B44 Steering Problem

[nutey]

Finally had a chance to give the B44 a run outside since it wasn't snowing or raining

I noticed that when accelerating with full lock on the inside wheel seems to "flap" (technical term) a bit. Didn't really think anything of it but my fun was brought to an early stop when I lost all steering. The servo arm had snapped

I'd have thought the servo saver should prevent this or could it be due to the extra movements of the inside wheel?

Annoying as I thought I'd actually managed a run without breaking down

[Hog]

Mine does the inside "flapping" wheel thing, but doesn't seem to affect the handling. Think it's just a design flaw that when the ballstud cups wear a bit there's enough play to allow it to happen.

I can't see how it would break your servo horn though - the fact that it's flapping means it's loose and hence not stressing the horn - I reckon it's an unfortunate coincidence. Try a more robust servo horn, just make sure the servo saver isn't locked up solid.

[sparrow.2]

The flapping is a result of the ackermann geometry on the steering linkages. It isn't a design flaw.

I can't see how it would cause your servo horn to break so that must have been caused by something else. Have you limited the servo end point adjustments so that the servo is not blocking at the end of its travel?

[Hog]

Originally Posted by sparrow.2

The flapping is a result of the ackermann geometry on the steering linkages. It isn't a design flaw.

I know it's as a result of the Ackerman - if the steering bellcranks went further forward it wouldn't occur.

So if it's not a design flaw, then you're saying it was designed that way?

[Big G]

it's because when on full lock the point where the ball joint meets the rack isn't at enough of an angle to hold the wheel still so it can move a bit.

limiting the lock will sort this, although I haven't found a problem with it 'flapping' although it is amusing hehe.

[Hog]

I've been looking at modding the steering arms to make them longer and reduce the flapping. I believe this was done as a mod to the XXX4 to improve it as well. But at the moment I'm having issues with the longer arms hitting the diff housing

[nutey]

Sounds like it's nothing to worry about then...Just seemed a strange coincidence with the servo arm snapping too. No crashes so must have just been a gradual fatigue type thing.

The EPA should be right - had to turn it right down to stop the servo straining on full lock.

At least it's a nice cheap part to break - makes a change