Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 22T 48DP 1/8 Shaft AS1340

Overview

The Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 22T 48DP is a precision-engineered upgrade component designed for RC car enthusiasts across the UK who demand performance and reliability. This lightweight pinion gear is engineered to replace standard pinions on motors with a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) shaft, making it compatible with a wide range of Associated RC cars and other manufacturers' vehicles. Whether you're running a competitive RC buggy, touring car, or casual weekend basher, upgrading to a Factory Team pinion gear delivers tangible benefits in performance, durability and ease of maintenance.

As an authorised Associated dealer, RC Model Shop stocks genuine Factory Team components that are trusted by RC racers and hobbyists throughout the UK. This 22-tooth pinion represents the sweet spot in the 48-pitch range, offering a balanced gear ratio that suits both on-road and off-road RC applications. The Factory Team designation means this is a hop-up component engineered to exacting standards, providing slight weight savings compared to standard steel pinions whilst maintaining exceptional durability and consistent performance run after run.

If you're looking to upgrade your RC car UK setup with premium components, or if you're building a new RC vehicle and want to start with the best, this aluminium pinion gear is an excellent choice. The laser-etched tooth count makes identification quick and simple during gearing changes, and the dual set-screw holes provide flexibility in positioning on your motor shaft. This is the kind of quality component that separates serious RC enthusiasts from casual players.

Key Features

• Factory Team Hop-Up Component — This is not a budget pinion; it's a genuine Associated Factory Team upgrade engineered to enhance performance and longevity. Factory Team products are designed by the engineers who race Associated vehicles competitively, ensuring you get proven performance improvements.
• 7075-T6 Aluminium Construction — The gear is machined from 7075-T6 aluminium alloy, one of the strongest and most durable aluminium grades available. This material choice delivers weight savings compared to steel whilst maintaining exceptional strength and resistance to wear, meaning your pinion will maintain consistent tooth engagement and performance over many running hours.
• Hard Anodised Surface Finish — The aluminium is hard anodised, a protective surface treatment that dramatically extends service life by resisting corrosion, wear and oxidation. This anodising also provides a darker, more professional appearance that makes your RC car look more refined and competition-ready.
• Dual Set-Screw Holes — Two set-screw holes provide flexible positioning options when mounting the pinion gear on your motor shaft. This dual-hole design ensures secure, reliable fitment whilst allowing you to adjust mesh with your spur gear to achieve optimal performance and minimal backlash.
• Laser-Etched Tooth Count — The 22T designation is laser-etched directly into the gear, making it instantly recognisable during gearing changes and setup adjustments. This eliminates confusion and makes it easy to maintain consistent gearing across multiple vehicles or setups.
• 22-Tooth 48-Pitch Specification — The 22-tooth count at 48-pitch provides a balanced gear ratio suitable for a wide variety of motor sizes and applications. This mid-range tooth count works well for both speed-focused and torque-focused setups, making it a versatile choice for RC cars across different classes and disciplines.
• 1/8 Inch Shaft Compatibility — The 3.2mm (1/8 inch) shaft bore fits motors commonly found in many Associated RC vehicles and compatible motors from other manufacturers, making this a practical upgrade option for numerous existing setups.

Technical Performance

The Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear 22T 48DP represents a significant upgrade over standard steel or cheaper aluminium pinions in terms of performance and durability. The 7075-T6 aluminium alloy selected for this gear offers an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, delivering meaningful weight savings that improve acceleration and handling whilst maintaining the rigidity needed for consistent mesh and power transmission. The hard anodising process creates a surface hardness exceeding that of many steel pinions, which means the teeth resist wear from repeated engagement with your spur gear, maintaining precise mesh alignment and eliminating the backlash and slop that develops in worn pinions. The 48-pitch specification (48 teeth per inch of pitch diameter) is a standard specification used across many RC applications, ensuring compatibility with appropriately-sized spur gears. The 22-tooth count places this pinion in the mid-range of the 48-pitch family, delivering a balanced approach to motor speed and torque multiplication. With a 1/8 inch (3.2mm) motor shaft bore, this pinion is designed for brushless and brushed motors common in modern RC cars, particularly Associated vehicles and compatible alternatives. The engineering behind this pinion ensures it maintains its tolerances and tooth profile through extended running, preserving the efficiency and responsiveness of your motor and drivetrain. Whether you're running at the local RC track, competing in regional events, or simply enjoying weekend bashing sessions, this pinion gear provides the reliability and performance that serious RC enthusiasts demand.

What's in the Box

• Associated Factory Team Aluminium Pinion Gear, 22T, 48DP, 1/8 inch shaft

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a pinion gear and why would I need to upgrade it? — A pinion gear is a small gear that mounts on your RC motor shaft and meshes with a larger spur gear on your vehicle's main drivetrain. The pinion gear multiplies the motor's speed and reduces torque through the gear ratio. Upgrading to a lightweight aluminium pinion like this Associated Factory Team component reduces overall weight, improves acceleration response, and extends service life through superior material quality and hard anodising. Standard pinions wear quickly and can develop backlash; this Factory Team upgrade maintains mesh precision for longer.
• Is this pinion gear suitable for my RC car? — This 22T 48-pitch pinion with a 1/8 inch shaft bore is compatible with many Associated RC vehicles and any RC car using a motor with a 3.2mm (1/8 inch) shaft. Check your vehicle's documentation or motor specifications to confirm compatibility. It's one of the most popular pinion teeth counts in the 48-pitch range, making it suitable for a wide variety of Associated vehicles including buggies, touring cars, trucks and stadium vehicles.
• What is the difference between 48-pitch and other pitch specifications? — Pitch refers to the number of teeth per inch of the gear's pitch diameter. 48-pitch is a standard specification used across many modern RC cars and means the pinion is designed to mesh with 48-pitch spur gears. Other pitch specifications like 64-pitch exist for different applications. Always match your pinion pitch to your spur gear pitch to ensure proper mesh and reliable power transmission.
• How do I know what tooth count pinion I need? — The tooth count (in this case, 22T) determines your gear ratio alongside your spur gear. A smaller pinion (fewer teeth) increases your top speed but reduces torque and acceleration; a larger pinion (more teeth) increases torque and acceleration but reduces top speed. The 22T is a balanced mid-range option. Associated offers 17T through 34T in 48-pitch, allowing you to fine-tune your gearing for your specific track, driving style and motor power.
• What makes this Factory Team pinion better than a standard pinion? — Factory Team components are engineered by the same team that races Associated vehicles at the highest competitive levels. This 22T pinion benefits from race-proven engineering, premium 7075-T6 aluminium construction, hard anodising for extended life, precision manufacturing tolerances, and the backing of Associated's reputation. You're not just getting a component; you're getting the benefit of decades of competition experience built into every tooth.
• Will upgrading my pinion gear improve my lap times? — A new aluminium pinion can improve performance through reduced wear, better mesh consistency, and weight savings. However, lap time improvements depend on many factors including your spur gear selection, motor choice, battery, track surface and driving skill. The 22T is a versatile choice that works well in most scenarios, but optimal gearing varies. Consider this an essential maintenance upgrade and performance component that maximises the potential of your motor and drivetrain.
• How often should I replace my pinion gear? — High-quality aluminium pinions like this Factory Team gear last significantly longer than steel pinions, especially with proper maintenance. Replace when you notice visible tooth wear, excessive backlash in the mesh, or inconsistent performance. Many RC racers replace their pinions every 20-30 hours of running time for competition, or annually for casual use. Keep your pinion clean and ensure proper mesh adjustment to extend service life.

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 ASSOCIATED FACTORY TEAM ALUM. PINION GEAR 22T 48DP 1/8"SHAFT AS1340 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.