New RS4 3 SS Transmission Not Fitting in Housing

[98PaceCar]

Hi All,

I'm an old timer in RC, but a newbie to Nitro. Picked up an RS4 3 Type SS kit to have a little fun with, but so far all it's given me is frustration. I've built the 2 speed tranny per the instructions, but no matter what I try, I have to physically force it into the housing on the chassis. When I do this, the tranny binds, the sides of the housing are pushed out, and the cover will not fit very well. I've tried loosening the screws that hold the housing to the chassis, but it didn't give me enough clearance. I've rebuilt the tranny 4 or 5 times now with no difference. Is there something more that I need to do that's not in the manual? I'm probably only lacking 1/16th of an inch at most, but it's enough to make things not fit correctly. Any suggestions before I break out the rubber mallet?? :hammer:

Thanks!
Darren

 

[MustangMan]

It sounds to me like you might have the wrong roller bearings on the ends of the transmission, causing them to bind when they go into the lower case half....

 

[98PaceCar]

That's kind of what I'm leaning towards. I'll break out the ruler tonight and see if I can verify that the bearings are the correct ones. I was also thinking there may be something that I need to put more pressure on to seat it further or something like that. I've got an email in to HPI, but no response yet.

Thanks for the suggestion!
Darren

 

[rossb]

I recently built an 18ss kit and I did not have this problem. Mine fits perfectly. I suspect that you may have something assembled incorrectly. Take a closeup pic of the trans assembly and post it.

You can see some build pics here:

http://www.rbartick.com/hpi/rs4_buildidx.htm

 

[98PaceCar]

As soon as I get home, I'll reassemble it and snap some pics. From what I can remember though, mine looks just like yours. I've likely done something wrong though! Thanks for the assist and I'll get back to you later tonight!

 

[Revo Rancher]

Double check you have the right size bearings in the carriers, and if you do, then double check the fit as you put it together. Watch that the bearings seat into the bottom piece. Also, if you put the outer top cover on the wrong way (confusing set of diagrams for this) it will fit, but not properly. Hard to describe, but the diagram they give you can mislead you.

Hey Ross, got my graphite upper deck yesterday and put it on last night. Real neat option. Leaves the Rx and wiring all exposed, though.

 

[98PaceCar]

Ok. I've double checked the parts I'm using, in particular the bearings. They do appear to be the correct ones. I've only opened the first bag of parts at this point, so unless they shipped me the wrong ones I think I'm in the clear.

I've taken some photos of the assembly and fit. Pics are here:

http://www.fuzzyphotos.com/cm/thumbnails.php?album=126

It's not far from fitting, but unless it's supposed to be a VERY tight fit, I don't think it's correct.

Any help will be much appreciated. I'm considering buying a new housing. Found one at my local shop that's only $6 for the whole thing. Just to rule this out.

 

[98PaceCar]

Just got a message back from HPI support. It was pretty much no help, just said it's supposed to be a snug fit, to try rebuilding the transmission, and send the car to them if it doesn't fit right. So basically useless. I guess I'll have to see if the shop I bought it from can help me.

 

[beason]

i can't see any problems but i must say that my friend is one bad ass camera!!

 

[Rain77man]

Hey i recently rebuilt my RS4 3 Type SS and when I got to that part I had the same problem it will fit its just real tricky gettin that to line up properly. On both sides there are grooves that are what usually bind up. Just keep trying to get it in you'll get it.

 

[greenwing7]

rain man, thats what I was thinking, I have an MT and I think the transmission cases are very similar if not identical and you just have to work it around til it sits down in the groves properly.

 

[Rain77man]

Yea its a real pain sometimes but with some patience you'll get it in.

 

[98PaceCar]

I'm getting it into the grooves and seated all the way down, but when I do that it's pushing the sides of the housing out. Maybe I've got something a little bit off though. I'll work with it a little later!

Thanks for the advice!