AS89598

Overview

The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR 16T MOD 1, 5mm SHAFT - ALUMINIUM (AS89598) is a premium Factory Team upgrade component designed for serious RC enthusiasts and competitive drivers across the UK. This precision-engineered pinion gear is a crucial component in your RC car's drivetrain, directly influencing acceleration, top speed and overall performance characteristics. Whether you're a seasoned RC racer, a weekend basher, or someone looking to fine-tune an existing RC buggy or truggy setup, this aluminium pinion gear offers a lightweight, durable alternative to traditional steel options.

As a Factory Team part from Team Associated, this 16-tooth MOD 1 pinion gear represents the engineering excellence and performance heritage that Team Associated is recognised for in the RC hobby. The pinion gear is one of the most important gearing components in any RC vehicle transmission system, working in conjunction with your plastic spur gear to determine how power is delivered from the motor to the wheels. With 16 teeth, this particular gear strikes a balance between acceleration and top-end speed, making it a versatile choice for various racing conditions and driving styles. If you're serious about optimising your RC car UK performance, upgrading or replacing your pinion gear with a Factory Team component is a smart investment.

This component is specifically engineered for Team Associated RC vehicles including the RC8 series buggies and truggies. The lightweight construction and precision manufacturing ensure consistent performance lap after lap, making it an essential spare part for any serious RC competitor. Unlike standard steel pinions, the aluminium construction reduces rotating mass in your drivetrain, which can contribute to improved acceleration response and overall vehicle dynamics.

Key Features

• Hard-Anodised 7075 Aluminium Construction — This pinion gear is manufactured from premium 7075 aluminium and treated with a hard-anodising process, which provides exceptional durability and wear resistance whilst keeping the component significantly lighter than steel alternatives. The anodising process also provides corrosion protection, ensuring your investment lasts through many seasons of RC racing and bashings.
• 16-Tooth MOD 1 Configuration — The 16-tooth count represents a balanced gearing option that offers a middle ground between extreme acceleration and maximum top-end speed. This makes it versatile for different track conditions and driving preferences, allowing you to explore how gearing changes affect your RC car's performance characteristics.
• 5mm Shaft Fitment — The 5mm shaft diameter is the standard fitment for most Team Associated motor shafts, ensuring precise engagement with your motor and reliable power transmission with minimal play or wobble during operation.
• Lighter Rotating Mass — By choosing aluminium over steel, this pinion gear reduces the total rotating mass in your drivetrain, which translates to quicker acceleration response and potentially improved energy efficiency during racing sessions. Lighter components mean less inertia to overcome when accelerating, giving your RC buggy or truggy a more responsive feel.
• Compatible with Plastic Spur Gears — This aluminium pinion is specifically designed to work only with plastic spur gears, not metal spur gears. This combination helps protect your motor and drivetrain by allowing the plastic spur to absorb shock loads, whilst the aluminium pinion maintains its precision and durability.
• Factory Team Quality Assurance — As an official Factory Team component, this pinion gear undergoes rigorous quality control and manufacturing tolerances to ensure it meets the demanding standards of competitive RC racing. You can trust that each gear will perform consistently with others from the same production batch.

Technical Performance

The TEAM ASSOCIATED FT PINION GEAR 16T MOD 1 represents precision engineering designed specifically for competitive RC racing applications. Manufactured from hard-anodised 7075 aluminium, this component is built to withstand the demanding conditions of high-speed RC motorsport whilst maintaining the lightweight characteristics that serious competitors demand. The 16-tooth MOD 1 configuration provides an excellent balance point in your gearing setup — fewer teeth would increase acceleration further but reduce top-end speed, whilst more teeth would favour maximum velocity but sacrifice launch performance. The 5mm shaft ensures secure engagement with compatible Team Associated motors, providing reliable torque transmission without slippage. The hard-anodising treatment creates a protective oxide layer that resists wear, corrosion and discolouration, ensuring your pinion gear maintains its precision and appearance through years of competitive use. When paired with a plastic spur gear, this aluminium pinion creates an optimal drivetrain combination that balances durability with performance. The reduced rotating mass compared to steel equivalents contributes to improved throttle response and acceleration characteristics, which can make a noticeable difference in race situations where split-second performance gains matter.

What's in the Box

• TEAM ASSOCIATED FT Pinion Gear 16T MOD 1 with 5mm shaft

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the purpose of a pinion gear in an RC car? — The pinion gear is a small gear that mounts on your motor shaft and works in conjunction with a larger spur gear to create a gear reduction system. This system takes the high-speed, low-torque output from your brushless or brushed motor and converts it into lower-speed, higher-torque output at the wheels. The gear ratio between the pinion and spur determines your vehicle's acceleration and top-end speed characteristics.
• How does tooth count affect my RC car's performance? — The number of teeth on your pinion gear directly influences your gear ratio. The 16-tooth count on this particular gear is a balanced middle-ground option. Fewer teeth (like 14T or 15T) would increase your gear ratio, providing quicker acceleration but lower top-end speed — ideal for tight, technical tracks. More teeth (like 17T or 18T) would decrease your gear ratio, favouring higher top-end speed but slightly slower initial acceleration — better for open, flowing circuits. Experimenting with different pinion tooth counts is a fundamental way to tune your RC car's performance for specific track layouts.
• Why choose aluminium over steel? — Aluminium pinion gears offer several advantages over steel: they are significantly lighter, reducing rotating mass in your drivetrain for improved acceleration response; they cost less than steel options; and they work effectively when paired with plastic spur gears. Steel pinions are typically preferred only for extreme conditions or when using metal spur gears. For standard competitive RC racing with plastic spur gears, aluminium is the preferred choice across the hobby.
• What does MOD 1 mean? — MOD refers to the module of the gear, which is a standard measurement system used to classify gears by their tooth pitch and size. MOD 1 is the most common module used in RC racing applications, ensuring compatibility with standard RC motor shafts and spur gears. MOD 1 gears are industry standard for 1/8-scale RC buggies, truggies and other competitive vehicles.
• Which RC cars is this pinion gear compatible with? — This 16T MOD 1 pinion is designed for Team Associated RC vehicles including the Nomad DB8, RC8B3.1e, RC8B3.2e, RC8T3.1e, RC8T3.2e, RC8B4e, RC8T4e, and RC8B4.1e. Always verify compatibility with your specific vehicle before purchasing, as using an incorrect pinion gear can damage your motor and drivetrain components.
• Is this suitable for beginners? — Whilst this is a genuine Factory Team component designed for competitive racing, pinion gear selection is an important skill for any RC enthusiast to master. Beginners should understand basic gear ratio concepts before changing their pinion, but this particular 16T option is a good all-round choice for learning how gearing affects performance. Start with this middle-ground tooth count and experiment from there as you develop your tuning knowledge.
• How often should I replace my pinion gear? — Pinion gear lifespan depends on driving intensity, maintenance and track conditions. Regular inspection is recommended — if you notice visible wear, chipping on the teeth, or reduced performance, it's time for replacement. Competitive drivers often rotate spare pinions to ensure consistent performance throughout a racing season. Having multiple pinion gears with different tooth counts allows you to experiment with gearing for different track conditions.
• What tools do I need to install this pinion gear? — Installation typically requires a small socket or hex key to remove your motor from the vehicle, and a pinion gear puller tool or sometimes just careful hand removal. Some pinions feature a set screw (sold separately) that locks the gear onto the motor shaft. Always consult your vehicle's assembly manual for specific installation instructions to avoid damaging your motor shaft.
• Can I use this with a metal spur gear? — No — this component is specifically designed for use only with plastic spur gears. Using this aluminium pinion with a metal spur gear can cause excessive wear and potential damage to both components. The plastic spur gear is engineered to absorb shock loads whilst the aluminium pinion maintains precision. Always ensure you have the correct plastic spur gear installed before using this pinion.

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 PINION GEAR 16T MOD 1, 5mm SHAFT - ALUMINIUM AS89598 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.