of the shock: Place the shock in its correct position, and attach it to the lower part of the suspension arm.
  2. Insert the other end: Insert the upper end of the shock through the mounting hole located in the chassis.
  3. Secure with the mounting screw: Keep the shock in place by tightening the mounting screw using a screwdriver.
  4. Check and adjust the length of the shock: Make sure the length of the shock is adjusted to match the other shocks on the car. It’s essential to ensure the height of the car is level, and all wheels touch the ground.

There are various shock absorbers in the market, from oil shocks to hydraulic shocks. You may choose to upgrade to high-performance shocks or purchase matching shocks specific to your driving style and terrain. Some RC car manufacturers have genuine spare parts available for purchase. Be sure to check with your manufacturer before buying any upgrade parts.

There are also various online resources where you can find step-by-step guides, including YouTube tutorials on how to change the shocks. You may also visit online forums and communities specific to RC cars such as RCTech and RCGroups, where experts and enthusiasts share tips and insights on maintaining and upgrading their RC cars.

What part of the car is the shock?

The shock absorber, also known as a shock, is part of a car’s suspension system. Its purpose is to absorb and dampen the movement of the springs when encountering bumps or vibration on the road. It helps to keep the car stable and reduce the impact of any bumps or obstacles that are encountered on the road.

For more information about car parts, check out websites such as AutoZone or O’Reilly Auto Parts. They have a wide range of products and accessories for your car.

Test the New Shocks

After installing the new shock absorbers, it’s crucial to test them to ensure they’re functioning properly. Here are some steps to follow:

  1. Take the RC car for a test drive: Drive your RC car around your backyard or a nearby playground to test how the new shock absorbers handle various terrains and speeds.
  2. Observe how your car handles: Check if your car can handle jumps and bumps smoothly, if the car is jumping too high, or if it’s bottoming out. Note if the car’s handling and steering have improved, if it’s more stable, or if there is noticeable body roll.
  3. Check for damage or leaks: Inspect the new shocks for any signs of leaks. Leaks mess with the damping and will decrease the effectiveness of the shocks. Also, check for any unexpected wear on the shock absorbents.

If there are any issues, double-check and re-adjust the shock absorbers. It’s essential to ensure that the shocks match and are installed correctly. If you need further help, you may visit your local hobby shop or reach out to online communities for advice.

In conclusion, changing shocks on an RC car is relatively easy as long as you take your time and follow the instructions carefully. Properly installed shock absorbers improve your RC car’s stability, handling and speed, enabling you to drive it better. Better driving means that you get more out of your RC car. Remember to maintain and upgrade your shocks regularly to prolong their lifespan and ensure optimal performance.

Maintenance and Upgrades

To keep your RC car’s shocks in good condition, proper maintenance and upgrading to high-performance shocks is essential. Here are some tips:

Maintenance

  • Regularly clean and lubricate the shocks to prevent wear and tear and ensure optimal performance.
  • Inspect the shocks before every use and replace any damaged parts as soon as possible.
  • Invest in a shock rebuild kit to make repairs more accessible, should a problem arise.

Upgrades

  • Upgrade to high-performance shocks to improve your driving experience significantly.
  • Choose shock absorbers that match your driving style and terrain (on-road or off-road driving).
  • Have an idea of what kind of shocks to use. For example, hydraulic shocks are great for on-road driving and air shocks for off-road driving. Some of the top-rated RC car shocks brands include Traxxas, Hobbypark, and GoolRC.
  • Get information from online forums, social media pages and hobby shops, to learn more about which shocks work best for your RC car.

By taking proper care of your RC car’s shocks and upgrading them when necessary, you’ll get the best driving experience possible. If you need help or advice, consult online resources or get in touch with industry professionals via social media or hobby shop websites.

When should I upgrade my shocks?

Here are some signs that indicate you need to upgrade your shocks:

  • Your vehicle’s ride is bumpy and uncomfortable
  • Your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual
  • Your vehicle leans excessively in corners or when making turns
  • Your vehicle bounces excessively after hitting a bump or pothole
  • Your vehicle’s shocks are leaking or damaged

If you notice any of these signs, it’s highly recommended that you upgrade your shocks. This will not only improve your vehicle’s ride quality but also enhance its stability and handling. You can check out websites like Bilstein or KYB for high-quality shock upgrade options.

Conclusion

Changing shocks in an RC car is a simple process that can significantly improve the car’s performance, handling, and speed. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily change your RC car’s shocks at home. Don’t forget to gather all the necessary tools and materials, and always double-check your work to ensure the shocks are correctly installed.

Maintaining your shocks is just as important as the installation process, so be sure to follow the maintenance tips outlined in this article to keep them in good condition. If you’re ready for an upgrade, consider purchasing high-performance shocks to improve your driving experience.

Remember that there is an array of resources available online, including social media pages, hobby shop websites, and forums, to help you learn more about RC cars and the best shocks to use. With proper care and maintenance, and a willingness to learn more, your RC car can provide many hours of enjoyment and thrilling performances.

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