Overview
The Fastrax Clutch Bell Shims with Screw (FAST905) is an essential maintenance and tuning component for RC car enthusiasts across the UK who demand reliability and extended component lifespan. Clutch bearings are constantly subject to wear, tear and abuse, particularly in off-road RC driving where impacts and continuous stress are inevitable. This precision shim and washer kit from Fastrax addresses one of the most common issues faced by RC car owners: clutch bell wobble and slop that accumulates over time.
Whether you're running a competitive RC buggy, short course truck, or casual basher, the Fastrax Clutch Bell Shims with Screw represents a must-have upgrade that delivers genuine benefits. This product has been engineered by Fastrax to solve a real problem in RC car maintenance, offering an affordable yet highly effective solution that extends bearing life and reduces the frequency of maintenance interventions. For UK RC car owners looking to maximise the lifespan of their drivetrain components and maintain optimal performance, this is an indispensable spare part to keep in your toolbox.
The kit includes everything needed to properly shim your clutch assembly, allowing you to eliminate play and ensure the clutch runs smoothly and efficiently on the inner race of the bearing. This is particularly valuable for those running high-performance RC cars, whether brushless or brushed, as a properly shimmed clutch contributes to better power delivery and more reliable operation during competitive racing or intensive weekend bashing sessions.
Key Features
- Clutch Bell Washer Design — The included washers are specifically designed to minimise slop between the clutch bell and the engine shaft, ensuring the assembly runs concentrically and smoothly without wobble or lateral movement that can cause premature bearing wear.
- Precision Shim Set — Fastrax have engineered a selection of shims that allow you to fine-tune the exact clearance of your clutch assembly, giving you control over the fit and ensuring optimal engagement with the inner race of the bearing.
- Extended Bearing Life — By eliminating excessive play and ensuring proper alignment, these shims directly contribute to longer bearing life, reducing the frequency of expensive repairs and replacement cycles on your RC car.
- Lower Maintenance Requirements — A properly shimmed clutch assembly requires less frequent adjustment and replacement, saving you time and money on maintenance between competitive events or casual driving sessions.
- Included Fastening Hardware — The kit comes complete with a quality screw (3x8 specification), eliminating the need to source additional fasteners and ensuring you have everything required for installation.
- Universal Compatibility — The 3x8 shim and screw combination is a standard specification used across many RC car platforms, making this kit suitable for a wide range of RC vehicles and engine setups.
- Essential Tuning Component — This is a recognised and proven solution for improving drivetrain reliability and performance consistency, used by RC enthusiasts and competitors throughout the UK.
Technical Performance
The Fastrax Clutch Bell Shims with Screw (FAST905) represents precision engineering in miniature form. The shim kit allows you to control the axial clearance of your clutch bell assembly with precision, addressing one of the most overlooked yet critical aspects of RC car maintenance. Clutch bearings experience significant radial and axial loads during acceleration, braking and cornering, and any excessive play allows the bearing to sit on the outer race rather than the inner race, dramatically accelerating wear. By using the appropriate selection of shims from this kit, you ensure the bearing sits correctly on the inner race, distributing forces evenly and extending component life exponentially. The included 3x8 screw provides secure fastening that complements the shim set perfectly. This is a consumable maintenance item that should be checked and adjusted periodically as part of your RC car's regular service schedule, particularly after intensive racing or bashing sessions where drivetrain components experience maximum stress.
What's in the Box
- Clutch Bell Shims (multiple pieces for adjustment)
- Clutch Bell Washer
- Fastening Screw (3x8)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do I need clutch bell shims for my RC car? — Clutch bearings in RC cars gradually develop play and slop due to wear and impact. Excess slop means the bearing sits on the outer race rather than the inner race, which dramatically accelerates wear. Shimming your clutch bell ensures the bearing runs on the inner race, extending bearing life and maintaining consistent performance. This is particularly important if you regularly bash or race your RC car off-road.
- How often should I check and adjust my clutch bell shims? — You should inspect your clutch bell assembly periodically, particularly after intensive driving sessions or competitive events. As bearings wear naturally over time, you may need to add or adjust shims to maintain the correct clearance. Many experienced RC car owners check this component monthly during the racing season.
- Will these shims work on my RC vehicle? — The 3x8 shim and screw specification is a standard component used across many RC car platforms and engines. However, we recommend verifying compatibility with your specific RC car model before ordering. If you're unsure, our team of RC experts at RC Model Shop can advise you on whether these shims are suitable for your setup.
- Is this a difficult modification to install? — Installing or adjusting clutch bell shims is a straightforward procedure that most RC car owners can complete with basic tools, typically requiring only a small screwdriver. If you're new to RC car maintenance, we'd recommend consulting your RC car's manual or seeking advice from experienced RC enthusiasts to ensure proper installation.
- What's the difference between a shim and a washer? — Washers distribute force evenly over a larger surface area and prevent the screw head from pressing directly into soft material. Shims are precision spacers used to control exact clearances and alignment. This kit includes both, working together to properly support and align your clutch bell assembly.
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 Fastrax Clutch Bell Shims with Screw 3x8 FAST905 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.
- Brand: Fastrax
- Model Number: FAST905
- Product Type: Clutch Bell Shims with Washer and Screw
- Shim Size: 3x8
- Fastener: Screw (3x8)
- EAN: 5055323905063
- Application: Off-road RC cars and vehicles with clutch bearing assemblies
- Purpose: Minimise slop and play in clutch bell assembly; ensure bearing runs on inner race
- Benefits: Extended bearing life and reduced maintenance requirements
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.