Overview
The Traxxas 46-tooth spur gear (TRX6442) is an essential transmission component for serious RC enthusiasts in the UK who demand maximum durability and performance from their Traxxas models. Whether you're running a Maxx Slash short course truck, an X-Maxx monster truck, or any of the other compatible Traxxas platforms, this machined steel spur gear represents precision engineering at its finest. Traxxas gears are recognised worldwide for their quality, and this 46-tooth variant is designed to handle serious power delivery without compromise.
Changing your RC car's gear ratio is one of the most effective tuning adjustments you can make, and the Traxxas spur gear range makes it simple and affordable to optimise your model's performance. Whether you're looking to improve acceleration for tight, technical courses or seeking better top-end speed for open running conditions, swapping to a different tooth count is the answer. This particular 46-tooth configuration works alongside your pinion gear selection to fine-tune the exact balance between acceleration and top speed that suits your driving style and terrain.
For RC car enthusiasts across the UK looking for genuine Traxxas performance parts, this spur gear delivers the reliability and durability that the brand is famous for. Machined from hardened steel and featuring an extra-wide face design, it's built to withstand the stresses of serious bashing and competitive running alike.
Key Features
- 46-tooth spur gear — This specific tooth count is precisely engineered to work with Traxxas pinion gears, providing a defined gear ratio that directly influences how your RC model accelerates and reaches top speed. The 46-tooth configuration is commonly used for balanced performance across various running conditions.
- Machined from solid steel — Rather than being cast or stamped, this gear is machined from a solid steel billet, ensuring uniform strength throughout the component and eliminating weak points that could cause failures under load. This manufacturing method is more time-consuming but results in superior durability.
- Hardened steel construction — The steel has been heat-treated to a hardened state, which dramatically increases its resistance to wear, deformation, and tooth stripping. This hardening process is critical for gears that transmit power in high-performance RC models, as it prevents the gradual flattening and degradation of the tooth profiles.
- Extra-wide steel teeth — The wide-face design means the teeth have greater surface area in contact with the pinion gear, distributing load more evenly and reducing stress concentration. This wider tooth profile is one of the most important improvements over standard gears, as it provides superior power handling without increasing the overall gear diameter.
- 1.0 metric pitch — The 1.0 metric pitch specification defines the physical spacing and sizing of the gear teeth, ensuring perfect compatibility with Traxxas pinion gears of the same pitch. Pitch specifications must match exactly for gears to mesh properly and function without noise or excessive wear.
- Compatible with multiple Traxxas platforms — This single spur gear works with a wide range of Traxxas models including the Maxx Slash, Funco Motorsports, WideMaxx, X-Maxx, and XRT families, making it a versatile upgrade or replacement part for your RC collection.
- Performance tuning capability — By changing from your current spur gear to this 46-tooth variant (or other available tooth counts), you can fine-tune your model's characteristics without expensive motor or ESC upgrades. Gear ratio changes are one of the cheapest and most effective performance modifications available to RC enthusiasts.
Technical Performance
The Traxxas 46-tooth spur gear represents the culmination of decades of Traxxas engineering expertise in RC transmission design. Machined from solid steel rather than cast, every tooth is precisely formed to exacting tolerances, ensuring smooth, quiet meshing with your pinion gear and consistent power delivery lap after lap. The hardening process applied to the steel increases its hardness significantly, creating a surface that resists the constant grinding forces of gear mesh without developing the micro-fractures that lead to tooth stripping and catastrophic failure. The extra-wide tooth face is perhaps the most critical feature for modern high-power RC models; where older or cheaper gears concentrate load on a narrow contact line, the wider profile spreads that same force across a broader area, reducing peak stresses and extending gear life dramatically. This is particularly important if you're running powerful brushless systems like those found in 6S or 8S LiPo-powered Traxxas models such as the Maxx Slash 4WD 6S, Funco Motorsports 8S, X-Maxx 8S, and XRT 8S variants. The 1.0 metric pitch specification is precisely engineered to work with Traxxas pinion gears of matching pitch, and the 46-tooth count provides a mid-range ratio suitable for balanced acceleration and speed. Whether you're bashing through Welsh mountain terrain, competing in UK RC racing events, or simply enjoying weekend driving sessions, this gear delivers the durability and performance you can rely on.
What's in the Box
- Traxxas 46-tooth spur gear, 1.0 metric pitch (machined hardened steel, wide face)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the tooth count mean and how do I choose the right spur gear for my RC model? — The tooth count on your spur gear, combined with your pinion gear's tooth count, creates a gear ratio that determines your model's acceleration and top speed. A higher tooth count spur gear (more teeth) gives you faster acceleration but lower top speed, while a lower tooth count provides higher top speed but slower acceleration. The 46-tooth size is a popular mid-range choice that balances both characteristics. Consult your Traxxas model's owner's manual for recommended gear ratios for different running conditions, as different terrain and racing styles may benefit from different gearing.
- What is the difference between 1.0 metric pitch and other pitch specifications? — The pitch number defines the physical size and spacing of the gear teeth. A 1.0 metric pitch means the teeth are sized and spaced according to the 1.0 metric pitch standard. You must match the pitch of your spur gear with your pinion gear exactly; if they don't match, they won't mesh properly and could cause damage. Traxxas models using this spur gear all use 1.0 metric pitch throughout their transmission, so this gear will be compatible with your existing pinion gear as long as you're staying within the Traxxas ecosystem.
- How do I know if my spur gear needs replacing? — Spur gears gradually wear over time and eventually the teeth can become stripped or damaged, reducing efficiency and causing noise. If you notice grinding sounds, difficulty shifting power smoothly, or visible damage to the teeth when you inspect the gear, it's time to replace it. Regular inspection as part of your RC maintenance routine will help you catch wear before catastrophic failure occurs.
- What is the advantage of machined steel over other gear materials? — Machined steel gears are superior to cast alternatives because machining from solid material eliminates the porosity and micro-defects inherent in casting. The hardening process then increases surface hardness, making the teeth far more resistant to the wear and micro-fracturing that occurs during power transmission. This results in significantly longer gear life and better reliability, particularly important in high-power brushless RC systems common across modern Traxxas models.
- Will changing my spur gear affect my model's performance? — Yes, significantly. Changing your spur gear ratio is one of the most effective performance tuning adjustments you can make. It directly influences how quickly your model accelerates and what top speed it can reach. Going to a higher tooth count spur gear increases acceleration but reduces top speed, while going lower does the opposite. This is far cheaper than upgrading motors or ESCs and is the preferred first tuning step for most RC enthusiasts optimising their setup.
- Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst this is a genuine Traxxas part suitable for any RC enthusiast, gear ratio tuning is more relevant once you have basic driving experience. Beginners should run their model with the manufacturer-recommended gearing first to understand baseline performance. As you progress and develop specific preferences for how your model handles, swapping spur gears becomes a valuable tuning tool.
- What Traxxas models does this gear fit? — This 46-tooth spur gear is compatible with numerous Traxxas platforms including the Maxx Slash 1/8 4WD 6S brushless short course trucks (available in red, green, rock and roll, and blue), Funco Motorsports Pro Scale 8S 2WD electric sand cars (orange, green, red, and blue variants), WideMaxx monster trucks (rock and roll, green, and red), X-Maxx belted 4WD brushless 8S monster trucks (red, green, orange, and blue), X-Maxx Ultimate models (green X and blue X), XRT VXL-8S variants (blue, orange, green, and black), and XRT Ultimate models (green X and blue X). Always verify compatibility with your specific model before purchasing.
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 Spur gear, 46-tooth, steel (wide face, 1.0 metric pitch) TRX6442 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.