Traxxas 20-Tooth 32-Pitch Pinion Gear 3mm Bore RC Car TRX2438

Overview

The Traxxas Gear, 20-T pinion (32-pitch) with set screw (TRX2438) is an essential upgrade component for RC enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their Traxxas RC car's performance. Whether you're running a brushless RC buggy, an RC monster truck, or any other Traxxas model, this heavy-duty pinion gear gives you precise control over your vehicle's acceleration and top speed characteristics. Designed for serious RC hobbyists across the UK who demand reliability and performance, this pinion gear represents Traxxas's commitment to allowing drivers to customise their setups for different running conditions and racing environments.

Pinion gears are fundamental components in RC car transmission systems, and selecting the correct tooth count can make a dramatic difference to how your vehicle performs on the track or off-road course. The 20-tooth configuration strikes an excellent balance for many popular Traxxas models, offering a middle-ground approach that doesn't sacrifice either acceleration or top speed excessively. This makes it an ideal choice for drivers who want versatility without committing to extreme gearing ratios that might limit performance in certain scenarios. Whether you're a weekend basher exploring different setups or a competitive racer fine-tuning your vehicle for specific track conditions, this pinion gear delivers the quality and precision you expect from Traxxas.

RC gearing is not a "one size fits all" proposition, and Traxxas understands this better than most manufacturers. That's why they offer a comprehensive range of pinion gears in different tooth counts, allowing you to experiment and discover the optimal configuration for your driving style, terrain, and performance goals. The 20-tooth pinion represents one of the most popular options in the Traxxas ecosystem, making it an excellent entry point for those new to gear tuning as well as a reliable standard for experienced drivers.

Key Features

• Heavy-Duty Hardened Steel Construction — This pinion gear is machined from hardened steel, which significantly extends its working life compared to standard materials and ensures it can handle the demands of regular RC use without stripping or wearing prematurely.
• 32-Pitch Specification — The 32-pitch rating determines the gear's size and tooth spacing, making it compatible with specific Traxxas models and spur gears, ensuring proper mesh and reliable power transmission.
• 3 mm Motor Shaft Bore — The 3 mm bore diameter is designed to fit standard Traxxas motor shafts directly, providing a secure fit that prevents slipping under load and maintains consistent power delivery during acceleration and cornering.
• Included Set Screw — Each pinion gear comes with a set screw that allows you to secure the gear firmly to your motor shaft, preventing any movement or misalignment that could cause drivetrain issues or power loss.
• Performance Tuning Capability — By changing the pinion gear tooth count, you can dramatically alter your RC car's acceleration characteristics and top speed potential, allowing you to customise your setup for different track layouts, weather conditions, and driving preferences.
• Precision Machining — Traxxas pinion gears are manufactured to exacting standards, ensuring smooth engagement with your spur gear and consistent torque delivery without vibration or noise issues that plague cheaper alternatives.

Technical Performance

The Traxxas 20-tooth pinion gear represents a refined approach to RC drivetrain engineering. Machined from hardened steel, this component is built to withstand the continuous stress of acceleration, deceleration, and torque transfer that occurs during RC driving. The 32-pitch specification is a standard used across many Traxxas models, making this a versatile component that works with a wide range of vehicles in the Traxxas lineup. The 3 mm bore perfectly matches Traxxas's motor shaft diameter, ensuring zero slippage and maximum power transmission efficiency. When you're running a brushless RC car or truck, every bit of efficiency matters—a loose or worn pinion can cost you milliseconds in a race or reduce your vehicle's performance noticeably during casual driving sessions. The included set screw provides the mechanical lock needed to prevent the pinion from rotating on the shaft, a critical safety feature that prevents catastrophic drivetrain failure. The 20-tooth count offers a balanced approach to gearing: it's not so low that you sacrifice top speed, yet not so high that you lose acceleration punch. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of running conditions and Traxxas models, from stadium trucks to off-road buggies. When paired with appropriate spur gear ratios, this pinion enables drivers to achieve the exact performance character they desire, whether that's blistering acceleration for tight technical courses or sustained high-speed runs across open ground.

What's in the Box

• 20-tooth pinion gear (32-pitch)
• Set screw for secure shaft mounting

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a pinion gear and why do I need to change it? — A pinion gear is the small gear attached to your motor shaft that drives the larger spur gear. By changing the pinion's tooth count, you alter your vehicle's gearing ratio, which determines how much torque goes to the wheels versus how fast the motor can spin. More teeth means better acceleration but lower top speed; fewer teeth means higher top speed but softer acceleration. The 20-tooth option provides a balanced middle ground suitable for most driving conditions.
• How do I know if the 20-tooth pinion is right for my Traxxas model? — The best way to determine appropriate gearing is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual, which will list recommended pinion tooth counts for different running conditions and spur gear combinations. The 20-tooth is a popular standard option that works well with many Traxxas models, but your specific vehicle may have different recommendations depending on its design and intended use.
• Will this pinion work with my brushless RC car? — Yes, this pinion gear is compatible with any Traxxas model that uses a 3 mm motor shaft and 32-pitch gearing. Whether you're running a brushless or brushed motor, the pinion itself functions identically—the difference is in the motor's power delivery, not the gear's operation.
• How difficult is it to change the pinion gear? — Changing a pinion gear is one of the simplest maintenance tasks in RC driving. You simply remove the set screw, slide the old pinion off the motor shaft, slide the new pinion on, and reinstall the set screw. It typically takes just a few minutes and requires only a hex wrench or screwdriver. No special tools or technical knowledge is required, making it accessible even for beginners new to RC car tuning.
• What's the difference between 32-pitch and other pitch specifications? — Pitch specification determines the size of the gear teeth and the spacing between them. Different pitch specifications are not interchangeable—a 32-pitch pinion only works with 32-pitch spur gears. You cannot mix pitch specifications within a drivetrain, so verify your vehicle uses 32-pitch gearing before purchasing this pinion.
• How often should I replace my pinion gear? — Pinion gears typically last a very long time under normal use, particularly when machined from hardened steel as this one is. You might replace one due to stripped teeth from extreme driving, gear misalignment, or simply because you want to experiment with different gearing ratios. Regular inspection during maintenance will reveal any wear or damage.
• Why is the set screw important? — The set screw locks the pinion gear to the motor shaft, preventing it from rotating independently. Without a secure set screw, the pinion could slip on the shaft during hard acceleration, causing inconsistent power delivery or complete drivetrain failure. Always ensure your set screw is tight before driving.

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 Gear, 20-T pinion (32-pitch)/ set screw TRX2438 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.