1. What do GE3, GC5, XSO, XCG etc... mean?

General series ball bearings: GE3, GE5, GC3, GC5. Type-X series ball bearings: XSO, XSG, XCO, XCG.

NOTE: Some sizes are not available in all types.

General and Type-X series ball bearings feature different radial play (distance between the balls and the inner raceways) and lubrication. A zero slop ball bearing might not be the type you need for your r/c vehicle.

General series ball bearings are good for all purposes with low maintenance. This is the type of ball bearings you want to use in your backyard bashers. They work extremely well with high precision parts such as aluminum uprights, 2nd speed spur gear.

Type-X series ball bearings are specially made for your racing machines with dedicated radial play and lubrication. They are very low friction and can withstand unprecision found in composite/plastic parts.

2. What is ABEC grade?

The ABEC scale is a system used throughout the manufacturing industry for rating the manufacturing tolerances of precision bearings, developed by the Annular Bearing Engineering Committee (ABEC) of the American Bearing Manufacturers Association(ABMA). Bearings are rated using an odd number between 1 and 9. The higher the number, the greater the manufactured precision of the bearing. Bearings manufactured within tighter tolerance ranges provide greater accuracy of shaft rotation and contribute to higher speed capability. However, the ABEC rating does not specify many other critical factors, such as smoothness of the rolling contact surfaces, ball precision, and material quality.

There are no required materials to meet the ABEC specifications required to be rated on the scale, but the bearings must be made to a certain accuracy and precision. Bearings not conforming to at least ABEC 1 are not precision bearings. ABEC and ISO precision gradings are used for bearings throughout the industry.

The scale is designed to allow a user to make an informed decision about the type of bearing they are purchasing. High rated bearings are intended for precision applications like aircraft instruments or surgical equipment. Lower grades are intended for the vast majority of applications such as vehicles, mechanical hobbies, skates, fishing reels and industrial machinery. High ABEC rated bearings allow optimal performance of critical applications requiring very high RPM and smooth operation. High ABEC rated bearings do not make equipment go faster however they allow high precision equipment to operate at their optimum speed and efficiency.

3. Is stock lubrication safe to composite and plastic parts?

Yes, both oil and grease we used are safe to nylon composite & ABS parts. But for realistic r/c models such as those by Tamiya's are made of styrene and most lubrication will attack plastic after a long period of time in contact.

4. Tell me more about ceramic hybrid ball bearings and ceramic diff balls?

Ceramic hybrid ball bearings use ceramic balls in place of steel balls. They are constructed with steel inner and outer rings, but ceramic balls, hence the hybrid designation.

Ceramic balls weigh up to 40% less than steel bearing balls, depending on size. This reduces centrifugal loading and skidding, so hybrid ceramic bearings can operate 20% to 40% faster than conventional bearings. This means that the outer race groove exerts less force inward against the ball as the bearing spins. This reduction in force reduces the friction and rolling resistance. The lighter ball allows the bearing to spin faster, and uses less energy to maintain its speed.

GRADE 5 ceramic balls are used in General ceramic hybrid ball bearings, Type-X ceramic hybrid ball bearings and ceramic diff balls. Ceramic balls are made from solid silicone nitride, Si3N4, dark grey in color. Not coated nor anodized. They are very hard, lightweight, low wear, non-corrosive, non-magnetic, can withstand high temperature with very low expansion rate, high melting point.

5. How to degrease or clean ball bearings? What type of lubrication should be used?

You can use high quality motor spray, brake cleaner, gasoline or liquor thinner. When degreasing rubber shield ball bearings, make sure to take the shields out with a sharp hobby knife, might require some practice. Metal shield ball bearings can be treated as is. When degreasing process is finished, usually 2-3 hours, use a hair dryer to vapourize any moisture left on the ball bearings, then lube them again.

Ball Bearings with Steel Balls
We would recommend grease, Kyosho SP oil, Serpent bearing lube, Muchmore spin lube for bearings, Deuthlon RC bearing lube. When using PTFE based lubes, remember to shake them before applying.

Ball Bearings with Ceramic Balls
Lube the same way as ball bearings with steel balls but if you do not do maintenance very often, please use grease. Lack of lubrication in ceramic hybrid ball bearings will cause excessive wear on the inside of the rings within 1 race.

Clutch Bell/2nd Speed Hub Ball Bearings
No matter what type of ball bearings, degrease them and let them run dry. No lubrication is suggested as it could cause slippery engagements.

Push Type Clutch Thrust Ball Bearings
We would recommend using Mugen Seiki Super Joint Grease #B0330 on both economy and ceramic thrust ball bearings. Only a light amount on the balls is fine. Other high temp thick grease will also work well.

Differential Balls and Diff Thrust Ball Bearings
As advised by many team drivers, only use Team Associated #6636 (white) for diff balls and #6588 (black) for thrust balls. Misuse of diff ball greases with ceramic balls could result in weird diff adjustments, either slip or too tight.

6. Can I use ball bearings from general bearing stores for engines and push type clutches?

Not suggested. They could fit but different in internal specifications such as radial play, number of balls, size of balls etc...

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