David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

I know that ceramic can shatter(when directly exposed) but it can withstand a higher load than steel, it is simply smoother, runs cooler, runs with nearly no lubrication, and stays true to form longer. I have had my moments with the boards. I have gone through four steering blocks since I bought the ceramics and have nothing bad to report.

Buster Bennett

Sydewynder, You are correct, ceramic bearing were meant to be used in high heat applications such as engines and clutch bells.

Also ceramic bearings are not the best for less friction when used in area's that are not "high heat applications".

A carbide or steel ball are actually better for applications such as wheel bearings. However, you can take a bunch of sand and shove it into a ceramic bearing, then drive the car like that for a year, then wash out the bearings and they will be just like new again. Try that with a standard bearing!

I personally run Boca Speed Weapon or Speed Secret bearings, what ever they are calling them today!
They are by far the best bearings I have ever used, however just like any other bearing, they require maintainance.
If you are looking for a bearing that you can run all season without doing anything to them, you don't need to be worrying about competing on a higher level in the first place.

If you are just a sportsman, and don't care about shaving tenths of seconds of lap times, I suggest trying the Boca Green Seals, they are very cost effective, and should provide a full season with virtually no maintainance at all.

This post was not directed toward any one person, just a "FYI" for all that read it.

HAPPY RACING!!!

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

I improved my time with ceramic bearings. I will say that they fail like any other bearing. Debris gets into the bearing and the bearing race becomes pitted from the ceramic balls acting as a grinder. Overall they do last longer, my last set endured half the season with no seals. My carbide set replaced the originals, both sets lasting only two months each. The only original bearings left on the car are those in the diffs and layshaft.

One ceramic bearing cost nearly the same as a complete set, it is a costly venture nonetheless! I clean these darn things after every two runs (race days).

Ceramics are meant for applications where extreme heat is involved, that is why it has been used on the Shuttle for re-entry to the earth's atmosphere. Under extreme heat they tend to keep their original form much longer than conventional ball bearings. There are no adverse effects to running them in a car. I tried ceramics because the Pro's were reportly using them in thier touring cars.

I have some experiece with ceramics, some of our finest air-to-ground missiles use a ceramic optic lens. I have a broken piece of a lens that I use to sharpen my knives.

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

Is anyone else experiencing bearing failure in the front bulkhead? Not the one-way if you have that, but the 10x15x4's in the bulkhead. I checked them this morning and I can feel they are pitted. Another pair shot, the costly ceramics!

I also happened to notice at all four points, the ball suspension loosened itself after two runs. It was evident during the second run the left front wheel violently vibrating upon acceleration. I had to put the car aside and run a TC3 for the remainder of the day.

The track I race on is blown off prior to start but there is still a ton of loose debris left over. It is amazing how much cleaner asphalt is compared to concrete after it is prepped. I will have to stop racing on concrete since it's where I have the most bearing failures.

This XRAY is starting to become an annoyance after seven or more rebuilds. Too bad I can't pop this thing in the dishwasher after every race day.

dtm

My diff bearings appear to be ok. Its my hub bearings that take a hammering. I have removed the shield from one side of the bearing (facing inside the hub). This gives me very low friction bearings but do wear out quicker!

You should be able to adjust the pivot ball tensions. They do become loose after a few runs when they are new but after the initial bedding in they are fine. It may be because you have an unbalanced wheel which amplify the problem.... I have seen this before!

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

Wheel balance may be the problem, I haven't put a lot of effort into balancing my last batch. I have made up my mind to run my TC3 next year. It is much faster but lacks the response and speed in the turns. I actually improved my time by a few seconds. I am sure when I rebuild the T1 again it will perform.

Dave Kurschner

Wow, not alot of activity last couple of days. I guess everbody's car works flawlessly then..lol.

I wanted to bring up the topic of the Flex Deck. Its a new part that XRay has made (not sure that its released in US or not yet) to provide some side flex. I do not have this part yet but I'm curious if any of you have tried it. How do you think it has changed the cars handling? Do you think its an improvement?

dtm

I don't think it has been released yet. But the two rear screws on my upper deck keeps on working loose every now and again. I normally notice the back end is more stable when this happens, I guess the flex deck will have a simliar effect.

People have been trying some crazy things over here to get a more stable rear end!! The strangest one is cutting a slot in the middle of the bottom chassis running from the front of the motor to almost the steering post! A friend has done it to his spare chassis and he says it works!!!

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

I haven't raced the XRAY since the 24th of November. I have to put it together still. I am waiting on carbide bearings right now.

Dave: the additional flex was for carpet, right? Are you racing on carpet? I would love to experience carpet.

Manticore

I am sure you can make one with the stock upper deck and some spare ball joints.

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

Good idea! I have the spares and there is a shop down the street where I can get the cabon fiber.

Buster Bennett

Dave, I talked to Ralph Burch and he said that shop who told you that they have had the Flex Deck was full of Sh!t. He guaranteed me that they have never had any. I don't know why they would say that they did, but Ralph said they were good for saying things that were not true.

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

Wow Buster is going to add another page to this thread with his long response.

David Galdo

iTrader: (15)

I waited for your response and it turns out to be a short note.

As for the new top plate, I didn't think it was out because I have not received a notice that it shipped. I receive news flashes from Team XRAY when something new was developed, released, or shipped.

damo

iTrader: (1)

What is the name of that shop?