TLT Steering?

[NICKC]

Has anyone ever taken measurements on thier steering (in degrees) with TLT axles?

I am running TLT axles, stock knuckles and a Hobico CS170 servo (just bought it) and I still think my steering sucks. I'm trying to figure out if I am just expecting too much, or if I've got something set up wrong.

I went to my first comp and actually POINTED OUT because I had to back up and hit markers to much since my steering was so bad. So I tossed my old junk servo (it wouldn't steer to the left for some reason) and bought the TowerPro MG945 from JP Customs. Steering was improved, but still not enough power to steer it when in the rocks.

So last weekend I went out and bought a CS170, havent been out to play in the rocks yet but just from playing around my back yard it seems better but still think I should be able to get more out of it. :-(


I forgot my camera at home with all my pics but I will post pics tonight or tomorrow depending on what my fiancee has planned for tonight.

So long story short, whats normal for steering degrees on a tlt axle?!?

[cyberhog05]

The stock knuckles restrict the steering pretty bad. Order some alloy ones from JP customs. That will help. Also make certain of your EPA that will cause your servo to not turn to its full potential. You can also shave a little bit of the back of your steering knuckle so it has more radius but you will end up breaking them easier. Put on some MSD C's and the JP customs alloy knuckles and never look back!

[Tanis]

You mean like this? I haven't checked the degrees yet, but at least 45* I'm sure. I have the CVD's maxxed out.

[cyberhog05]

Good god! Now thats some steering

[NICKC]

EPA = end point adjustments?!? :-( (sorry newbie)

I'm running a Futaba 2 channel and I don't think it has end point adjustments. Does that mean its time to upgrade?

And Tanis, thats some sick steering. Guess maybe I'm just expectng to much from the stock junk. What are you running for steering/axles?

[badltl510]

I just did some cad work with them and the max throw for a tlt cvd is 44*. This could be limited though depending on your knuckles, c's, ect.

[NICKC]

Also one thing to add:

When I pull the drag link from the servo but keep the knuckles connected via the tie-rod it steers further (ie turns sharper) then if I use the servo to turn it.

So A: I don't think its that my knuckles are maxed. And B: My servo isn't giving me full sweep of my steering. Is this where the adjustable EP's come into play on the radio?

[Tanis]

Originally Posted by badltl510

I just did some cad work with them and the max throw for a tlt cvd is 44*. This could be limited though depending on your knuckles, c's, ect.

That's about what it looks like just eyeballing it, thanks for chiming in on the total amount

[Tanis]

Originally Posted by NICKC

Also one thing to add:

When I pull the drag link from the servo but keep the knuckles connected via the tie-rod it steers further (ie turns sharper) then if I use the servo to turn it.

So A: I don't think its that my knuckles are maxed. And B: My servo isn't giving me full sweep of my steering. Is this where the adjustable EP's come into play on the radio?

OK, I'm thinking you may need a longer servo horn to achieve more throw. Can you post a pic of your setup from the front? I am running TLT axles with RCP/MIP CVD's, Fat Rock stainless axle C's(notched for clearance) and aluminum knuckles from TCS(ground for extra clearance).

[NICKC]

Ok here is a picture showing the linkage how it currently is. My servo horn is stripped (stupid cheap plastic crap). I was going to pick one up from the hobbie shop here in town but I had dinner detail tonight and didn't get out in time. Damn them for wanting to go home to their families. :-P



So a couple pics I took trying to show the steering throw.
First steering maxed, couldn't see anything rubbing so I assume the stock axle joint is maxing out. Linkage disconnected from the servo.



Second same thing but this time is using the servo.


So I also went ahead and checked the throw of the servo,
Using the remote to turn the servo, here's where it maxes with the linkage attached.


Same thing no linkage attached.



do the pictures help you guys any, what needs to be done?

Edit: I also checked the voltage coming from the Rx to the servo, and its over 6volts.

[NICKC]

After reading my own post and looking at everything I know a couple obvious things.

1: my tires are not on right, I have two backwards and two forwards.

2: need a new servo horn, as its stripped. Maybe that will help because when the wheels are off the ground it turns to full max on the axle shafts but when I put it on the ground it barely turns, so I'm thinking the gear must just be spinning inside the horn.

3: my tie-rod needs a paint job. :-(

[Badd]

if you are running stock Axles (stub shafts and dog bones) you can grind your stub shafts down about 1/8" . just watch that at full cut the drive pin in the dog bone does not come out of the stub .

[Tanis]

I think the issue must be your stripped horn then, and grinding the stubs like BADD said will allow more throw as well. Get ahold of Torry(IBRACIN) on WARCRC, as he has managed to get a lot of extra throw out of his stock stub axles, with no breakage issues so far. Other solution is CVD's

[LIKES2CRAWL]

Originally Posted by Tanis

I think the issue must be your stripped horn then, and grinding the stubs like BADD said will allow more throw as well. Get ahold of Torry(IBRACIN) on WARCRC, as he has managed to get a lot of extra throw out of his stock stub axles, with no breakage issues so far. Other solution is CVD's

Don't listen to Tanis.....he dosn't know what he's talking about! Ok maybee he dose, but don't tell him that makes his ego get all big and we don't need that around here.

[NICKC]

Originally Posted by Tanis

I think the issue must be your stripped horn then, and grinding the stubs like BADD said will allow more throw as well. Get ahold of Torry(IBRACIN) on WARCRC, as he has managed to get a lot of extra throw out of his stock stub axles, with no breakage issues so far. Other solution is CVD's

Yeah the horn is deffinetly part of the issue. I'm going to stop in to the covington shop and see if they have a metal one that will work.

As for the stub shafts, I can pull it apart and get pictures but I believe they are stock style extended shafts. If you look close in the pictures you can see it has spacers on the axles. Ill get ahold of torry on WaRCRC and see what he has to say.

Eventaully I'd like to get some nice axle components (aluminum Cs, knuckles, and CVDs) but I've also got my real crawler torn apart and its eating my paychecks currently.


When the time comes, what are you running Tanis, and which vendors did you go through? Would you do anything different?

[NICKC]

Originally Posted by LIKES2CRAWL

Don't listen to Tanis.....he dosn't know what he's talking about! Ok maybee he dose, but don't tell him that makes his ego get all big and we don't need that around here.

Funny you should say that, if I recall someone else told me not to listen to Tanis on the WARCRC board about a different question I asked. So far I like what I hear from him though.

[rockmike]

What iv found is dont grind any more than a 1/8'' off the end,but make sure you rebeval the drive cup,this will give alot more steering and no breakage.If you grind more than a 1/8'' youll be stressing the parts at full locke.

[PaloAltoK5]

Originally Posted by LIKES2CRAWL

Don't listen to Tanis.....he dosn't know what he's talking about! Ok maybee he dose, but don't tell him that makes his ego get all big and we don't need that around here.

Yeah, I agree, don't listen to him!!

err...wait...ok scratch that!! lol

Things I noticed:

1. Your servos throw seems short to me, definately look at you EPA's
2. Shaving your cups will help, just not too much!!
3. Check the cleance of your tie rod on the pumpkin. If your tie rod is too beefy it will contact the pumpkin and limit your steering also.
4. Also, without wheel wideners when you get into extreem steering angles your wheels will rub on the lower links and cause a little binding.

Now, I know it's no much help, but you have the right idea on getting a new servo horn.

[EGRESSor]

my TLT based with Hitec HSR 5995 TG servo 180* , 20mm servo horn , 45* steering

[Cole82]

Nice gopher
Read this thread on tlt steering.
Test out your CVD's this weekend? Share the results.