Skip to main content

MadaboutKitcars

This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.

Steering (self-centering)

29 Jul 2009, 4:44pm
Hello, I have built a wee MK Indy. with a Blade engine.
Been to SVA but have to go back. (broken clutch cable)

Dose anyone know how to get the car to self-centre better than it dose at present?

It dose self-centre, but slowly and not from full lock.
All parts fitted are supplied by MK. steering rack and so on.
Thanks Sam
31 Jul 2009, 2:54pm
Sam,

Assuming that your steering rack and column move freely then the next thing to get checked is the front wheel castor angle. In general terms, the higher the angle the greater the tendancy to self centre (and the higher the steering load will be when cornering).

A friend of mine built a Westfield that didn't self centre. It turned out that the castor was out due to the wishbones being around the wrong way.

Good luck !

Simon
3 Aug 2009, 11:39am
Steering (self-centering)

Many thank Simon for your reply.

All steering parts are new or reconditioned.

I’ve got it booked in with AB motorsport to get the

Steering geometry reset using your advise


Sam.
5 Oct 2010, 6:09am
I have been to 3 SVA's and 1 IVA, we have had a couple of self centering problems and usually pump up the front tyres to 30+psi.
You can adjust the castor to give more wheel trail and also use camber to make the inside wheel "fall over more" on turn in.
However on the day, during IVA we struggled to get enough self centring, a hint fron the examiner told us to put some Toe out on and it worked a treat, examiner happy, MAC in hand.
After IVA we set up the geometry to the settings in the Haynes roadster book then fiddle until we get the correct handling.
18 Aug 2013, 7:20am
At my IVA I put 3 degrees of toe out and 34psi. Worked brilliant.