- Bearing size: 5x8x2.5mm
- Quantity: 2 bearings per set
- Bearing type: Precision ball bearings
- Compatibility: Blade 450 and Blade 400 helicopters
- Application: Elevator control lever assembly
- Part number: Z-BLH1641
- Original equipment: Blade genuine component
Overview
The BLH 5x8x2.5 Bearing (2) Z-BLH1641 is an essential replacement bearing set designed specifically for Blade 450 and Blade 400 RC helicopters. These precision bearings are critical components in the elevator control lever assembly, ensuring smooth and responsive cyclic control during flight. Whether you're a seasoned RC helicopter pilot in the UK or someone new to the hobby, maintaining your aircraft with genuine Blade spare parts is crucial for reliable performance and longevity. This bearing set provides the exact specifications needed to restore your helicopter's control responsiveness and prevent wear-related degradation in your swashplate linkage system.
RC Model Shop stocks genuine Blade components as an authorised retailer, making it easy for UK enthusiasts to source authentic spares for their micro-heli collection. The Blade 450 series remains one of the most popular flybarless micro helicopters available, and access to genuine replacement bearings ensures you can keep your model in peak flying condition. From crash repairs to routine maintenance, having the right spare parts on hand means less downtime and more flight time. These elevator control lever bearings are wear items that benefit from periodic replacement, especially if your helicopter experiences frequent crashes or aggressive flying.
Blade helicopters demand precision engineering, and every component plays a vital role in the overall flight experience. The elevator control lever bearings work in tandem with the swashplate assembly to translate your transmitter inputs into precise blade pitch changes. Over time, these bearings experience friction and wear from repeated control inputs, and replacing them can noticeably improve the smoothness of your helicopter's control response. Ordering from RC Model Shop gives you access to comprehensive spares support for all your Blade 450 and 400 RC helicopter needs.
Key Features
- Precise 5x8x2.5mm Bearing Dimensions — These bearings are engineered to exact specifications for the Blade 450 and 400 elevator control lever assembly, ensuring perfect fit and function without modification or adjustment required.
- Set of Two Bearings — You receive a pair of bearings, providing complete replacement coverage for the elevator linkage since the control system requires bearings on both sides of the swashplate for balanced operation.
- Genuine Blade Component — Manufactured to original Blade specifications, these bearings guarantee compatibility and performance equivalent to factory-installed parts, eliminating concerns about fit or reliability.
- Smooth Control Response — Fresh bearings eliminate play and friction in the control linkage, restoring crisp, responsive elevator control that may have degraded through normal wear and tear.
- Easy Installation — The standardised bearing format means straightforward replacement without requiring special tools or modifications to your helicopter frame or control assembly.
- Essential Maintenance Item — Regular bearing replacement as part of scheduled maintenance prevents premature wear to other swashplate components and maintains consistent flight characteristics across multiple flights.
Technical Performance
The BLH1641 bearing set represents the engineering standard required for micro-helicopter control systems. At 5x8x2.5mm, these are precision ball bearings designed to operate with minimal radial play whilst supporting the lateral forces generated during cyclic control inputs. The elevator control lever assembly in the Blade 450 and 400 continuously converts servo motion into blade pitch changes through the swashplate mechanism, making bearing condition directly relevant to control authority and smoothness. Blade's manufacturing tolerances ensure that replacement bearings maintain the exact clearances established in the original design, preventing over-constraint or excessive play that could compromise the helicopter's stability or control feel. The metric dimensions are standard across professional-grade micro-helicopter platforms, reflecting the precision engineering required in aircraft this size. These bearings experience continuous rotational and lateral loads during normal flight operations, particularly during rapid control inputs or sustained manoeuvres. Original equipment bearing material and construction ensure longevity comparable to factory parts, so you can confidently use these replacements as part of scheduled maintenance or crash repair without worrying about premature wear. The bearing pair installation in the elevator linkage creates a balanced control system where both bearings contribute equally to smooth operation, and replacing both simultaneously ensures consistent feel and eliminates any asymmetry in control response. For competitive flyers or those performing aggressive manoeuvres, fresh bearings are fundamental to maintaining the precision control these helicopters are designed to deliver. UK hobbyists maintaining their Blade 450 and 400 aircraft will appreciate how these quality replacements integrate seamlessly with their existing systems.
What's in the Box
- Two 5x8x2.5mm precision ball bearings
- Bearings ready for direct installation into Blade 450 or 400 elevator control lever assembly
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these bearings suitable for both Blade 450 and Blade 400 helicopters? — Yes, the BLH1641 bearing set is specifically designed for both Blade 450 and Blade 400 models, as confirmed by the product designation. Both helicopters share compatible swashplate and control linkage assemblies, making this bearing set universally compatible across these two popular micro-heli platforms available in the UK RC market.
- Why should I replace my elevator control lever bearings? — Bearings in the control linkage experience continuous wear through repetitive cycling and lateral loads during flight. Over time, they develop internal play that manifests as sloppiness in your control response, reduced precision, and potential flutter or vibration during fast inputs. Replacing worn bearings restores the crisp, responsive control feel that Blade helicopters are known for and prevents secondary damage to other swashplate components.
- How often should these bearings be replaced? — Replacement frequency depends on flight intensity and crash history. Aggressive flyers or those who crash frequently may replace bearings every few months, whilst casual pilots might go six months to a year between replacements. Inspect bearings for roughness or play during routine maintenance; if you notice slop in the control linkage, it's time to replace them.
- Will these bearings improve my helicopter's control precision? — Absolutely. Fresh bearings eliminate play and friction in the control system, resulting in more direct, responsive elevator control. You'll notice improved stability during hovering and more precise control authority during acrobatic manoeuvres, making these replacements a worthwhile investment for serious flyers.
- Are these genuine Blade components? — Yes, the BLH1641 is the official Blade part number for elevator control lever bearings. Purchasing from RC Model Shop ensures you receive genuine Blade-manufactured components with specifications matching your helicopter's original equipment, guaranteeing perfect compatibility and reliability.
- Do I need any special tools to install these bearings? — No special tools are required. Standard hex drivers and small tweezers or needle-nose pliers are sufficient for removing the old bearings and installing the new ones. Your Blade 450 or 400 manual provides detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions if needed.
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 BLH 5x8x2.5 Bearing (2) Z-BLH1641 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.
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