Boost Steering Performance with the 2065X Metal Gear Servo


2065X Metal Gear Servo

You can boost the steering authority, precision, and durability of your LaTrax® 1/18 scale Rally, Teton, or Prerunner by replacing the factory-installed, plastic-gear 2065 steering servo with the optional 2065X metal-gear, waterproof servo. Installation only takes a few minutes, and it’s easy to do. Follow along with the steps below or watch this how-to video.

Traxxas 3415 tool kit

The only tool required for this installation is a small (no. 1) Phillips screwdriver. The Traxxas 3415 tool kit includes the screwdriver bit you need for this installation, plus hex- and nut-driver bits that will allow you to work on any Traxxas model. The kit comes complete with a ratcheting handle and convenient storage case. Traxxas 3415 tool kit

Installing the Servo


The fist step is to remove the body and battery. It’s easier to access the receiver if you unplug the motor first. Pull on the plug halves to separate them, but do not pull directly on the wires. Remove the two screws that secure the receiver box, and lift it off of the chassis.

Remove the Body and BatteryRemove the Body and Battery
Unplug the Motor WiresUnplug the Motor Wires
Remove the Receiver BoxRemove the Receiver Box

Unplug the steering servo from the receiver’s channel-one (CH1) port. Slide the servo wire and plug out from under the receiver box’s foam seal. Once that's done, turn the chassis over and remove the two screws that secure the servo.

Unplug the Steering ServoUnplug the Steering Servo
Slide the Wire OutSlide the Wire Out
Unscrew the ServoUnscrew the Servo

With the servo free from the chassis, you can now remove the screw that secures the servo horn, and pull the horn off the servo. Slide the servo mount off the servo, and reinstall it on the 2065X servo. Note that the servo’s output shaft should be offset to the left, as shown.

Remove the Servo HornRemove the Servo Horn
Remove the Servo MountRemove the Servo Mount
Reinstall the Servo MountReinstall the Servo Mount

Thread the plug and servo wires under the receiver box’s foam seal, then plug the servo into the channel-one (CH1) port. Note that there are two CH1 ports; you can use either one. Neatly bundle the wires so they are enclosed by the receiver box, then reinstall it. Make certain the foam seal remains tucked between the receiver and the receiver box.

Plug in the New ServoPlug in the New Servo
Close the Receiver BoxClose the Receiver Box

Before reinstalling the steering servo, you must first center the steering servo. Power the transmitter and speed control ON and then rotate the steering trim knob to the 12 o’clock position (straight up).

Power On the TransmitterPower On the Transmitter
Turn on the ESCTurn on the ESC
Set the Steering TrimSet the Steering Trim

Reinstall the servo arm so it is perpendicular to the servo body. The horn should point straight up when the servo is installed in the chassis. Once that is complete, reinstall the two screws that secure the servo.

Reinstall the Servo HornReinstall the Servo Horn
Verify Servo OrientationVerify Servo Orientation
Reinstall the ServoReinstall the Servo

Confirm the steering servo operates properly. If the wheels are slightly off-center when the steering is at neutral, use the steering trim knob to fine-tune the center position. Plug the motor wires back in, reinstall the body, and you’re ready to enjoy increased steering authority, precision, and durability in your LaTrax 1/18 scale model.

Conform Proper Servo FunctionConform Proper Servo Function
Enjoy Your Increased Steering PerformanceEnjoy Your Increased Steering Performance

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