Posted: 10/15/13
Axial's AS-3 servo is standard equipment in all RTR Axial vehicles. We know most people hear the term "RTR servo" and they immediately think an "upgrade" is in order. But, this servo is actually very capable for an RTR servo, especially when used in conjunction with 1.9 wheels and tires. The AS-3 servo is a digital servo, it has metal gears and is rated at 150 ounces of torque at 6.0 volts. The one drawback that this servo does have is the main output shaft is supported by a plastic bushing rather than a bearing. After you have run a few battery packs through your RTR you may notice a little slop in the servo's output shaft where the servo horn attaches. Once dirt gets in around the output shaft and bushing, it starts to wear the bushing fairly quickly. As the bushing wears the servo output shaft will develop some side to side play. Once it wears to a certain point your gear mesh will be compromised and you run the risk of stripping teeth off a servo gear. Luckily for us Fast Eddy Bearings has recognized that a simple inexpensive bearing can add a lot of life to that RTR servo, and eliminate these problems. This is the best "bang for your buck" mod you can make to any Axial RTR vehicle. It is a simple, inexpensive way to upgrade your Axial AS-3 RTR servo.
Remove the servo horn from the servo's output shaft. Then, remove the servo from the front axle. You will want to unplug the servo from the receiver, just to make the switch less of a hassle. A shot of the servo, and the new 6x10x2.5mm bearing that will replace the bushing.
Using a 1.5mm driver, loosen up the 4 small screws on the bottom of the servo case.
You can leave the screws in the case, just make sure they are all loose.
Set the servo upright so it is sitting on the heads of the 4 screws. Push down on the case and the screws will pop the top cap off. Notice the white bushing on the servo's output shaft. That is what we will be replacing. If you don't see it around the output, check the cap of the servo case.
Bushing removed.
A side by side shot of the bearing and bushing.
Install the new bearing in the top cap.
Reinstall the servo's top cap and you are done!
Performing this simple mod will add a lot of life to your AS-3 servo. As mentioned earlier, this is one of the best mods you can make to your RTR Axial vehicle for durability reasons. If you have an old AS-3 servo laying around because it has some slop and you wanted to upgrade. Try installing one of these bearings, and you will have a decent metal gear servo for your spare parts bin.
Link to 6x10x2.5 bearing.
https://www.fasteddybearings.com/6x10x2-5-metal-shielded-bearing-mr106zz-w2-5/
Still not sure you have the confidence to perform this modification? Check out Team Fast Eddy's video tutorial for a visual step by step "how to"!
