The Build – Part 1 – Steering
We’re starting the Team Associated B5M build with the assembly of the steering. This buggy uses a dual bellcrank design similar to the older B4 series. I rolls on precision bearings and is extremely smooth.
Build Notes:
- Pay close attention to the build steps and how the parts go together. There are molded flanges and ‘steps’ in some of the plastic parts that need to go a certain direction during assembly.
Step 1:
Start by assembling the steering rack. Press 4 bearings into the rack; 2 ont he top and 2 on the bottom. Slide a blue, 2mm washer over the 8mm ballstud and screw it into the rack. Flex an orange o-ring over both ballstuds.
Step 2:
Here’s a close up of the assembled rack. Note the arrow and the orientation of the rack.
Step 3:
Screw a 6mm ballstud into the left bellcrank arms and then, using the M3x12mm screws, attach the pair of bellcrank arms to the rack. Do not overtighten; you want the arms to swing freely without any binding.
Step 4:
Press the 4 bearings into the bellcrank arms; 2 on the bottom, 2 on the top. Slide the pair of M3x22mm screws through the bellcrank brace and up through the bellcrank arm bearings. Note the flange on the bellcrank brace; it should face upwards.
Step 5:
Screw the bellcrank assembly to the B5 top plate. Again, do not overtighten; the bellcrank system should swing freely.
Step 6:
Attach the B5M front chassis plate to the chassis.
Step 7:
Attach the B5M chassis cradle to the chassis.
Step 8:
The B5M comes with 2 from bulkheads; a 25° and a 30°. We’re going to build the kit with the 25° block. To make it easier to read, I took a silver Sharpie and colored the etched area. This is optional but makes it much easier to read it.
Step 9:
Press the 25° bulkhead onto the steering rack assembly.
Step 10:
Attach the assembly from Step 9 to the chassis, securing with the M3x16mm screws. You’ll be inserting the screws into the rear-most holes under the chassis.
Step 11:
Your assembly steering. Rotate the rack to make sure if swings freely back and forth. If not, disassemble and loosen the screws slightly from Step 5.
Next: Front suspension
