Replacement Parts for RC Models: Motors, Gearboxes & Hubs

By Carrera； Der Spezialist | Published: 2026-10-13

Category: Buying Guides

A practical buying guide to RC replacement parts: how to match motors, gearboxes, wheel hubs and steering axles to your model before you order.

Quick answer

Buy the part that matches your model reference and part number, not the one that looks closest. For Carrera models, start with the model number (for example Galaxy Rider 182014 or Turnator 162052), then confirm the SKU on the listing. If you only need to refresh worn rolling gear, a wheel hub set like Wheel hubs (4 pcs.) is the low-cost move; if the drivetrain is dead, a transmission with engine is the correct replacement.

Match the model reference before you match the part

The single biggest cause of a wrong order is shopping by appearance. Two Carrera front wheel assemblies can look identical in a photo but differ in axle width or steering geometry. The catalog gives you two identifiers to check: the model reference in the product name and the SKU. For example, the front wheel set for Galaxy Rider carries model reference 182014 and SKU 370990416; the transmission for the Turnator right-hand drive carries model reference 162052 and SKU 370510146. Write both down from your vehicle or manual before you browse.

Find the model number on the chassis, box, or manual, not on a sticker that may have been replaced.

Compare the part number in the listing title with the part number in your manual.
If the listing shows a SKU, keep it in your order notes so you can reorder the same part later.

Decide what actually failed before buying a drivetrain part

A model that will not move is not automatically a motor problem. Disconnect the motor and test it separately if you can; if it spins freely, the fault is more likely in the gearbox, the axle, or a stripped hub. Replacing a transmission with engine when the real problem is a loose wheel hub wastes money and time. Conversely, if the motor runs but the car creeps or grinds, the gearbox is the suspect.

Motor spins, wheels do not: inspect the gearbox and hubs first.
Grinding or clicking under acceleration: check gear teeth and hub fit.
No movement and no motor sound: check the motor and its wiring before ordering a gearbox.

Choose hubs and wheels by wear pattern, not by price alone

Wheel hubs are the cheapest part in this category and the one most often replaced unnecessarily. If a wheel wobbles but the tire and rim are intact, the hub is the likely wear item. A four-piece hub set such as Wheel hubs (4 pcs.) lets you refresh all four corners in one order, which is usually cheaper than buying singles later. Front wheel and steering axle assemblies are a different job: they include the steering geometry, so they are model-specific and should only be ordered against a confirmed model reference.

Wobble at one wheel only: replace that hub, keep the others as spares.
Wobble at several wheels after a hard season: buy the four-piece set.
Steering pulls or binds: inspect the steering axle assembly, not just the hub.

Budget for the part you need, not the part that is on sale

Spare parts pricing varies with what is inside the part. A hub set is a small molded component; a transmission with engine includes a motor and gear assembly, so it costs more and is worth buying only when the drivetrain is genuinely the fault. If your model is discontinued or the exact part number is hard to find, confirm the part number and model reference match before ordering, because a close-looking part can fit physically but perform differently.

Buy hubs when the drivetrain is healthy and only rolling parts are worn.
Buy a transmission with engine when the motor or gearbox has failed.
Buy a front wheel and steering axle set when steering geometry is damaged.

Decision rules for ordering RC replacement parts

Rule 1: Model reference first: Find the model number on the chassis or manual and compare it with the model reference in the listing title, such as Galaxy Rider 182014 or Turnator 162052. No match, no order.
Rule 2: Part number second: Check the part number in the listing against your manual. Two transmissions with engine can carry different part numbers, for example 162052 and 162105, and are not interchangeable by default. A different part number is a different part.
Rule 3: Diagnose before you buy: Test the motor separately before ordering a transmission with engine. If the motor runs and the wheels do not, inspect the gearbox and hubs first. Replace the failed stage, not the whole drivetrain.
Rule 4: Buy hubs in sets when wear is widespread: If two or more wheels wobble after a season, a four-piece hub set is more economical than repeated single orders. One order, four corners.
Rule 5: Treat steering assemblies as model-specific: Front wheel and steering axle sets include steering geometry, so they should only be ordered against a confirmed model reference. Steering parts are not universal.

Parts in this guide

2 Front Wheels with Steering Axle for Galaxy Rider (182014): 2 Front Wheels with Steering Axle for Galaxy Rider (182014), SKU 370990416, is a Carrera spare part set for the front wheel and steering axle assembly. Order this only if your model reference is Galaxy Rider 182014; it restores steering geometry as well as the front wheels.
Wheel hubs (4 pcs.): Wheel hubs (4 pcs.), SKU 370411176, is a Carrera Standard replacement set containing four wheel hubs for RC use. A single order refreshes all four corners, which is practical when several hubs are worn and cheaper than buying singles over time.
transmission with engine for Turnator right- Turnatorhand drive Turnator(162052): This Carrera transmission with engine is a replacement component for the Turnator right-hand drive model, part reference 162052, SKU 370510146. It is a drivetrain replacement, so confirm the Turnator right-hand drive reference before ordering rather than assuming it fits other Turnator versions.
transmission with engine, part number 162105: This Carrera transmission with engine is offered under part number 162105, SKU 370410670, and is listed under spare parts and RC vehicle tags. Part number 162105 is a different reference from 162052, so match the number in your manual exactly before buying.

Who this parts approach fits

Best for

Owners of Carrera models who have the model number and part number to hand
Hobbyists refreshing worn hubs, wheels or drivetrains on a model they intend to keep running
Buyers who want to order the correct part once instead of returning wrong-fit parts

Not for

Buyers who do not know their model reference and cannot check the part number
Anyone hoping a visually similar part will fit a different model without confirmation
Upgraders looking for performance tuning rather than direct replacement