Overview
The Team Associated FT Steel Pinion Gear 16T Mod 1 5mm Shaft (AS81678) is a premium replacement pinion gear designed for competitive RC car enthusiasts and serious hobbyists across the UK. This steel pinion represents the quality and precision engineering that Team Associated is renowned for, delivering dependable performance in demanding racing conditions. Whether you're competing in club-level events or pushing your RC buggy or truck to its limits, this genuine Factory Team component ensures consistent power transfer and reliable drivetrain performance.
Pinion gears are critical components in any RC car's drivetrain, acting as the interface between your brushless motor and the rest of the transmission system. The quality of your pinion gear directly impacts acceleration, efficiency, and overall handling characteristics. This is why choosing genuine OEM parts from established manufacturers like Team Associated matters — counterfeit or poorly manufactured gears can lead to grinding, slipping, and catastrophic drivetrain failure during important races or weekend bashing sessions.
For RC enthusiasts in the UK looking for reliable drivetrain upgrades or replacement parts for their Team Associated RC8 models, this FT steel pinion offers straightforward, durable performance without compromise. If you're running a 5mm motor shaft and need a 16-tooth Mod 1 profile, this is the genuine part you can trust.
Key Features
- 16-Tooth Mod 1 Profile — The 16-tooth count provides a balanced gear ratio suitable for a wide range of track conditions and driving styles, whilst the Mod 1 profile ensures precise meshing with your spur gear for efficient power delivery and minimal drivetrain wear.
- Premium Steel Construction — Unlike plastic alternatives, this pinion is manufactured from hardened steel, which resists stripping, shearing and wear even under high-torque conditions typical of competitive RC racing or aggressive driving.
- 5mm Shaft Bore — The 5mm diameter bore is compatible with standard brushless motor shafts found on most modern RC cars, making this a drop-in replacement for your existing setup without requiring shaft adapters or modifications.
- Factory Team Specification — This is a genuine Team Associated Factory Team component, meaning it meets the exact specifications used by professional racing teams and factory test drivers, guaranteeing compatibility and performance.
- OEM Quality Assurance — As an original equipment manufacturer part, every pinion is precision-machined and quality-tested before leaving the factory, eliminating the uncertainty of aftermarket alternatives.
- Wide Vehicle Compatibility — This pinion is compatible with multiple Team Associated RC8 platform models including the RC8B3e, RC8T3e, RC8B3.1e, RC8T3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e and RC8B4.1e, making it a versatile upgrade option for owners of these popular vehicles.
Technical Performance
The Team Associated FT Steel Pinion Gear 16T Mod 1 is engineered to deliver consistent, reliable performance in the demanding environment of competitive RC racing. Steel construction provides superior hardness and durability compared to plastic or composite alternatives, resisting the stripping and wear that can occur during hard acceleration, braking or high-load cornering. The Mod 1 profile is a recognised standard in RC gearing systems, ensuring compatibility with genuine Team Associated spur gears and maintaining the precision tolerances necessary for efficient power transfer. The 16-tooth configuration offers a middle-ground approach to gearing — not overly aggressive for maximum acceleration, nor conservative for top-speed runs, making it suitable for general racing and recreational driving across varied track conditions. For RC enthusiasts in the UK running Team Associated RC8 vehicles, this pinion represents the same engineering standard used by factory-supported competition teams, delivering measurable improvements in drivetrain reliability and component longevity. The 5mm bore fits seamlessly onto standard brushless motor shafts without requiring additional hardware, simplifying installation and maintenance.
What's in the Box
- Team Associated FT Steel Pinion Gear, 16-tooth Mod 1 profile, 5mm shaft bore
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this pinion gear compatible with my Team Associated RC8 model? — Yes, this 16-tooth Mod 1 pinion with 5mm shaft bore is compatible with the following Team Associated vehicles: RC8B3e, RC8T3e, RC8B3.1e, RC8T3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, and RC8B4.1e. If you own any of these models, this is a genuine OEM replacement or upgrade part.
- What is the difference between Mod 1 and other pinion gear profiles? — Mod 1 (Modulus 1) is a gear profile standard that determines the tooth size and shape. Mod 1 gears have smaller teeth than Mod 2 alternatives, allowing more teeth to fit on a given diameter. This profile is the standard for most RC cars and ensures precise meshing with compatible spur gears. Using a mismatched profile can result in poor power transfer and accelerated wear.
- Why choose steel over plastic pinion gears? — Steel pinions are significantly more durable than plastic alternatives, resisting tooth stripping, shearing and deformation under high-torque load. For competitive racing and regular use, steel pinions maintain their performance longer, reducing maintenance costs and downtime. Plastic gears are more suitable for casual, low-stress driving only.
- How do I know if I need to replace my pinion gear? — Signs of a worn or damaged pinion include: grinding or squealing sounds from the drivetrain, visible tooth damage or wear, loss of power delivery, and difficulty in smooth acceleration. If you notice any of these symptoms, replacement is recommended to prevent further drivetrain damage.
- Will this pinion work with aftermarket spur gears? — This pinion is designed to work with genuine Team Associated spur gears and compatible Mod 1 aftermarket options from established manufacturers. Always verify that your spur gear is Mod 1 profile and that tooth counts are matched appropriately for your desired gearing ratio.
- What motor shaft size do I need? — This pinion gear features a 5mm bore, meaning your brushless motor must have a 5mm diameter shaft. Most modern brushless RC motors use 5mm shafts, but always check your specific motor specifications before purchasing. If your motor has a different shaft diameter (such as 4mm or 6mm), you will need a different pinion gear.
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 TEAM ASSOCIATED FT STEEL PINION GEAR 16T MOD1 5MM SHAFT AS81678 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: Team Associated
- Product Type: FT Steel Pinion Gear
- Model Number: AS81678
- Tooth Count: 16-tooth
- Gear Profile: Mod 1 (Modulus 1)
- Material: Steel (hardened)
- Shaft Bore Diameter: 5mm
- UPC: 784695816787
- Compatible Vehicles: RC8B3e, RC8T3e, RC8B3.1e, RC8T3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8B4.1e
- Product Status: Active
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.
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- 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.
