Posted: 2/4/13
Cleaning the motor in your Axial Racing vehicle can be time consuming, but it is time well spent. Whether you have a brushed motor such as used with the rock crawling vehicles such as the SCX10 line or the brushless system in the EXO Terra Buggy, the cleaner you keep the motor the better it will perform and the longer it will last.
To properly clean the motor, it must be removed. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, in a vehicle such as the Wraith, Ridgecrest or SCX10, the gear cover must first be removed from the transmission. This will allow access to the two motor screws that secure the motor to the aluminum motor plate. Remove the pinion gear and the motor screws. Be careful not to lose the small washers on the motor screws. Next, unplug the motor wires and remove the motor from the vehicle. Note that the EXO is different, but just as easy.
Using a paintbrush (the stiffer the bristles the better), remove as much of the dirt from the motor as possible. Pay close attention to the bushings or bearings at each end of the motor and take care to brush the dirt away from the motor’s openings. The last thing want to do is push dirt into the motor.
Using hobby-specific motor spray such as Duratrax Power Shot, spray the motor until the runoff is clear. Make sure you read and follow the safety instructions on the motor spray. Attach the pinion gear and spin the motor a few times and then spray the inside of the motor one more time. The motor spray should run out of the motor clear. keep repeating this process until the motor is visibly clean and the motor spray runoff is clear.
When the motor is clean, place it on a rag or paper towel. After the motor spray has completely dried, place a single drop of oil on each bushing or bearing. Don't over lubricate these parts as that will only allow dirt to stick and will actually be counterproductive.
Your motor is now ready to be installed in your Axial vehicle. Install the motor in the reverse manner it was removed. The old standby method of setting gear mesh is to insert a piece of paper between the pinion and spur gear.
