How to Check & Fix R/C Suspension Binding

Suspension Binding is something we should try to avoid and fix at all costs. But how do you find it, and how do you fix it? That's exactly what we're going to talk about today. Keep watching to find out.
The Necessities:
Hex Tools: www.amainhobbi...
Car Stand: www.amainhobbi...
Arm Hole Reamers:
2.0mm: www.amainhobbi...
3.0mm: www.amainhobbi...
1/8" (3.17mm): www.amainhobbi...
3.5mm: www.amainhobbi...
4.0mm: www.amainhobbi...
Sanding Sticks:
Fine: www.amainhobbi...
Medium: www.amainhobbi...
Coarse: www.amainhobbi...
Calipers: www.amainhobbi...
Link Master Measuring Tool: www.amainhobbi...
Video mentioned: Over the Waves - Chevrolet Suspension (1938): • Over the Waves - Chevr...
For all of your RC needs visit AMain Hobbies: bit.ly/XcAuJr
Follow us on Instagram: / amainhobbies
Like AMain Hobbies on Facebook: / amainhobbies
Follow @AMainHobbies on Twitter: / amain_com
MUSIC BY: @DCUTTERMUSIC / HTTP://WWW.DAVIDCUTTER...

[@davidreed3724]

Very good instructions and step by step on locating the problem. Showing what bad parts may look like is a bonus. You've had a few wrecks I see lol. Keeping the parts clean is a big help for your future self every time out. 👍

[@loum7008]

Great information thank you!!! This is very helpful. I'll have a good check list when doing diff or shock maintenance. Keep the unformitive videos coming!!!

[@logancosandier3958]

I love how Brett says bending shock is rare when I bend then like it's Wednesday afternoon in the office

[@rockman49er]

I thought the same

[@traxxasrc10]

Thought the same with the traxxas shocks, otherwise I’ve never bent any other shock shafts.

[@joeyfesta2042]

I bent 1 front shock shaft & bent it back. I was very surprised I was able to continue use it.

[@AMain_Hobbies]

You: "I keep bending shock shafts; what am I doing wrong?" Continues to attempt triple back flip from half pipe. -Brett

[@seanmccuen6970]

you abuse your equipment. better you than me.

[@iainbrymer4072]

Brilliant thanks. Sorted out my suspension sag which was due to a sticky suspension arm. Thanks!

[@bretrishelrc9789]

This is something ive been having issues/ wondering about. I thought I was using too thick of shock oil but it is most likely one of these. Thanks Bret!

[@adamhirerc78]

Or if the plastic drive axle is twisted a little, will also cause binding, great video👍🏁

[@abramafs]

Super helpful video. Love the clarity, this is great thank you so much!!

[@Ryantang01]

Very helpful video and Great clear instruction! Thanks.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@K_Nasty]

Owners manual... If you took my truck apart down to every screw and threw them in a pile I could put it back together with my eyes closed.lol

[@joeyfesta2042]

Brett, your reviews & instruction on repairs & replacements are priceless.If I had any kind of business going at the moment I would definitely hire you. Have a great day

[@rafaeldestasio317]

Thank you so much! I’ve been trying to fix my rc suspension and I never found out how until you guys! Thanks!

[@tomkirbygreen]

Awesome, as always sir! Added to which, if there isn't a KZbin award for use of innuendo and double entendre there should be: you'd win by a country mile. Take care and stay safe.

[@mikeymike3240]

Hi Brett, niiiiiiice one, really useful information. Easy to watch and understand. 😎👍👍👍🇬🇧

[@the4rsofrc83]

Thanks for the tips!!!

[@JFlyer1973]

Just was given a B5m last night by a racer helping me get started in racing. This is so timely in helping me know how to keep it all operating smoothly! Great vid Brett!!! As always! Thanks!!!

[@lancebranchman]

This was a great video very very helpful.

[@runnerbaba]

Wow. What a masterpiece of Video. Thank you

[@kid_withabike7920]

“It’s uncommon to bend a shock shaft” *traxxas has entered the chat*

[@12R1rcbashr]

Great info my brotha thanks for sharing happy bashing my friend👍🤙😎😛😜😝👊✌

[@ryankim7532]

I love this video 👍

[@motorsportministries7843]

What about dirty shock oil? What should i do about that? Refilled them new and in 2 runs the oil was black and the shock was not working optimally

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Yeah, just dump the fluid and add some fresh stuff. I'll like using a lint-free towel to wipe out the cylinder too. This premier blue o-ring grease is good to apply to silicone o-rings to help seal them up a little better. Usually the oil falls down the shaft and out of the cylinder, but in off-road, any dirt on the shaft can potentially travel up into the cylinder too, contaminating it; this grease may better seal that: www.amainhobbies.com/protek-rc-premier-blue-oring-grease-multipurpose-lubricant-10ml-ptk-1410/p-qeawqseqpzqxactz -Brett

[@Reekohswahvay]

Great video. This helped me identify a bent rear shock. Was able to bend it back and it is working correctly now. Will probably order some extra shocks just in case.

[@fordfsd]

What about shock pistons? I have a car that the pistons just started to bind in the cylinders. It’s all clean and the shafts are straight. No dents in the cylinders. I can’t figure it out.... the shafts slide in freely but the pistons act like they are now to big.

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Shoot, I don't know. Plastic/Delrin pistons don't grow or swell. If anything, over prolonged use in the cylinder they actually wear down, shrinking in size. If you haven't swapped out any parts in the shock, something has to be bent. You rolled the shock shaft on a flat surface without the piston and it didn't wobble at all? -Brett

[@sudsrc8261]

some really good info here. I can't help but wonder... Who were the 3 a holes who disliked this? Some people out there just suck. ;) But enough about them. Great video. Keep up the good work.

[@motosessions]

Subscribed. You guys produce quality, educational content. Invaluable for someone like me. THANK YOU!!!

[@lisaledden2179]

Can you do more NITRO tips great video:) These videos help me out a lot!!!!

[@ucitymetalhead]

This is exactly what mine is doing not rebounding if I push it down

[@nonexegimonumentum8583]

It's funny that you used two models that I have. One is Quantum Maverick Flux and the other is Asso B6.2. And just like in this video, in Quantum the suspension doesn't work, or it broke, and the Asso works fine. I love Asso RC10B6.2! :D

[@AMain_Hobbies]

B6.2 for the win! High Five -Brett

[@AverageRCBasher]

Pinch the ball cup

[@MastaJay]

No dislikes 👑

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Wow... really good information here... i wish i knew this when i built the kit

[@kurookami20]

I have a tekno et48.3 i used to run years ago. I'm going through a rebuild at the moment and have covered almost everything mechanical in new parts yet it seems like the front arms don't travel very far until they hit the bump stop set screw against the chassis early.. again it's been a few years since i have been into the hobby but is that normal?

[@KaniZRC]

This is really good maintenance! Sadly my Maxx not needing any replacement parts lol even after 2 months of bashing and abuse. The A arm and C hub bottom screws will likely back out so watch for those and re tight.

[@dustinplee5067]

I just got done with my stampede 4x4 a couple of days ago and it will not even pick up a wheelie I checked my A arms and there is no binding and I screwed my shock threads down on my shocks and it still does not want to pop a wheelie it acts like it wants to pop a wheelie in the front like it wants to pick up but it does not want to pick up a Pop wheelie what can I fix on it to do wheelies and it’s a 14 tooth pinion so it should do wheelies it’s not an all please help

[@murtasma]

This was a great and very informative video.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Brett: "It's uncommon to bend a shock shaft". Me: "When was the last time you drove a Traxxas!"

[@joeyfesta2042]

Jerry Volpini Never ran a Traxxas myself.Ive only had HPI nitros & now Arrma electrics.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

@@joeyfesta2042 Dont get me wrong, I like Traxxas but the stock shock shafts are 'bendy', lol!

[@bugspray5286]

Where is the link mentioned, to the old suspension video?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Very sorry. Thanks for catching that! Link added, but here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5uadIV3fqyLpdk -Brett

[@LawrenceTimme]

It also helps if you use shock oil rather than glue in the damper 😲😲😲

[@gamercat7004]

I need help my slash doesn't stay straight and trimmed it and so much aligning I got so annoyed. And when deaccelerating happens it shifts to the left or right.

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Have you checked it for binding? If one of the wheels isn't spinning freely there may be some binding. The shocks also need the same amount of preload collars from the left and right side on the front, and then the rears should be the same as each other too. If you have more collars on one side than the other, the ride height and weight distribution will be off side to side. It can be off from having suspension binding too, which is also important to check. -Brett

[@gamercat7004]

@@AMain_Hobbies I ended up getting the big bore shocks from traxxas and I had a issue with the TSM and found out it was deactivated and had a blinking green light. Now it's solid green light and now it keeps it straight now. Idk if that helped the issue. Could that hide the problem by the tsm?

[@gamercat7004]

@@AMain_Hobbies I don't have preload collars on the front but have the bigger collars on the rear. So I need to have the preload on the front like the rears?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

@@gamercat7004 Could be. If the TSM wasn't working properly before, that could have been the issue. Glad it's going straight now! -Brett

[@gamercat7004]

@@AMain_Hobbies ya I noticed the blinking green light and saw a video about that and fixed it. It drives straight now.

[@robertruiz5417]

Excellent video needed this

[@any3-official]

I love ur intro👍😳🤣

[@garygallant5390]

I make sure my shafts are fully lubricated.

[@lisaledden2179]

Also can you do another video between the Trx4 and Trx4 Sport because they both go pros and cons and can't decide which one I did see the Trx4 sport video you made thanks!!!:)

[@mclovin583]

Does anyone know if your upper camber arms should be parallel to the lower arm on the rear? I'm modifying mine with ball ends but they only clears the shocks if they are pushed towards the front of the vehicle at the bulkhead. Cheers!

[@lancebranchman]

Thank you for the great info.can you do a video on the Team associated RC10T6.2 Team kit . I would love to see your Version of a set up.

[@8ssteve994]

Nice one, cheers bud

[@No.name9463]

Price for car ?

[@rickymason9728]

I have a problem with an old school rc Bigfoot truck. I think something is broken inside the rear axle

[@advisory_management]

This is really helpful, my rock racer has bound independent front suspension and I didn’t know why until I did some of the things it said to do in the video, thanks!

[@Eric-the-pro]

How do i fix squeaky shocks 🤔

[@CHEVY0527]

Thank you, very helpful video. 👍 Arm Reamer

[@devanmorrison7419]

Do kyosho M9 tki4 video also do a video on premounted tires vs tires you need to mount yourself

[@andreschavez6556]

THANK YOU!,I have this problem

[@awadatashii]

Thanks, chap! You're a godsend for us newbs!

[@Ratboycure]

Love your explanations and tutorials. Appreciate the help.

[@baltazgaming_0521]

What is the car in the vid?

[@AverageRCBasher]

Move the shaft in and out, sounds dirty when Brett says it

[@aa240sx]

super timely video, brett. was just doing some suspension work on my scx10 and noticed on some terrain my rear suspension would lift on one side and not stay down. anyway, this ended up being caused by the spring actually rubbing against the shock tower. So another thing I would also check is to make sure the spacer used to attach the upper shock is long enough so that the spring on the shock does not hit the shock mount.

[@jessicabailey7213]

my 4x4 rc trucks shocks lock and i would like to know how to fix it

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Shocks usually lock up from a bent shock shaft, caked on dirt/mud, or having too much fluid in the shock cylinder resulting in hydrolock (but this can only happen if you just rebuilt the shocks). A bent shock shaft is usually most common, at least for off-road vehicles. Give them a check and let me know what you find out. -Brett

[@pimpsterrrrr]

Great clear instruction! Thanks.

[@damaylaphoenix1155]

i have my car on a stand with the wheels off. the suspension moved freely untill i put the shocks on , now its stiff. if i lift the arms up it move freely again. is that normal?

[@damaylaphoenix1155]

it is a arrma typhon!

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Yeah, it's normal for the suspension to feel stiffer once the shock is installed. As long as the arms are bound, and neither is the shock, you should be ok to reinstall everything and go drive! -Brett

[@damaylaphoenix1155]

@@AMain_Hobbies thanks , i found the problem , i put rubber inserts in the outdrive, the same ones that come on the rear diff of a kraton v5. not a good idea for the front diff , as it make the steering unmovable. i did put some in the center lets see how that go's ! lol! thanks again for the advice! Have a awesome Christmas and new year!

[@pedrogustavosiqueiraneves9444]

Thank you!!! Very good, good man!!!

[@gustavosoares2357]

how big of a reamer do i need for my e revo 1/16 vxl

[@AMain_Hobbies]

You'll need to measure the diameter of the hinge pin. Calipers make this easy: www.amainhobbies.com/protek-rc-6-digital-caliper-w-lcd-display-hard-case-ptk-8290/p678630 -Brett

[@rccrew4932]

if a part is bend then you can also bend it back. is cheaper :D

[@Krideezy]

Some parts yes. You do not want to bend shock shafts back to their original shape you may damage the integrity of the shafts travel.

[@joeyfesta2042]

Sorry but that’s not necessarily accurate.If you break a glass or ceramic figurine you can repair it with glue but it will never be as good as new. There will always be that weak link in the bend of the shock shift.

[@rccrew4932]

Yeah but I'm just a basher so I don't mind little damage. I bend things back multiple times without problems

[@paulclancy2404]

Both true never work like new but if your sending or landing with extreme force you just bend again anyway lol

[@paulclancy2404]

My granite shocks I've bent back they leak anyway

[@creative_expressionproductions]

dude...if we bought new shock shafts everytime we bent one we would be broke! Just tap that sucker straight on a wooden block with a non marring hammer...goo d to go.

[@AluzJunior]

Hi, I have a problem. I upgraded my Wltoys 12428 suspension with a aluminum one. The front suspension moves freely with the hands. But when I install the shocks it binds down and don't get back up. It appears that the springs can't handle the truck weight. I tested the shocks and they are working good, apparently.

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Yes, sounds like the vehicle is too heavy for the shocks. Shocks need to be tuned to the vehicle weight and application. -Brett

[@AluzJunior]

@@AMain_Hobbies but the shocks came with the suspension kit. Do you have any idea to fix this?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

​@@AluzJunior If your suspension doesn't bind, and the shocks move freely, I can only assume the shocks are not tuned for the vehicle. I'm really not sure, and Wltoys is not a part of our collection. You might want to try contacting them. -Brett

[@Nerm78]

Great info. Thanks!

[@efthimisspyropoulos]

Yes you're right !

[@smitheshn6637]

Which car is that in the pic?

[@burn1gotbeats]

Helpful thx 🙏

[@bikesandrc4387]

I almost made it. 516th

[@johnmiller4553]

🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@krisennadasen9558]

Great

[@whoeverwonders9892]

can I just spray WD40?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

No

[@whoeverwonders9892]

@@AMain_Hobbies damage the plastic and attract dirt?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

@@whoeverwonders9892 It shouldn't damage the plastics, but WD40 is not a cleaner, so it will not clean your vehicle and will leave a residue if not wiped off. -Brett

[@whoeverwonders9892]

@@AMain_Hobbies sounds reasonable, thanks for the reply!

[@jean-marcescutary7946]

😎👏👏👍👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️

[@sherzodshukurov7689]

Please spekin,,,,,$

[@joyroy366]

Fourth 😂😂

[@RC-ty5ym]

Ah sh*t, I'm not the first. Then I'm the second.

[@Louc4356]

i was second viewer and first liker it was 38 seconds

[@jonyyyy3671]

Poop im third

[@Louc4356]

first

[@borisbritva8486]

Чудове відео, дякую!