The Nutter

What should I do with my servo?

I have a Futaba S3003 servo (I think it's standard for all Tamiya Cars) and the wheel that the steering fits onto moves around. This movement is sideways and it slightly moves my steering to the sides even though the Servo isn't Turning.
I've been told that there might be a problem with the shaft or the bearings.

I've also been told that I could repair it with a "Servo Repair Kit".
What is a Servo Repair Kit?
How much would it cost?
and
Is it worth getting the kit or a new servo?

Franky

it only cost 25 bucks for a new one. why worry about the repair.
i have a few spare S3003. do u need one?

fastolfart

I am sure that the S3003 servo has plastic bushes and thats were the movement is comming from.
Cheap to replace it or buy a ball race for it.

WC

iTrader: (28)

S3003 does not have bushings nor bearings, all the gears are
supported *directly* by the servo case. You cannot ballrace
an S3003 just by adding bearings - need more parts than that.

However... it is also impossible for the servo to be worn so much
that there is freeplay... as all servos have a position feedback
system and it will simply adjust its position as needed.



From the sounds of it there is a *Tamiya* involved?

If so... I'd point my finger first at a sloppy servo saver.
And if your Tamiya is not one full of carbonfibre & alloy, probably
there'll be sloppy/worn steering ballcups & brass balls too.

Don't worry about it... steering slop don't hurt Tamiya handling much.

fastolfart

There you go i stand corrected, never pulled apart a 3003 before.
But dont dobt that the caseing can be worn were the output shaft runs through the case causing slop, but do the checks as WC has stated, as it could be quite simple like a servo saver come loose

WC

iTrader: (28)

Nah... I'm a big admirer of well-engineered products &
imho Futaba did a fantastic job on the S3003.


The output gear actually rides direct on the feedback pot, and
is supported by a very chunky part of the case. The feedback pot
is also pretty chunky, overspec'd compared to other servos.

To get wear-n-tear on any of these surfaces... I honestly think
you'll have worn thru the teeth on the gears first before anything
wear like that is bad enough to be noticeable.



yeah, I own several dozens of them 3003s.
(also rebranded as Tamiya, Duratrax, Tower Hobbies etc)

Spent a fair bit of time during TCS 2003 doing servo surgery...
including one incident where the output gear was smacked right
out the side of the case - quite impressive!! Think I injured at
least 5 servos - Ahh, the joys of running without a servosaver.


A good hobby shop should be able to get S3003 spares from the
Oz Futaba distributor eg S3003 Gear set, spare servo Case etc.
(fyi someone in US also sells a 3rd-party replacement case top
with a ballbearing in it... overall cheaper than Futaba's S3001.)

Only when you bust the electronics or break the servo motor
pinion is it then 'not worth fixing'... yeah, even for a $25 servo.

THE ROCK

iTrader: (3)

All very true, i am also a fan of these cheepies and also a big fan of the S3001 have a couple and very happy. The repair Kit for the 3003 retails for $4.00 with all new gears very cheep and very easy to fix I always keep 3 or 4 kits in my box

WC

iTrader: (28)

Rocky:- pray tell *where*?

I've used up my last few sets and methink the LHS is
too lazy to order more in 'just' for me.

Got a few TCS veterans on the surgery waiting-list.

THE ROCK

iTrader: (3)

My LHS Castle hill hobbies in Sydney has about 10 or 12 packs in stock and will post them to you if you are else where. Their number is 02 9680 2099 ask for George or Mark both good blokes.

Good Luck

WC

iTrader: (28)

Thanks matey. That might be the go.

The Nutter

Thanks, I might go and get a servo from Castle Hill. It's only 10 minuites away.
By the way what is a Servo Reapir Kit?


Sorry man, but unless you want to spend a shipping fee for melbourne to sydney, I think I might be alright....

thanks anyway.

THE ROCK

iTrader: (3)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Nutter
[B]Thanks, I might go and get a servo from Castle Hill. It's only 10 minuites away.
By the way what is a Servo Reapir Kit?

A servo repair kit is a set of new gears for your servo u take the top housing off where all the gears sit and replace them or just the screwed ones DONE