Top RC Servos for Steering & Common Troubleshooting

There are many different types of RC servos on the market. A quick search will show you how widely they can vary in size, weight, torque, and speed. However, they do all have one thing in common: they make driving an RC car and truck more enjoyable.

If you’re a hobbyist or an RC racer, then it’s important to know what features to look for in an RC servo motor, how to choose the best one for your needs, and how to troubleshoot for common problems associated with the technology.

RC Servos Explained

RC car servos are arguably the most important component when it comes to enjoying your radio-controlled vehicle. These devices make it possible for you to steer your car and take corners with precision. Using a radio signal, they send power to the motors that turn your car’s wheels (or sails or rudders) and change its direction.

RC steering servos can be divided into two distinct types: digital and analog. The important difference between the two is that digital servos provide quicker response times and greater torque than analog servos.

Best RC Servos for Steering

Futaba S3003 Standard Servo

Futaba servos are a trusted brand, and the Futaba S3003 Standard Servo is an excellent starting point for new racers and hobbyists.

While it can seem slow when compared to more advanced and costly servos, it’s very reliable, capable of handling many months of frequent and substantial offroad operation. Besides, many experienced hobbyists argue that the difficulty of handling a vehicle at higher velocity can make fast driving less fun.

The slower speed of this servo makes it a great introduction to the hobby, giving new drivers the time to become familiar with handling. Coupled with an economical price tag, the S3003 is ideal for beginners.

Savox SC-1256TG Standard Digital Titanium Gear Servo

The Savox SC-1256TG is one of the best servos on the market, consistently outperforming more expensive servos and generally attracting high ratings and flattering reviews. It’s powerful and responsive, making it ideal for buggies, monster trucks, and rock crawlers, and a great choice for making tight turns on a racetrack.

Furthermore, the titanium gears make it a durable piece of hardware. So, while the price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum, the long life of Savox servos means you won’t have to worry about frequent replacement.

Hitec HS-645MG High-Torque 2BB Metal Gear Universal Servo

Hitec servos are another brand that is beloved by hobbyists, new and veteran. The HS-645MG from Hitec is a great option for racers and hobbyists of all skill levels. It’s easy to set up, boasts an accessible price tag, and can be used with radio systems from many other brands, including JR, Futaba, and Airtronics.

This servo boasts an unbreakable first gear formed from a high-impact plastic around a metal pinion gear. Putting out over 130 ounce-inches of torque at 6 volts, it’s ideal for all types of RC vehicle, from cars and trucks to planes and boats.

Spektrum S6230 High-Torque Digital Surface Servo

Some servos make a buzzing sound during operation, but the Spektrum S6230 has a reputation for being as quiet as it is fast. Offering high torque in one the more compact of servo sizes, this servo is ideal for smaller RCs where space is often limited.

The wire leads are removable which simplify maintenance, and the servo mounting tabs are made entirely of aluminum to keep them secure no matter what you put them through. As one of the most consistently high-rated servos, you won’t regret going with the S6230.

Traxxas 2018 Standard Servo

So this servo may not win many awards, but it makes its place on this list for one resounding reason: the Traxxas 2018 Standard Servo will do what you need it to do. We understand, in a world where every product is presented to you as though it will be the single best purchase you’ve ever made, this sounds underwhelming.

But sometimes, people don’t need bells and whistles. When you do invest in a product, and the time it may take for that product to reach your doorstep, the last thing you want is to have to send it back.

The Traxxas 2018 offers high power and speed, and is consistently praised for its adaptability and reliability. Due to its servo dimensions, it’s often used to replace others after they give out. If you need a hardworking steering servo without the worry, the Traxxas 2018 is for you.

Common Servo Issues and Troubleshooting

Detecting and troubleshooting problems with servo motors can be difficult at times. To help you keep your servo up and running, here are the more common problems that are often seen with the devices.

The Servo is Overheating

When a motor starts to overheat, it can lead to serious consequences. Unaddressed, overheating can destroy the motor or even other components of the RC.

The first troubleshooting step you should take is to examine the mechanical binding and brakes to ensure there is no physical damage to the motor. The output shaft should be clear of any obstructions. Give it a spin to confirm that the bearings are moving correctly.

Finally, a short circuit causes more electricity to flow through the motor’s coils and windings than usual. Use an ohm meter to check if there’s a short occurring in the motor’s electrical circuits.

The Servo is Twitching

Dust and moisture are the two most common causes of servo shake. They can be fixed by turning off power to the device, removing any dirt or fluids in contact with it, and then cleaning up all remaining debris before powering back on again.

The Servo is “Chattering”

Problems with a motor standing still and making “chattering” noises, whether persistent or irregular, can be serious, yet tricky to diagnose. The main issue is positioning errors that cause the output shaft of the motor to stand still, but it may also vibrate slightly as well.

Usually this is caused by an error in the servo’s positioning. This can happen because of a problem during setup. You should review the settings for wiring and mounting points before adjusting parameters within drive modules.

If the drive is capable of auto-tuning it may have accidentally been reset. If this isn’t the case, there’s likely a feedback failure, which means you’ll need to have the servo repaired or replaced.

The Servo is Emitting a High Frequency Sound

Another issue you may encounter is that you may hear a high-pitched noise, similar to a squeak or a screech, coming from the servo. Typically, this indicates that you’ll need to replace the ball bearings. They are the most common culprit, but there are other mechanical concerns that could cause this as well.

The tiny, sensitive parts in your servo motor can be easily damaged by dust. If your servo features a brake, then dust may be drying the lubricant between the bearings.

In some cases, the servo may need service. It is important that you are not slow to respond to problems like these. The longer you wait, the worse the problems can get, which could lead to a failure of the entire system.

RC Experts Can Help You Find and Preserve Your Servos

RC cars are a great hobby to have, but sometimes it can be difficult to know what servos to buy, and how to maintain them, in order to get the most out of your car. At RC Superstore, we share your passion for radio controlled cars, trucks, truggys, boats, and airplanes. You should reach out to our team if you have any questions about finding the right servo for your machine, or if you need help diagnosing issues.