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How to Make a Homemade RC Car Motor

Radio-controlled vehicles are model cars, trucks and aircraft that are driven remotely using a hand-held transmitter, which commands the vehicle using radio signals. Electric motors propel the vehicle by converting the electric energy of the battery into mechanical energy. While pre-assembled motors are available for purchase, constructing your own RC car motor can save you money and teach you the fundamentals of the device. Using the mechanical components you can find in your home, you will develop a firm understanding of the electric motor, which will help you diagnose and repair any electrical malfunctions you may face in the future.

Things You'll Need

RC chassis kit
Screwdriver
Motor
Double-sided tape
Electronic Speed Control
Receiver
Steering Servo
Transmitter

Instructions

- 1
  Assemble the vehicle's chassis according to the instructions included with the kit and tighten all of the screws. Wipe down the entire chassis with a paper towel dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean off any oil.
- 2
  Slide the motor into the motor housing, located at the back of the chassis. Follow your instruction manual for specifics regarding your model. Hold the motor in position, then tighten the two mounting bolts. Slide the pinion gear, included with your kit, on to the drive shaft of the motor. Tighten the plug bolt inside the gear to secure it in position.
- 3
  Apply a 3-inch section of double-sided tape onto the back of the electronic speed control. Peel off the back side of the tape, then press the ESC down onto the chassis.
- 4
  Apply a 3-inch section of double-sided tape onto the back of the receiver. Peel off the back side of the tape, then press the receiver down onto the chassis in a location that is far away from the motor to reduce possible radio interference.
- 5
  Plug the ESC jack into the first input of the receiver, then plug the two motor leads to the ESC, matching red with red and black with black. Slide the antenna through the straw, then press the low end of the straw down into the antenna mount.
- 6
  Connect the servo horn to the steering servo's arm. Clip the servo horn to the steering mechanism of the chassis, then connect the two mounting brackets that came with your kit. Tighten the connector screws, then position the servo inside the chassis, and mount it with the four flathead screws. Plug the steering servo wire into the second channel of the receiver.

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