"If the steering arms are unequal length would that give you differing amounts of steering lock."
First question, do you mean that when you turn the wheel one wheel turns more than the other ie you turn right and the left wheel turns less than teh right, but when you turn left the right wheel turns less than the left.
If so, look up Ackermann steering. It's meant to do that.
Otherwise Yes and no.
Let's do the No first. Some steering columns were set up off centre to match the off centre position of the driver, and thus they had different length track rods. In that case, if the steering was set up correctly, the length of the track rods will be different on each side.
However, I haven't seen a setup like that for some time and if you don't have the offset steering, then different length track rods will affect the lock.
So, what would one check if you have central steering and differing lock left and right.
1) Check the steering column and its bearing. The column should be straight. If it isn't straight then it will probably push one wheel more than teh other.
2) Check teh steering bracket (where the track rods are attached). The bracket need to be straight. Check the holes in the bracket. there are often three holes, a right, centre, and left.
Make sure that you are either using only the centre hole (both rods attached to the centre bolt,) or the two outer holes. The two outer holes should each be teh sam distance from teh centre.
3) check the steering column setup. In the central (straight ahead) position, the steering bracket should be central. (Get the bracket central. If the Wheel isn't central at that point, adjust it later).
Mark the central position. One way is to drill through the plastic bearing collar and insert a bolt. remember to remove it before you try to drive.
4) Loosen the king pins and rotate them. The stub axles should not move. If they move the king pin on that side is bent. bent king pins will affect your lock. Replace bent king pins.
5) Compare the stub axles. They should have teh same angle on both sides (ie. the stubs should stick out of the king post at the same angle, horizontal and vertical.) if they don't either one stub may be bent or they may not be a proper pair.
6) Compare the drag links (the arm the track rod is connected to). They should be identical. In particular, if there are several holes at teh end, they should be in teh same places and teh track rods attached to a corresponding pair.
The drag links affect ackermann, and if set up wrongly will give you different lock.
7)Check the steering yokes, the bit that holds the king pins on teh chassis. Stick a long screw driver or rod through each one and check thatthey look to be teh same from each side. (or use an angle meter or inclinometer if you have got one)
Then assemble the steering and set it up.
a) Centre the steering column
b) using Lasers or tracking discs set the wheels to zero toe, neutral caster, neutral camber
c) check your lock. You should now have even lock of both sides. If you have ackermann, note that the wheels will not be pointing in the same direction.
Hope that helps
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Steering question by 'Partyjas' (19 Nov 2010 @ 8:40)
