Overview
The Traxxas Ball Bearings, Black rubber sealed (5x11x4mm) (2 pcs) TRX5116A represent a premium upgrade for your RC car UK setup, offering superior sealing protection compared to standard blue-seal alternatives. These stainless steel ball bearings are engineered to deliver exceptional durability and reliability in demanding conditions, making them an essential maintenance component for serious RC enthusiasts across the UK who demand the best performance from their vehicles.
Whether you operate your brushless RC car in wet weather, muddy terrain, or dusty environments, these black-seal bearings provide the protection your chassis needs to maintain peak performance. As a step above conventional blue-seal bearings, the upgraded sealing technology ensures that dirt, water and moisture stay out of your bearing races, extending component life and reducing the frequency of maintenance interventions. For RC hobbyists who want reliability without compromise, this bearing pair delivers genuine peace of mind during extended bashing sessions or competitive racing.
Designed specifically for Traxxas models including the Slash, Mini Maxx, Mini Rally, Mini Slash, TRX-4, X-Maxx and many more, these bearings are a direct factory-approved replacement part. If you're running a ready to run RC truck or crawler and want to keep it performing at its best, upgrading to black-seal bearings is one of the most effective maintenance upgrades you can make.
Key Features
- Stainless steel construction — The bearing races and balls are manufactured from premium stainless steel, which resists corrosion and maintains dimensional accuracy even after extended exposure to moisture, mud and salt. This material choice is critical for RC cars used in wet conditions or coastal environments across the UK.
- Black rubber seals with superior protection — The black rubber sealing design creates an even tighter barrier against contamination compared to blue-seal alternatives, meaning less dirt penetrates into the bearing races where it can cause friction and wear. This translates directly to longer bearing life and smoother rotation under load.
- Ultimate protection in wet conditions — The manufacturer specifically engineers these bearings for superior water resistance, making them ideal for rainy weather driving or muddy terrain where standard bearings would quickly deteriorate. If you bash your RC model in British weather, these bearings justify the upgrade cost many times over.
- Reduced maintenance requirements — Because the sealing is tighter and more effective, you'll spend less time cleaning and re-greasing these bearings compared to blue-seal or open designs. This means more time actually driving your RC vehicle and less time on the workbench.
- Pair of two bearings included — You receive two complete 5x11x4mm ball bearings in each pack, which is typically sufficient to replace a single axle set on most Traxxas vehicles. If you're doing a complete rebuild or want to replace front and rear bearings on one axle, you may need multiple packs depending on your model.
- Direct factory replacement part — These bearings are genuine Traxxas OEM components with the official part number TRX5116A, guaranteeing perfect fitment and compatibility with your specific model. Using genuine parts ensures your warranty remains valid and that you receive the exact performance characteristics the manufacturer designed for your vehicle.
Technical Performance
The 5x11x4mm dimension specification indicates these bearings are sized for the steering and suspension pivot points on smaller Traxxas models, particularly the Mini-scale vehicles and some 1/10-scale platforms. The stainless steel material specification is significant because it provides superior corrosion resistance compared to standard chrome steel, essential when RC cars are exposed to damp British conditions or driven through muddy terrain where moisture and contaminants are unavoidable. The black rubber sealing system represents a substantial upgrade over traditional shield designs, creating a more effective barrier against water ingress and fine particulate contamination. The engineering behind the seal design ensures that water beading and dirt exclusion are dramatically improved, while still allowing adequate bearing rotation without excessive friction. For RC enthusiasts running brushless motors and high-speed electronics on their Traxxas platforms, maintaining these critical bearing points with premium sealed units is essential to consistent performance. The bearing material composition and seal integrity directly affect steering response, suspension compliance, and overall drivetrain efficiency—factors that matter whether you're racing competitively or enjoying weekend bashing sessions.
What's in the Box
- 2x Traxxas stainless steel ball bearings, 5x11x4mm with black rubber seals
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between black-seal and blue-seal bearings for RC cars? — Black-seal bearings feature a tighter sealing design that provides superior protection against water, mud and dirt ingress compared to blue-seal alternatives. The black rubber seals create a more effective barrier, meaning less frequent maintenance is required and the bearings maintain their smooth operation longer in wet and dirty conditions. If you operate your RC vehicle in damp British weather or muddy terrain regularly, the upgrade to black-seal bearings delivers meaningful real-world benefits and justifies the additional cost through extended bearing life and improved reliability.
- Will these bearings fit my Traxxas RC car? — These TRX5116A bearings are designed for specific Traxxas models including the Slash, Mini Maxx, Mini Rally, Mini Slash, TRX-4 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne, TRX-4 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT, TRX-4 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, TRX-4 1979 Chevy Blazer, TRX-4 2021 Ford Bronco, TRX-4 Defender, TRX-4 Sport, TRX-4 Nissan Pathfinder, TRX-6 Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG, and X-Maxx platforms. Check your specific model against the compatibility list to confirm fitment, or contact our RC Model Shop team for verification if you're unsure which bearings your vehicle requires.
- How often should I replace bearings on my RC truck? — The frequency of bearing replacement depends heavily on operating conditions. In dry, clean environments, high-quality sealed bearings can last for hundreds of hours of running. However, if you regularly drive in wet, muddy or sandy conditions, you may need replacements more frequently as contamination can degrade seals over time. Regular inspection during maintenance intervals is the best approach—if you notice rough rotation, grinding noises, or visible water/mud inside the bearing, replacement is indicated. Many RC enthusiasts replace bearings annually or every 50-100 hours of use in harsh conditions, using the upgrade to black-seal units as an opportunity to improve overall drivetrain reliability.
- Are these sealed bearings suitable for water-based RC activities? — Yes, the black rubber sealed design specifically provides enhanced protection against water ingress, making these bearings significantly more suitable for wet conditions than standard open or blue-seal designs. However, no bearing seal is completely waterproof—after extended water exposure or submersion, you should remove the vehicle from water and allow it to dry thoroughly. Even with these sealed bearings, regular inspection after wet weather running is recommended to check for any water that may have penetrated the seals, and re-greasing may be necessary if moisture is detected inside the bearing races.
- Do I need to apply grease to these bearings when installing? — These are pre-lubricated ball bearings supplied from the factory with appropriate bearing grease. You should not need to add additional grease before installation. However, as part of regular maintenance intervals (typically every 10-20 hours of running, or more frequently in wet conditions), you may choose to refresh the bearing grease to maintain optimal rotation characteristics. Many RC enthusiasts use premium bearing grease designed specifically for sealed bearings to extend service life and maintain smooth performance.
- What makes Traxxas black-seal bearings better than aftermarket alternatives? — Traxxas OEM bearings are engineered specifically for their vehicle platforms, ensuring perfect dimensional accuracy and fitment. The stainless steel construction and black rubber seal design are optimised by the manufacturer to balance sealing effectiveness with bearing rotation smoothness. Using genuine Traxxas parts maintains your vehicle warranty and guarantees you're receiving components engineered and tested to exact specifications. Many aftermarket bearing options may be cheaper initially but often compromise on sealing effectiveness or material quality, resulting in shorter service life and potential drivetrain issues.
Why Buy from RC Model Shop?
RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Traxxas Ball bearings, Black rubber sealed (5x11x4mm) (2 pcs) TRX5116A today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
