A damaged servo can ruin a great flying day—but many failures can be prevented with one small, inexpensive part: the DU-BRO Control Over-Ride Servo Saver. This tiny yet powerful device absorbs shock loads and prevents servo gear stripping caused by bumps, ruts, and steering impacts on retractable nose and tail gear. If you fly any model where the rudder servo is linked to steering gear, this is a must-have fix for reliability.
In this DU-BRO 101 video breakdown, we explore what the servo saver does, how it works, and how to install it properly for long-lasting servo protection. DU-BRO’s Servo Saver Kit is inexpensive, easy to install, and something every RC pilot should keep in the workshop.
Why You Need a Servo Saver
Many models—especially scale aircraft with retractable gear—link the rudder servo to the nose or tailwheel. This means a single servo is responsible for both flight control and ground steering. When the wheel hits a rut, bump, or divot, that shock travels directly into the servo.
Without a servo saver, this can lead to:
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Stripped servo gears
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Burned-out servos
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Binding during gear retraction
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Poor steering response
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Sudden in-flight failure
A servo saver absorbs this sideways load by compressing against a spring instead of transferring that force to the servo.
To complete your setup, DU-BRO offers high-quality clevises, pushrods, and linkage hardware.
How to Install the DU-BRO Control Over-Ride Servo Saver
1. Insert the End-Stop Screws
Start by inserting the two screws into the brass collets. These serve as end stops that control the range of motion and set the compression distance.
2. Determine How Many Springs You Need
Depending on your model and the forces involved, you may use one spring on each side or double up on both. Models with heavier gear or tighter geometry benefit from using two springs.
3. Assemble the Stack
Slide the components onto your pushrod in the order shown on the DU-BRO packaging and in the video. It stacks together like “toppings on a pizza,” as Joshua describes it—simple and intuitive.
4. Center and Adjust
Use the brass collets to fine-tune the centering of your linkage. Once aligned, clip off any excess pushrod to prevent binding inside the servo bay.
DU-BRO servo testers and linkage tools are great for verifying smooth motion during installation.
What the Servo Saver Looks Like in Action
With your steering servo activated, the saver allows normal left-right motion, but when the landing gear is retracted or under side load, the springs compress. This prevents binding and protects the servo from fighting forces it was never designed to handle.
This is especially helpful when:
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Retracts move through tight geometry
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Steering arms reach extreme angles
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A wheel hits uneven surfaces during taxi
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The model experiences sideways force during landing
For control horns, clevis links, and other components that work with the servo saver, DU-BRO has a full range of parts.
A Small Part That Prevents Big Problems
The DU-BRO Servo Saver is one of those parts you don’t know you need—until the moment you do. It has rescued countless pilots from repeated servo failures and is a simple insurance policy against expensive repairs. Keep one in your shop, add it to any model with retract steering, and enjoy smoother, safer flying.
