The Build – Part 1
The first part of our Team Associated T5M build revolves around the steering. This ST features a bearing-supported, dual-bellcrank steering system that includes tuning features like Ackermann, bumpsteer and and toe.
Build Notes:
In the later steps you may notice that I highlighted the molded lettering on the bulkheads with a silver Sharpie. This makes it much easier for me to identify which bulkhead I’ve installed; either the 25° or 30° part.
The bearings for the entire kit come in one bag, so open the bag, get what you need for this step and set the other aside.
Step 5 has you assembling with 22mm screws, per the manual. There were no 22mm screws in my kit, only 24mm ones. I used these without any issues.
Start Part 1 by installing the 4 bearings into the steering rack. Next, slide a 2mm washer over the heavy duty ballstud and assemble. Slip a red o-ring over both ballstuds. This helps remove any slop the steering might have. Attach the bellcrank arms to the steering rack as shown. Do not overtighten these screws; the bellcrank arms must move back and forth smoothly and without bind. Insert 4 more bearings into the bellcrank arms. Before assembly, look closely at the bellcrank brace. You’ll notice one side is flat, the other has a slight lip on it. This lip needs to face the bearings during assembly. So, slide the 2 24mm screws (see Build Notes above) through the bellcrank brace and up through the bellcrank arms. Attach the steering assembly to the top plate. I found it easier to flip the top plate over and attach as shown. Do not overtighten; everything needs to swing freely. Attach the front chassis plate to the chassis. Attach the center chassis plate to the chassis. Here are the 2 front bulkheads AE has supplied with the T5M. As mentioned in the Build Notes, I used a silver Sharpie to highlight the number for easy reference. The manual suggests using the 25° bulkhead (or 25° Kickup) during the build, so that’s what we did. You can read up a little more on Kickup on our RC Tuning Guide page. Assemble the bulkhead and top plate. They are a press-fit so they should stay together easily. Attach the top plate/steering assembly to the chassis. Swing the steering assembly back and forth a few times to make sure there is no binding in the system.Great job!
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 1 – Steering
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 2 – Front Suspension
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 3 – Rear Suspension Part 1
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 4 – Transmission
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 5 – Rear Suspension Part 2
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 6 – Shocks
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 7 – Electronics
Team Associated T5M Build – Part 8 – Body, Wheels, Tires