Strange question relating to personal code (DC Motors)

This is where my inexperience will shine!

Currently, just a motor and a gear box is what is steering this thing. There were some extra components that I didn't know what they were, but I will have pictures.

(I bought 2 but disassembled one and couldn't put it back together properly.)

The existing RC car I am using is an XMOD from Radio Shack. This is the steering portion.

The motor is a simple DC motor.

There is an electrical doodad (which I don't know what it is)