Kraton stock V3 bearings VS. Aftermarket bearings, thoughts?

[Kracer74]

Do you feel that the stock V3 bearings are comparable to aftermarket bearings or do you feel they are inferior?

 

[Lazy Bushman]

I’ve only had mine a few months and the stock ones are going fine. Just keep them clean and lubricated, but at some stage they will get crunchy....it just depends on the conditions where you are driving them. I have a couple of packs of fast eddy’s ready for when the time is right but while the stock are still good then no point changing

 

[Notorious J]

If you are running in clean, dry conditions, the stock will suffice in the short term. They are steel shield type, and if they become contaminated, they will seize. A set of good rubber sealed bearings is highly recommended. If a bearing fails at the wrong time, the resulting damage to drive train components would multiply your repair costs. If you are the type who cleans the truck after each run, and can maintain the stock, stick with them for, but for $25 or so, you get a complete set of rubber shield ones, including the four to replace the bushings in the steering posts.

 

[WoodiE]

Do you feel that the stock V3 bearings are comparable to aftermarket bearings or do you feel they are inferior?

I have very rarely ever cared much about most any stock bearings. The aftermarket bearings have always served me a lot better. I prefer FastEddyBearings but Avid and Boca are also good brands too.

 

[Kracer74]

I’ve only had mine a few months and the stock ones are going fine. Just keep them clean and lubricated, but at some stage they will get crunchy....it just depends on the conditions where you are driving them. I have a couple of packs of fast eddy’s ready for when the time is right but while the stock are still good then no point changing

I have very rarely ever cared much about most any stock bearings. The aftermarket bearings have always served me a lot better. I prefer FastEddyBearings but Avid and Boca are also good brands too.

I purchased after market bearings before I received the truck. Anyway the stock bearings are sealed with a metal plate in both sides and the after market are sealed with metal on one side and a blueish plastic/rubber on the other. Are either of these equal to affect the outside contaminants? Maybe I should google a general hearing debate. Idk.

 

[Dutch213]

stock bearings rust more and get gritty easy.. They usually are pretty bad off after a month IMO... sealed bearings last way longer.

 

[slick2500]

I purchased after market bearings before I received the truck. Anyway the stock bearings are sealed with a metal plate in both sides and the after market are sealed with metal on one side and a blueish plastic/rubber on the other. Are either of these equal to affect the outside contaminants? Maybe I should google a general hearing debate. Idk.

You got hybrid bearings, those are usually good in places where one side of the bearing is exposed to the elements but the other is not, like diff cases and gear boxes but don't really work well in the hubs.

Rubber sealed bearings in a basher vehicle will always always be better than metal shielded bearings. Metal shielded bearings are meant for indoor use only they are not designed to be used in areas where there is moisture, dust or dirt.

My stock bearings lasted a couple months tops, I didn't realize they were bad until I lost my rear diff do to the bearings exploding on the center out drive. I've had Jim's in my Outcast since last December and they are still doing great.

 

[PowerDubs]

Just removed the bearings on my new Not after only three or four runs. And I can feel them being notchy when turned by hand.

I would highly advise replacing the bearings in these trucks pretty much from the get go.

It’s not that I mind the extra 20 something dollars for the bearings, it is a lot of time to tear it all down and replace them ourselves.

Arrma should really do that from the get go and just raise the cost.

 

[DoNoHarm]

I always say it. I was very surprised and disappointed when I unboxed my senton 6s and the bearings weren't sealed.

 

[Lazy Bushman]

I just changed out the wheel bearings on my Kraton from stock. The originals were still "ok" but getting a little gritty. After market bearings like FastEddy's are better but the stock is ok for a while. What a while is depends on the terrain you drive in, how well you maintain etc etc....but specialist aftermarket are better of course.....remember Arrma like all manufacturers need to manufacture to a price as well as quality. I think Arrma do a much better job than most in this regard for the average basher

 

[Kracer74]

Just removed the bearings on my new Not after only three or four runs. And I can feel them being notchy when turned by hand.

I would highly advise replacing the bearings in these trucks pretty much from the get go.

It’s not that I mind the extra 20 something dollars for the bearings, it is a lot of time to tear it all down and replace them ourselves.

Arrma should really do that from the get go and just raise the cost.

I agree. I’ve been slowly changing bearings as I’m modding diffs and other parts. Would be nice if they were sealed out of the box. I’d easily spend another $50-100 if Arrmas had a few better quality parts to included to an already great car. I.E tires, servo, bearings wing mount and center diff mount. I’m still very thrilled overall with my cars. Wish I’d known about Arrma years ago

 

[bicketybam]

Bearings are a consumable. Doesn't matter if they are Avix or Fast Eddy's, rubber shielded or metal shielded....they all fail over time. I've had Fast Eddy's seize on me after I ran in water and let the truck sit. That's on me. I just replace them because for me that's easier than trying to service them.

As far as the truck not coming with rubber shielded bearings, not all were rubber shielded in my $800 Super Rock Rey. But I'm sure they all are in the e-revo because that is the pinnacle of RC engineering ?