Topcad rant

[Bansh88]

I just got anew Hitec servo and horn. Got a nice looking steering linkage from Topcad. Was mildly suspicious because it was a "no-name" but after searching it had a decent rep.
Got it in the mail yesterday. Direct from China! Fit great, looked great! Even nice brass fittings. Though, off the bat, I was suspicious of the adjustment nut in the middle.



I ran it today on a local hill. Everything was going great and making sweet hill climbs and transitions. Made it to the peak for a beer break. Took about 40 minutes



Started back down. About 10 minutes down the hill, something snapped. My buddy noticed it first. Sure enough, it broke.



In all honesty, I wasn't surprised. All that stress was placed on a small screw?! What were they thinking?
Got home to look at it. Started thinking I could replace the whole "screw" bit with a single piece. OOOPS! Link came apart!!!



Fell right off in my hands. Didn't even touch it!

I'm debating an exchange or refund. not sure what will be more hassle. It was cheap. Only $15.
regardless. Pass on Topcad steering linkage. Total Garbage!

[theloudone]

you could make your own links for really cheap. they'd be way more reliable than the chinese crap.

[qinfdieb]

pretty random and pretty awesome.

[Jus]

For $15 you could have gotten the VP titanium tie rod. Live and learn.

[ochevys54]

i have topcad steering and mine is solid aluminum, no screw in center like yours, I didnt care for the brass bushing, they squished when I tightened the screws for the knuckles and created a bind in steering, put the stock steelies bushings in instead and no more issues

[monkeyracer]

I've had actually quite a few parts from top cad, and generally, have had good luck, although it does look like a weak point for that screw, and I'm surprised the bushing came out easy. Might be worth just taking the loss and going with the vp link.

[isyeskeert]

$1 more for the VP titanium.... I tried a pair of their c hubs, machined wrong, never fit right. Matter of fact, they would not even go on the housing.

That was the first and the last time that I ordered from them. I went VP and never turned back! I am yet to be disappointed with their goodies. I see some of these builds that easily have $2-300 worth of Chinese/ Hong Kong aluminum on them and I wonder if the builder realized how VP is more of a VALUE! It may not be as cheap, but it is a great value! You are paying for quality.

[Bansh88]

I'm trying not to be a cheap ass with this Wraith. The Topcad looked really sweet.
I just looked at the VP. Might pick up one.

I may be dumb, but I'm not seeing how the upper rod connects to the lower link. Goes for the ST links as well. Can someone explain?
Also, what are guys using to make their own?

[johnnyh66]

Originally Posted by Bansh88

I'm not seeing how the upper rod connects to the lower link. Goes for the ST links as well. Can someone explain?

The drag link attaches to the knuckle on top of the tie rod

Originally Posted by Bansh88

Also, what are guys using to make their own?

8:32 Threaded rod and either stainless steel or aluminum sleeves with Traxxas Revo rod ends.

[Bansh88]

Just looked a bunch of pics. So the 2 ball ends just stack where they meet at the steering knuckle? Need a spacer or anything?

Where do you pick up the rod? Specialty store or just Home Depot? Already got Revo ends!

**Vanquish video just splained it to me!

[johnnyh66]

I used to get rod and sleeves from Ace Hardware but it's cheaper from McMaster-Carr

[Bansh88]

I could probably order that through Grainger at work. What bout the sleeve? Its just rod with a thread through it, then cut to size?

[ROLANDROCKSHOP]

keyword here with top cad/integy..they "look" good...

if its a pressed in alum/brass/ball joint..stay away..
they will pop out just og poster commented..been there done that..
alum is a soft metal...once those joints pop out and theyr done.