0.15mm Metal Axle Support Spacers (Photo-Etch)

The fine adjustment of the axle, in detail: Photo-Etch metal spacers from BRM

When it comes to serious preparation in 1/32 slot racing, tenths of a millimetre matter. These 0.15 mm axle support spacers manufactured by BRM using the Photo-Etch process are designed for those who know that precise tuning starts with accurately controlling the position of the rear axle.

Function and performance

The spacers act as precision shims between the axle support and the chassis, allowing for height and axial play adjustments with a margin of just 0.15 mm per unit. By combining several pieces, the exact measurement needed for each configuration can be achieved, without unnecessary play or friction that penalises power transmission to the axle.

The Photo-Etch manufacturing (chemical etching on metal sheet) ensures flatness and uniform thickness throughout the piece, something that conventional plastic spacers rarely match. The result is a rigid shim, with no deformation under load and consistent thickness from piece to piece.

Compatibility and installation

These pieces are designed for use in 1/32 scale slot cars within the BRM spare parts ecosystem. Their primary application is the rear axle support, although their format may make them useful in other areas of the chassis where millimetric spacing is required.

• Thickness: 0.15 mm
• Material: metal (Photo-Etch)
• Scale: 1/32
• Reference: BRM-S013HA

Installation does not require special tools, although it is recommended to use fine-tipped tweezers to handle the pieces comfortably given their thinness. Before permanently fixing the support, check the lateral play of the axle with the car on the track to ensure that the adjustment is correct.

Installation and preparation: common mistakes

• Do not stack more layers than necessary: adding too many spacers can raise the axle excessively and alter the transmission geometry.
• Check alignment: a misaligned spacer can cause a slight lateral displacement of the axle, resulting in vibration at high speed.
• Surface cleaning: any residue of grease or dirt between the spacer and the support can distort the actual thickness of the shim. Clean both surfaces before installation.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is an axle support spacer for?

It allows for precise adjustment of the vertical position and axial play of the rear axle within the chassis. A small displacement in tenths of a millimetre can make a difference in the stability and power transmission of the car.

What advantage does Photo-Etch offer over plastic spacers?

Metal photochemical etching guarantees an absolutely uniform thickness and much higher rigidity. Plastic spacers can slightly deform under load or with the heat generated during the race, which alters the initial adjustment.

Can I combine several units to achieve greater thicknesses?

Yes. Stacking several pieces adds the thicknesses linearly (0.15 mm × number of units), allowing for great adjustment versatility without the need to purchase spacers of different sizes.

Are they compatible with chassis from other brands in 1/32 scale?

Their design is intended for the BRM spare parts catalogue in 1/32, but as they are flat spacers, they can be useful in any assembly where the dimensions of the axle support match. Always check the measurements before installing them on a chassis from another brand.

Do I need any special tools to install them?

It is not essential, but it is highly recommended to have fine-tipped tweezers to handle the pieces precisely and avoid accidentally bending them.

BRM-S013HA Photo-Etch metal axle support shims (0.15 mm) for 1/32 scale slot cars — precision-etched metal washers designed to fine-tune axle height and lateral play on the rear axle support. Essential for serious setup work, these ultra-thin shims deliver consistent thickness and rigidity that plastic equivalents simply cannot match. Compatible with BRM 1/32 spare parts range and suitable for club racing preparation and competitive tuning.