Fine Geometry Adjustment with NSR 1.1mm Eccentric Bearings
Eccentric bearings are one of those small great secrets of the slot car preparer. At first glance, they go unnoticed, but their influence on the geometry of the rear axle —and by extension on grip, stability, and cornering response— is direct and measurable. NSR, an undisputed reference in competition spare parts for 1/32 scale, offers these eccentric bearings with an eccentricity of 1.1mm, designed for those who want to go beyond standard assembly and explore the true potential of their chassis.
Function and Performance
An eccentric bearing does not rotate around its geometric centre: its axis is offset from the outer rotation axis. This offset —in this case, 1.1mm— allows for varying the position of the rear axle within the bracket without the need to machine or replace structural parts of the chassis. By rotating the bearing, the height of the axle is subtly modified, which directly affects:
- The pressure of the tyres on the track.
- The load on the guide and its grip on the rail.
- The effective centre of gravity of the rolling assembly.
- The weight distribution between the front and rear axles (in combination with other adjustments).
It is a subtle yet highly effective tuning tool, especially in competition where differences are measured in hundredths of a second per lap.
Compatibility and Installation
These bearings are designed for NSR's proprietary bracket systems in 1/32 scale. Before installing them, it is advisable to check that the outer diameter of the bearing fits correctly in the housings of your chassis. They are supplied as 2 pieces per pack, sufficient to equip the complete rear axle.
The installation is straightforward but requires attention to orientation: the rotational position of the bearing determines the actual value of the displacement achieved. It is recommended to use an axle height gauge or a flat reference surface to check the result before closing the chassis.
Installation and Preparation
- Clean the bracket housings before installing the bearings.
- Mark the initial orientation with a fine marker to reproduce the adjustment.
- Rotate in small increments and measure after each change.
- Combine with different tyre hardnesses to find the optimal setup according to the type of track.
Common Mistakes
- Installing both bearings in different orientations unintentionally, resulting in a misaligned axle. Always check that both bearings point in the same direction.
- Confusing the available eccentricity: NSR offers different eccentricity values in its catalogue. Ensure you use the 1.1mm when fine adjustment is required; for larger corrections, there are other references.
- Over-tightening the bearings in the bracket, which can hinder subsequent rotation if reorientation is desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale are these NSR eccentric bearings designed for?
They are designed for 1/32 scale slot cars, which is the main scale of the NSR spare parts catalogue.
What is the difference between a standard bearing and an eccentric one?
A standard bearing keeps the axle always in the same position. The eccentric allows for slight displacement of that position by rotating the bearing itself, providing adjustment margin in the geometry of the rolling assembly without modifying the chassis.
How many pieces are included in the pack?
The NSR4847-11 pack includes 2 eccentric bearings of 1.1mm, sufficient to equip the complete rear axle of a car.
Can I combine these bearings with chassis from other brands?
It depends on the diameter of the bracket housing of each chassis. Check the measurements of your chassis before purchasing, as NSR designs these spare parts primarily for its own 1/32 platforms.
What eccentricity value should I choose?
The choice depends on the adjustment margin you need. The 1.1mm variant is a fine adjustment option, suitable for small geometry corrections. If you need a greater displacement, NSR has other references in its catalogue of eccentric bearings.
NSR eccentric bearings 1.1mm (ref. NSR4847-11), pack of 2 pieces, for 1/32 scale slot cars. These precision eccentric bearings allow fine-tuning of rear axle geometry, improving tyre contact, guide grip and overall handling. An essential tuning part for club racers and competitive slot car builders looking to extract maximum performance from their chassis setup.