Log in

View Full Version : How to splash / dust proof your pricey servo's


RCRacing88
08-05-2011, 12:51 AM
It doesn't matter how long you've been into the hobby, be it 6 months or 30 years! We all know how frustrating it can be to have slow, low torque servo's on your RC vehicle!

That's why we buy the 'top of the range' servo's which provide a speedy rotation rate with a lovely high torque strength to compliment that.

I have been using a method to *SPLASH* proof my servo's for over 3 years and I have yet to have a servo fail on me! so I thought I would share my technique with the world :)

1# Grab a couple of servo's, as you may aswel do more than just one if you have the time.
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4027/pic1esg.jpg

2# Locate the four screws at the under side of your servo, and remove them.
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/3423/pic2uz.jpg

3# Remove the bottom & top halves of the servo, being careful not to let the gears fall on your lap as gravity is against you for this one.
http://img804.imageshack.us/img804/2995/pic3k.jpg

4# Take a pot of grease, pretty thick but pliable grease. (doesn't have to be rc specific) It may also be worth your while greasing the gears a little of you see fit.
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/7827/pic4f.jpg

5# Apply the grease around the edges of the casing. Where the three parts meet together, run a bead of grease along there.
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/2091/pic5i.jpg

6# Do the same for the bottom half.
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/4617/pic6q.jpg

7# Carefully place the casing back together, and tighten the screws making sure not to pinch the servo wire.
http://img857.imageshack.us/img857/9618/pic7f.jpg

Grease should emerge out from the joints, just rub that back into the bead with your finger and then wipe the servo clean.

I hope this technique works for you! as well as it has worked for me :)

Cheers

sosidge
08-05-2011, 09:13 AM
Surely most good quality servos already have an o-ring seal?

RCRacing88
08-05-2011, 03:33 PM
Surely most good quality servos already have an o-ring seal?
Some do, some don't. But if you have a servo like the savox this method is best

mark christopher
08-05-2011, 04:12 PM
personally i would use a water proof or silicone grease. the other option is to spay a conformal coating on the pcb.

RCRacing88
08-05-2011, 04:41 PM
personally i would use a water proof or silicone grease. the other option is to spay a conformal coating on the pcb.
I have found that normal grease works just fine but if you feel its necessary to use other greases then go ahead and use them :)

In my mind grease is just an alternate splash proofing method than plasti-dip or other methods that will completely coat your servo.

It's just for the average guy that won't be running under water, but would like the re-assurance of knowing their servo will be fine if they happen to run through a puddle.

eyeayen
08-05-2011, 05:45 PM
Or you could just get some 'Lazy Goo' - perfect waterproofing agent... clicky (http://rclazy.com/shop/lazy-goo/)

RCRacing88
08-05-2011, 08:11 PM
Or you could just get some 'Lazy Goo' - perfect waterproofing agent... clicky (http://rclazy.com/shop/lazy-goo/)
All down to personal preference, trial and error, to find the one which works best for you at the lowest cost, and takes up the least amount of time