Team Associated FT M4 Locknut Blue Aluminium Flanged AS31551

Overview

The Associated FT M4 Locknut Blue Aluminium Flanged (AS31551) is an essential hardware component for RC enthusiasts who demand precision, reliability and authentic Factory Team styling. These premium M4 locknuts are engineered by Associated, one of the world's most respected names in competitive RC racing, and they represent the exact same hardware specification used in Team Associated's factory-built race vehicles. Whether you're maintaining a 1/10 scale RC buggy, truggy, or short course truck, or you're running any of the numerous Team Associated platforms that require M4 fastening solutions, these locknuts deliver the secure, professional-grade assembly that serious RC car UK hobbyists expect.

Built from lightweight blue anodised aluminium, these flanged locknuts combine functional engineering with visual appeal. The blue finish perfectly complements the contemporary Factory Team aesthetic, making them an ideal choice for builders who want their RC models to look as polished and professional as they perform. These are not generic fasteners—they are purpose-designed components from the same engineers who develop the championship-winning RC vehicles you see competing at the highest levels of RC motorsport across the UK and internationally.

If you're upgrading your RC car, rebuilding after a bash session, or simply need replacement fasteners that meet the original specification, the Associated FT M4 Locknut represents the trusted choice of hobbyists and competitors alike. RC Model Shop stocks these authentic Associated components in the UK, ensuring you can maintain your vehicle with genuine, authorised parts that are guaranteed to fit and perform exactly as intended.

Key Features

• M4 Threaded Specification — These locknuts are precisely engineered to the M4 metric thread standard, ensuring they will fit perfectly with all M4 bolts and studs specified by Team Associated across their vehicle range. This universal compatibility across multiple platforms means you can use these same fasteners across different RC models without worry.
• Flanged Design — The flanged collar around the base of each locknut significantly increases the bearing surface area against components, which distributes clamping force more effectively and prevents fasteners from digging into softer materials. This engineering feature is essential for maintaining consistent assembly quality and preventing component damage during repeated assembly and disassembly cycles.
• Blue Anodised Aluminium Construction — Manufactured from lightweight aluminium and finished in an attractive blue anodic coating, these locknuts reduce unnecessary weight while maintaining exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The anodised finish provides corrosion resistance, protecting against oxidation and ensuring the fasteners maintain their appearance and function even after exposure to dirt, moisture and outdoor RC driving conditions.
• Factory Team Specification — These are the exact locknuts specified by Associated's Factory Team engineering division, meaning they meet the same rigorous quality standards and performance requirements as components used in competitive racing vehicles. Using OEM-specified fasteners ensures your build maintains the same engineering integrity that Team Associated designed into your vehicle platform.
• Secure Locking Function — As locknuts, these fasteners incorporate a locking mechanism that prevents vibration-induced loosening during aggressive driving, bashing, or racing. This is absolutely critical for RC car safety and reliability, as loose fasteners can lead to component failure, loss of control, and potential damage to expensive RC equipment.
• Wide Platform Compatibility — These M4 locknuts are specified as standard or optional fitment across an extensive range of Team Associated platforms, from 1/10 scale buggies and truggies to short course trucks and crawler platforms, making them a versatile essential component for any serious Associated RC collection.

Technical Performance

The Associated FT M4 Locknut Blue Aluminium Flanged represents the culmination of decades of precision engineering expertise in the RC motorsport industry. The M4 metric thread specification ensures compatibility with the comprehensive fastening systems used throughout Team Associated's entire vehicle lineup, from the CR12 vintage platform through to modern flagship models like the TC7.2 and RC10B74.1D. The flanged collar design is not merely aesthetic—it is a critical engineering feature that increases the clamping surface area from the standard flat washer interface to approximately three times the contact area, significantly improving load distribution and component protection. The blue anodised aluminium construction provides an optimal balance of weight reduction and material durability; aluminium is approximately one-third the density of steel whilst maintaining sufficient strength for all fastening applications in RC vehicles where vibration and dynamic loading are constant factors. The anodising process creates a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion from moisture, salt spray, and the various cleaning solutions commonly used in RC maintenance. The locking function integrated into these fasteners typically employs either a nylon insert or deformed thread design that creates friction against the bolt thread, preventing self-loosening vibration that would otherwise compromise assembly integrity during high-speed driving, jumping, or racing conditions. For competitive and recreational RC car builders across the UK, using Factory Team specification fasteners like these AS31551 locknuts ensures that your build maintains the exact engineering parameters that Team Associated's development team intended, translating to improved reliability, extended component life, and more consistent performance characteristics throughout your RC experience.

What's in the Box

• Associated FT M4 Locknut Blue Aluminium Flanged fasteners (quantity as packaged)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What does M4 locknut mean and why does my RC car need them? — M4 refers to the metric thread size (4 millimetres diameter), and locknuts are specialised fasteners with an integrated locking mechanism that prevents fasteners from vibrating loose during RC driving. Standard nuts can gradually loosen as your RC car experiences vibration and impacts, potentially leading to component failure. Locknuts use either a nylon insert or deformed threads to create resistance against loosening, which is absolutely essential for maintaining safe, reliable operation of your RC vehicle during bashing, racing, or competitive driving.
• Are these locknuts compatible with my Team Associated RC vehicle? — Yes, the AS31551 M4 locknuts are specified as standard or optional fitment across an extensive range of Team Associated platforms including CR12, DR10, Pro4 SC10, RB10, RC10B6.1 and all variants, RC10B74, RC10B74.1 and all variants, RC10F6, RC10SC6.1, RC10SC6.2, RC10T6.1, RC10T6.2, RC12R6, RC8T3.1, RC8T3.1e, RC8T3.2, RC8T3.2e, Reflex DB10, RIVAL MT10, SR10, TC5, TC6, TC6.2, TC7, TC7.1, TC7.2, and Trophy Rat. If your Team Associated vehicle uses M4 fastening specification, these locknuts will fit perfectly.
• What is the difference between these AS31551 locknuts and the AS25217 model? — Both the AS31551 and AS25217 are M4 locknuts with flanged design for Team Associated vehicles. The primary differences relate to material specifications, finish colours, and specific locking mechanism implementation, though both provide secure, vibration-resistant fastening suitable for RC applications. If your vehicle specification calls for AS31551, use that exact model number; if AS25217 is specified, that is the correct choice for your platform.
• How many locknuts do I need for my RC car build? — The quantity depends on your specific vehicle platform and which components you are assembling. Most RC vehicles use multiple M4 fasteners throughout the suspension, drivetrain, and chassis assemblies. It is recommended that you consult your Team Associated vehicle manual or assembly documentation to determine the exact quantity of M4 locknuts required for your specific model, then purchase accordingly to ensure you have sufficient fasteners for complete assembly.
• Will the blue anodised finish wear off with use? — The anodised finish is quite durable and will resist normal use, cleaning, and outdoor exposure. However, repeated assembly and disassembly, abrasive contact with components, or impact damage may gradually wear the anodised coating in localised areas. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the fastener's function. The underlying aluminium remains protected by the anodic layer and will resist corrosion. If you require replacement fasteners that look pristine, keeping spares on hand is always sensible for any serious RC enthusiast.
• Can I use these locknuts on non-Associated RC vehicles? — If your non-Associated RC vehicle uses M4 metric thread fastening and requires flanged locknuts, these fasteners will physically fit and function correctly. However, they are specifically engineered for Team Associated platforms, so you should verify compatibility with your vehicle's specification before purchasing. Consult your vehicle's manual or contact the manufacturer to confirm M4 fastener compatibility.

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 FT M4 LOCKNUT BLUE ALUMINIUM FLANGED AS31551 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.