The Build – Part 1 The first part of our Team Associated T5M build revolves around the steering. This ST features a bearing-supported, dual-bellcrank steering system that includes tuning features like Ackermann, bumpsteer and and toe.
Build Notes: In the later steps you may notice that I highlighted the molded lettering on the bulkheads with a silver Sharpie. This makes it much easier for me to identify which bulkhead I’ve installed; either the 25° or 30° part.
The bearings for the entire kit come in one bag, so open the bag, get what you need for this step and set the other aside.
Step 5 has you assembling with 22mm screws, per the manual. There were no 22mm screws in my kit, only 24mm ones. I used these without any issues.
Team Associated T5M Build – Step 1 Start Part 1 by installing the 4 bearings into the steering rack.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 2 Next, slide a 2mm washer over the heavy duty ballstud and assemble. Slip a red o-ring over both ballstuds. This helps remove any slop the steering might have.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 3 Attach the bellcrank arms to the steering rack as shown. Do not overtighten these screws; the bellcrank arms must move back and forth smoothly and without bind.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 4 Insert 4 more bearings into the bellcrank arms.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 5 Before assembly, look closely at the bellcrank brace. You’ll notice one side is flat, the other has a slight lip on it. This lip needs to face the bearings during assembly. So, slide the 2 24mm screws (see Build Notes above) through the bellcrank brace and up through the bellcrank arms.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 6 Attach the steering assembly to the top plate. I found it easier to flip the top plate over and attach as shown. Do not overtighten; everything needs to swing freely.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 7 Attach the front chassis plate to the chassis.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 8 Attach the center chassis plate to the chassis.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 9 Here are the 2 front bulkheads AE has supplied with the T5M. As mentioned in the Build Notes, I used a silver Sharpie to highlight the number for easy reference. The manual suggests using the 25° bulkhead (or 25° Kickup) during the build, so that’s what we did. You can read up a little more on Kickup on our RC Tuning Guide page.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 10 Assemble the bulkhead and top plate. They are a press-fit so they should stay together easily.Team Associated T5M Build – Step 11 Attach the top plate/steering assembly to the chassis. Swing the steering assembly back and forth a few times to make sure there is no binding in the system.
Tony Phalen - As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!
