Shock absorbers are one of the most important parts of your RC car. With any scale, it is indeed a key element, which will change the behavior of your radio-controlled car.
Thanks to this tutorial, let's see together how to assemble and fill them to make the most of their performance and longevity. Indeed, an approximate assembly will quickly be able to generate leaks, damage the silicone oil more quickly, and reduce the damping capacities of your car.
Today we have selected the shock absorbers for the Kyosho MP10 TKI2, the latest 1/8 off-road competition buggy. Except for a few details, all shocks are made of the same elements, so you will be able to follow this tutorial to assemble and fill your shocks regardless of the brand and model used.
To know everything about the shock absorbers, pistons and the effects of adjustments, you can also follow our tutorial recorded live HERE.
Tools and accessories used :
- Silicone oil (recommended setup: 600cst)
- An old tyre insert or high density foam
- A hobby knife
- A 5mm nuts driver
- A flat head grip
- 1.5mm Hex driver
- For the final details, a Dremel with a sanding bit
HOW TO DO:
- Build preparation
- Dipping O-rings in grease for a better seal
- Install O-rings and bushings in the cartridge
- Mount pistons on shafts
- Install dust protection
- Fill up with silicone oil
- Wait until there is no more air into the oil
- Closing the cap slowly
- Lock the cap
- Dremel the shock collars for an easy reading of ride height adjustment
Thanks to this technique, your shock absorbers will have a constant and reliable behavior, throughout their life.
By ensuring a good seal of the O-rings, you can use the same oil for several hours without even asking yourself the question of changing it!
It is indeed necessary to pay special attention to these details which could really limit the life of the seals and the oil of your shock absorbers. If the shock body surface treatment is of good quality, the oil should still be clear, even after hours of use.
If this is not the case, it will be necessary to provide for a change of the seals at the bottom of the shock absorber, or to opt for optional bodies with a more efficient surface treatment.
If the track conditions or the temperature change, you just have to empty them and change the oil by repeating the last steps of our tutorial.
It's your turn!