Hornet Evo - One bearing on front wheels instead of two?

[RC_Hobbyist 63]

On the Hornet Evo, could you get away with only running one bearing on the front wheels instead of two as the instructions say?

It would save on bearings in the long run, even if it is only two.

[TurnipJF 10945]

You could leave a bearing out, but you'd need to put something (such as a plastic or bronze bushing) in its place otherwise the wheel will wobble and the lone bearing will suffer accelerated wear. I'm not sure why you would want to though - bearings are cheap and easily available these days.

[markbt73 6250]

No. The wheel will wobble like crazy, the car will handle like garbage, and if you put a plastic bushing in to take up the space, you're adding back in the drag that the bearings are supposed to take out.

The kit comes with full bearings. Just use them.

[RC_Hobbyist 63]

48 minutes ago, markbt73 said:

No. The wheel will wobble like crazy, the car will handle like garbage, and if you put a plastic bushing in to take up the space, you're adding back in the drag that the bearings are supposed to take out.

The kit comes with full bearings. Just use them.

I have.

I bought a set of Traxxas rubber sealed bearings as spares.

[El Gecko 1673]

3 hours ago, RC_Hobbyist said:

On the Hornet Evo, could you get away with only running one bearing on the front wheels instead of two as the instructions say?

As mentioned above, the simple answer is no. Just follow the instructions.

A bearing-type front wheel always requires 2 bearings (or bushings), one on the outside and one on the inside, to match the length of the axle. If you omit the inside bearing, the wheel will slide back and forth along the axle, wobble because half of it isn't properly supported, and impact or drag on the steering upright and/or the C-hub. If you omit the outside one, the wheel will still wobble, and then most likely just fall off the car as it slides off the bearing.

 

3 hours ago, RC_Hobbyist said:

It would save on bearings in the long run, even if it is only two.

1 hour ago, RC_Hobbyist said:

I bought a set of Traxxas rubber sealed bearings as spares.

You're overthinking it, bearings can last a long time. I have some from 30+ years ago that are still perfectly usable.

[Kowalski86 4983]

1 hour ago, RC_Hobbyist said:

I have.

I bought a set of Traxxas rubber sealed bearings as spares.

If you ever need more bearings for future projects, order these:

https://winterevening.com/product/tamiya-tl-01-wr-01-gf-01-26-pcs-rubber-sealed-bearing-kit/?srsltid=AfmBOopn0H4x4ROxiqyt-k4F3dWb23M44PEnBICVVPtHkPuUN3vDQH3u

They come with more than enough that can be used in many RC models, since they're all standard sizes.

8 minutes ago, El Gecko said:

.You're overthinking it, bearings can last a long time. I have some from 30+ years ago that are still perfectly usable.

On a lightweight Hornet EVO with a silver can motor, the bearings will last for ages. It's only modern, super fast and heavy stuff that can really eat through bearings.

[Frog Jumper 4456]

Bearings are cheap.  And if they mess up, just replace.  No need for special RC bearings.  Just look for "5mm x 11mm" (1150).

uxcell 685ZZ Ball Bearing 5mm x 11mm x 5mm Double Shielded 685-2Z Deep Groove Bearings, Carbon Steel (Pack of 20):  https://a.co/d/7IOn8sa

Terry

[MadAnt 856]

The wheel needs two bearings because it needs support on both sides and if it just had one bearing installed on one side of the wheel, the wheel could fall off.

Don't worry about saving money on a few bearings when you can easily buy them in bulk at a decent cost and have them last for years. The 5x11x4mm or 1150 size bearings is commonly used in Tamiya RC kits, so stockpiling on them is a good idea if you plan on having multiple RC runners/bashers. 

 

[RC_Hobbyist 63]

14 hours ago, MadAnt said:

Don't worry about saving money on a few bearings when you can easily buy them in bulk at a decent cost and have them last for years. The 5x11x4mm or 1150 size bearings is commonly used in Tamiya RC kits, so stockpiling on them is a good idea if you plan on having multiple RC runners/bashers. 

 

I follow the saying "It's better to have them and not need them rather than need them and not have them."

[guggles 367]

There is a reason why since the inception of bearings in wheels on a spindle, there are two bearings used. No matter if it is a roller bearing, tapered roller bearing or a ball bearing. 

I cant really explain why its needed in super technical terms, but it is all about the force that the bearing can take. It can take straight down force very well, but when the bearing is loaded and a force trys to tilt the bearing on itself its bad, very bad.

 Its why bearings are susceptible to damage with installation. Force on inner race pushing side to side. 

 

 

 

 

[Tamiyastef 3073]

On 3/5/2025 at 11:40 AM, RC_Hobbyist said:

as the instructions say?

Do the instructions really say to just use 1 bearing? 

[Kpowell911 2597]

In the 80s when bearings were expensive maybe I can see your point? But in 2025 when bearings are literally pennies, why even consider this?

[RC_Hobbyist 63]

I have kept using the two bearings on the front wheels.