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How to Align RC Motors

Professional and "basher" grade RC vehicles feature complex drivetrain systems, which may include a nitro-powered glow fuel engine, or an electric motor. Nearly all RC car drivetrain systems have a large spur gear that connects directly to the transmission portion of the vehicle. The motor transfers power to the spur gear, using a smaller pinion gear. Professional racers or casual hobbyists may opt to swap out the pinion or spur gear in order to affect the vehicle's low-end or top-end speed. Aligning the motor and setting the gear mesh will ensure proper performance and reduce unnecessary component wear.

Things You'll Need

Phillips screwdriver
Allen wrench set

Instructions

Electric Vehicles
- 1
  Remove the Lexan body shell from the vehicle and set it to the side.
- 2
  Remove any protective shield covering the spur and pinion gears, using an appropriate size Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench, if applicable.
- 3
  Loosen the two screws holding the motor to the motor mount, located to the left and right side of the small pinion gear. Depending upon the model and make of the vehicle, you will need a small Phillips screwdriver or an appropriate size Allen wrench to loosen the screws.
- 4
  Loosen the small setscrew located on the pinion gear's collar, using a small Allen wrench; do not remove the setscrew completely. Slide the motor towards the spur gear evenly, until the pinion meets the spur. Line up the teeth of the pinion gear with the teeth of the spur gear evenly.
- 5
  Tighten the pinion gear setscrew after lining up both gears. Make sure the setscrew tightens down on the flat portion of the motor shaft before securing the pinion.
- 6
  Tear off a small one-inch wide strip of paper and place it between the two gears. Slide the motor towards the spur gear, until pinion and spur mesh properly.
- 7
  Tighten the motor mount screws. Lift the vehicle off its wheels and attempt to pull the small strip of paper from between the gears. If the gear rotation causes the paper to tear or form holes, repeat the mesh adjustment by loosening the motor mount screws and sliding the motor slightly away from the spur gear.
- 8
  Repeat Steps 6 and 7 until you achieve the proper gear mesh. The proper gear mesh will form small indentations on the paper from the gear teeth without tearing.
- 9
  Replace the differential covering and body shell, if applicable.
Nitro RC Vehicles
- 10
  Remove the vehicle's body shell and set it to the side. Allow the engine to cool properly before making any adjustments.
- 11
  Remove any protective shielding or obstructions from around the pinion and spur gears.
- 12
  Loosen the four screws securing the engine mount to the bottom of the chassis, using an appropriate size Phillips screwdriver or Allen wrench.
- 13
  Tear off a one-inch strip of paper. Place the one-inch strip of paper between the pinion and spur gear; hold the piece of paper while sliding the engine evenly towards the spur gear. Once the engine's pinion gear meshes with the spur gear, tighten the engine mount screws.
- 14
  Perform Steps 7, 8 and 9 of the first section until you achieve the proper gear mesh.

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