Optima wheel question

[Rizzo]

g'day guys
I have a problem with my recently restored Optima. I can't seem to get the wheels right, ie: since the axle & drive washer need to be dome up to a piont where they bind? on. I either don't do them up enough, or they are too tight & seem to bind the wheel bearings. Is there some trick? or are u guys using aftermarket clamp on type wheel adapters that u can buy these days in 12mm?
This is my first Kyosho so sorry for the stupid question.
regards
Jak

[RichieRich]

They shouldn't bind. It's possible yours are just worn out. The friction-fit hexes are one of the week points of the cars. I've never tried the aftermarket clamp hexes.

[Kyosho Fan]

There is always a little clearance for the axle to float.
You cannot use washers up against the bearings.
Also look for some debris in the bearing seat of your hubs.

Never had a bit of trouble with the drive hex's. Worst part is trying to remove them from universal shafts.

If nothing else, get yourself some new drive nuts.

[Mr. ED]

Indeed , definitely don't use washers between the hex and bearing.

Make sure you degrease the axle and hex at the conical surfaces. Apply a little thread lock on the inside of the hex and leave it to dry a couple minutes, then put the hex over the axle and tighten the nut without excessive force. That should hold and turn freely.

[Rizzo]

thanks for the replies , I have another set of axles that came with the car, I will try those as well, the locktight trick sounds like a great idea.
regards
Jak

[vintage racer]

You can also use toothpaste to seat the hex and create a non slip additive but you can still easily remove them.

[karnivool]

x2 for loctite worked very nicely for me