First mod · Universal upgrade
Bearings
Replace plastic bushings with ball bearings. The highest impact-per-dollar upgrade on any Mini-Z.
Why it matters
Stock Mini-Zs use injection-molded plastic bushings that create rolling resistance and wear quickly. Ball bearings eliminate drag, free up the drivetrain, and are the single mod that belongs on every car before anything else.
Recommended Parts Affiliate links · no extra cost to you
Prices are approximate and change often. Check the listing for current pricing.
Fast Eddy Sealed Bearing Kit (MR-03)
Sealed bearings for the MR-03. What I run on mine. Drop-in replacement, sealed so they do not grit up.
Shop →Mini-Z Ball Bearing Set (7pcs)
OEM replacement bearings. Drop-in fit, no modification needed.
Shop →Hybrid Ceramic Bearing Set (MR-03)
Ceramic balls, steel races. ABEC 7 rated. Lower friction than steel, no rust.
Shop →Full Ceramic Bearing Kit (8pcs)
Full ceramic races and balls. Lowest rolling resistance available. Fits MR-02/MR-03/MR-015.
Shop →FastEddy Sealed Bearing Kit (MR-04EVO2)
Drop-in sealed bearing kit for the MR-04EVO2 drivetrain. Model-specific sizing. Not interchangeable with MR-03 sets.
Shop →Full Steel Bearing Set (MR-03)
Budget full-steel bearing kit for the MR-03 drivetrain. The "if you just want to get started" pick over OEM plastics.
Shop →Ceramic Bearing Set (MA-020)
Hybrid ceramic bearing set sized for the MA-020 AWD drivetrain. Lower rolling resistance than steel, no rust on the front axle.
Shop →MX-01 Replacement Parts & Bearings
Crawler-specific bearing sizes for the MX-01 portal axle drivetrain.
Shop →Related Guides
Mini-Z Upgrades: The Complete Guide
Mini-Z upgrades ranked by impact: bearings first, then tires, T-plate, motor, and electronics. The full upgrade path for MR-03, MR-04, and MA-020 racers.
Mini-Z Bearing Maintenance: Clean, Re-Oil, and Know When They're Done
Dirty bearings quietly steal lap time. How to spin-test, clean, and re-oil Mini-Z bearings, and how to know when one is too far gone to save.
Mini-Z Bearing Upgrades: Ceramic vs Steel
Not all Mini-Z bearings are worth upgrading. Here's which positions actually change handling, ceramic vs steel trade-offs, and what to buy at every budget.
Best First Mini-Z Upgrades: 5 Mods That Matter
New Mini-Z owner? Start with these 5 upgrades. Ranked by impact per dollar. The first mod transforms how your car drives for under $15.