Fix Your TT-02: Stripped Pinion & Spur & 68T High-Speed Set Upgrade Guide

(With Video) Fix stripped spur and pinion gears on your TT-02 with our comprehensive guide. Find out which tools and parts you need and more…

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Main Contents

🚀 Introduction

Stripped gears on your Tamiya TT-02 can stop the fun — but the fix is simple! This guide will help you:

Remove and replace damaged pinion & spur gears 🔩
Install the durable 68T High-Speed Gear Set ⚡
Upgrade for smoother, more reliable performance 🏁

📺 Video – Walkthrough

Watch the RCGuided YouTube tutorial 🎥 for a hands-on walkthrough.

🔄 Step-by-Step: Removing Stripped Gears

Remove screws securing gear cover & shock tower 🪛
Open gear cover to reveal spur & pinion 📂
Remove extra screws if needed ➡️
Remove stripped spur gear & clean debris 🗑️
Remove old pinion from motor shaft 🔩

⚡ Installing the 68T High-Speed Gear Set

Prepare the new spur gear 📦
Fit spur gear, ensuring smooth spin on bearings ⚙️
Reattach gear cover & shock tower 🛡
Remove motor from chassis 🔌
Install new steel pinion gear, align with spur 🥇
Reinstall motor and close assembly 🔙

✅ Final Checks

Wheels spin smoothly by hand 🔄
Screws tight but not overtightened 🪛
Wires secured with no debris 🧹
Low-speed test before full throttle 🏁

Pro tip: Using the 68T High-Speed Gear Set and steel pinion gear improves drivetrain durability and smoothness hugely.

💡 Why run Bearings over Bushings?

🚀 Benefits:

Faster acceleration 🏎️
Longer battery life 🔋
Cooler running temps ❄️
Less wear & maintenance ♻️

🔧 How to Install: Remove wheels and axles, replace bushings with correct-size ball bearings (5x11x4 mm), then reassemble.

⚖️ Gear Pitch & Mesh Essentials

TT-02 uses Mod 0.6 pitch — don’t mix with 48P ⛔
Set mesh for a slight play in gears 👍
Larger spur + smaller pinion = more torque 🪤
Smaller spur + bigger pinion = more speed 🏁

❓ Why Gears Strip — and How to Prevent It

💥 Causes

Wire or debris caught in drivetrain 🪢
Incorrect or loose gear mesh ⚠️
Aluminum pinions instead of steel 🪙
Worn bushings increase friction 🌀
Mixing Mod 0.6 with 48P gears ❌

🛡 Prevention Tips

Secure wires away from moving parts ✅
Clean chassis after every run (guide on cleaning RC cars)
Inspect & adjust gear mesh regularly ✅
Upgrade to ball bearings for less wear and smoother operation

🚫 Common Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake ❌	Fix ✅
Mixing pitches “Don’t use 48P“	Use only Mod 0.6 gears
Skipping bearings	Install ball bearings
Over-tightening screws	Tighten firmly but gently
Ignoring gear mesh	Adjust for smooth operation
Unsecured wires	Tie wires away from drivetrain

🛠️ Parts & Tools You’ll Need

📦 Essential Parts

(used in video) Tamiya TT-02 High-Speed Gear Set (68T spur gear) .
(used in video) Tamiya Aluminium Pinion 22/23 Mod 0.6
- (Optional Upgrade) Steel replacement pinion gear — more durable than aluminum
- Matching pitch: Mod 0.6 only — don’t mix with 48P ⛔
(Optional Upgrade) Ball bearings to replace bushings
- TT-02 Bearing Set – Might be better to get the whole set

🔧 Tools

(Used in video) VESSEL BALL GRIP 1/4″ Hex Screwdriver Set
- (Cheaper Option) Any JIS screwdrivers (+1 & +2)
1.5 mm hex wrench
- Best Option – (ProTek RC “TruTorque”) or (MIP)
- Any 1.5mm hex driver will get the job done
Magnetic screw tray or small container for screws 📎
(Optional) Thread-locking Compound to keep the grub screw secure (on pinion)
- Note: Use Low Strength Threadlocker – so you can get it off!

💬 FAQs

Q1: How often should I check my gear mesh? 🕒
Every few runs or if you hear unusual noises.

Q2: Steel or aluminum pinion? 🥇
Steel lasts longer and resists stripping.

Q3: Are ball bearings worthwhile? 📈
Yes — more speed, efficiency, and less wear.

Tamiya TT-02 Top 5 Budget Upgrades — Affordable and effective TT-02 upgrades
Comprehensive Pinion and Spur Gear Guide — Understanding gearing for speed and torque
Essential Upgrades for Boosting Your RC Car’s Performance — Brushless motors, batteries, tires, and more
Build the Perfect Tamiya TT02 — In-depth TT-02 upgrades guide from AsiaTees
How to Clean Your RC Car — Best cleaning methods for longevity and performance
Hex Wrenches and Driver Sets for RC Cars — Recommended tools for precision maintenance

💡 Final Tip:
Upgrading your TT-02 with the 68T High-Speed Gear Set and durable steel pinion gear is one of the most effective ways to boost performance and prevent gear stripping. Remember to keep the gear mesh properly set, clean debris frequently, and secure wires to ensure smooth, reliable runs every time 🌟.