Team Associated B5M Build – Part 2 – Front Suspension

Tony Phalen January 6, 2015 RC Build Blog - Team Associated B5M Build 605 Views

The Build – Part 2
The front suspension on the B5M has been completely revamped from the B4. If you’re an avid AE owner, you’ll want to take a few extra seconds while building to make sure you have everything pointing in the right direction.

Build Notes:
A few of the parts have additional markings on them (ie, degrees, arrows, etc). To make these a little easier to read, I hightlighted them using a silver Sharpie.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 12 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 12

Grab the axle inserts from the bag and match up the sets; there will be four 3mm inserts and four 2mm/4mm inserts. Again, to make them more visible, I highlighted them with a silver Sharpie.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 13 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 13

Insert the 6mm ballstud into each steering block (they only install one way). Use the M3 locknut to capture the ballstud.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 14 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 14

Press the steering block inserts into place; I’m installed them using the kit standard 4mm setting. Once installed (and completely seated), press a 5×10 bearing into one side. Now install the crush tube followed by another 5×10 bearing.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 15 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 15

Slide the front axle into place and secure with the M3x5mm screw. A small drop of threadlocker is suggested here.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 16 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 16

Before we move on, get aquainted with the caster blocks. It’s possible to get these mixed up so pay attention to the next few steps to make sure you’re using the correct one. The one on the left is the left block; the one on the right is the right block.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 17 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 17

Install the 10mm ballstud, capturing it with the M3 locknut. Slide a 5° caster block insert into the opening as shown. The manual also has you installing a M2.5x6mm screw and a M3x8mm set screw. These are optional parts; since AE didn’t include them, I’m not going to worry about them until I feel I need them.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 18 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 18

Insert the hat bushings up and into the holes in the caster block. Slide the steering block assembly into place and secure with the M3x12mm screws. Do not overtighten; you want them tight enough that there is very little play but still having free swing movement.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 21 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 21

A quick look at the two front suspension hinge pins; the ones on the left are for the caster block, the ones on the right for the inner bulkhead.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 19 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 19

Slide the hinge pin though the suspension arm, the spacer and then the caster block assembly. Secure with the M2.5 screw. Note the orientation of the suspension arm.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 20 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 20

Assembled left front suspension arm.

Team Associated B5M Build – Part 22 — Team Associated B5M Buggy Build Step 22

Now mate your front suspension arm assemblies to the front bulkhead (already attached to the chassis) and slide the longer hinge pins through to secure. Press the front hinge pin brace into place and secure with the two M2.5x8mm screws.