1:18 Rock Crawler front wheel universal joint

thingiverse

The HB P1803 1:18 Rock Crawler is an exceptionally durable vehicle given its price and minimal metal usage. However, the front wheel driveshaft "T" ends wear down quickly after just 20 minutes of use. Without spare parts available for purchase, it's fortunate that the original components are remarkably long-lasting. In fact, printable joint parts made from Bridge Nylon can potentially outlast their originals by tenfold, depending on the material used. My own printed parts have proven to be ridiculously resilient, withstanding hours of high-speed operation and challenging terrain thanks to a properly brushed ESC, helicopter motors, and a 2S battery. A photo showcases well-worn nylon components, secured to the shaft using epoxy - an ineffective method that fails to provide a secure fit. It's essential to print the parts tightly to ensure optimal performance. The STL file contains three distinct parts with varying hole diameters; printing all three will yield the tightest fit. If none of these options work, slightly reducing the print size and attempting again may be necessary, as outer dimensions are not strictly enforced. The design was originally intended for use with supports, but cutting off a millimeter or two before the horizontal bar starts to form has proven successful in my experience - without compromising durability.