View Full Version : Steering angle different left-right
lsfourwheeler
10-15-2019, 09:53 PM
Has anyone else had issues with their tire hitting on one side and not the other? My 818 hits the side of the frame/front firewall/coolant pipe when turned to lock on the right side but not when turning left. I haven't seen this mentioned frequently. My alignment settings on both sides are about the same and I'm running the FFR recommended size front tire.
Any suggestions? Do I just limit the steering rack with a spacer somehow?
Big Blocker
10-15-2019, 10:15 PM
Don't own an 818, but a Cobra Roadster . . . sounds like the toe-in was set without "centering the rack", although "alignment" has nothing to do with steering in that respect - two separate but connected systems.
Find the center of your rack by turning the steering wheel to full right and then count the turns all the way back to full left. Split that number in half and turn the steering wheel to that position. Don't pay any attention to it's orientation at this time. Now your rack is dead center as far as turns left and right and will produce the same turning circle in either direction. Lock the steering wheel at this dead center position and check your toe-in . . . this is where you adjust for your wheels being straight ahead when the rack is dead centered. Lastly, adjust the steering wheel to proper orientation for straight ahead.
All that being said, a spacer will "limit" the side that is rubbing . . .
Doc
Bob_n_Cincy
10-16-2019, 01:30 AM
Has anyone else had issues with their tire hitting on one side and not the other? My 818 hits the side of the frame/front firewall/coolant pipe when turned to lock on the right side but not when turning left. I haven't seen this mentioned frequently. My alignment settings on both sides are about the same and I'm running the FFR recommended size front tire.
Any suggestions? Do I just limit the steering rack with a spacer somehow?
The early frames had an issue with the rack not being in the center of the car. I don't know if or when they fixed this issue.
116089
I suspect this might not be your issue. If you don't have your rack exactly in the middle when you mount your steering wheel. You will get more travel in one direction compared to the other way.
Typically, from straight, you should get 1.5 turns each way.
Bob
lsfourwheeler
10-21-2019, 10:15 AM
It seems like the rack might be slightly off center. I will try to reset toe while changing the rack-wheel centering so that it is offset more to the driver's side that isn't hitting.
STiPWRD
10-21-2019, 01:22 PM
I've got the same exact issue, my rack is about 1/4" off center and the front tires slightly rub on the frame at full lock even though I'm using recommended tire sizes. One side is slightly worse than the other but can't remember which. I was going to machine some spacers over the winter and limit the rack.
wallace18
10-21-2019, 02:52 PM
Some 818 guys installed rack limiters. I did on all 3 I built.
STiPWRD
10-21-2019, 03:45 PM
Some 818 guys installed rack limiters. I did on all 3 I built.
Tom, were those off the shelf rack limiters or custom? Any chance you could point me to a post? Thanks
wallace18
10-21-2019, 04:00 PM
Tom, were those off the shelf rack limiters or custom? Any chance you could point me to a post? Thanks
I bought some rings from Tractor supply. I think they list them as shaft collars but don't quote me.
lsfourwheeler
10-21-2019, 04:09 PM
Tom, were those off the shelf rack limiters or custom? Any chance you could point me to a post? Thanks
I second this. Any tips or examples on what to use?
wallace18
10-21-2019, 04:12 PM
I second this. Any tips or examples on what to use?
I suggest measure the rack diameter and go to Tractor supply and buy what you need. That is what I did.
STiPWRD
10-21-2019, 05:11 PM
I suggest measure the rack diameter and go to Tractor supply and buy what you need. That is what I did.
I'll give that a shot, thanks Tom. My shaft diameter is 0.950" from my notes.
I'll give that a shot, thanks Tom. My shaft diameter is 0.950" from my notes.
You can also cut PVC pipe to the length you need, split it and slip over the shaft. Simple and cheap.
STiPWRD
10-22-2019, 11:36 AM
You can also cut PVC pipe to the length you need, split it and slip over the shaft. Simple and cheap.
Thanks, I thought about using PVC but it makes me a bit nervous to use plastic - I feel like it will crack and disintegrate over time with enough temperature cycles and getting squeezed on U-turns. PVC is usually in a much more stable environment when used for piping but maybe I'm just being paranoid.
I researched "shaft collars" per Tom and think I found exactly what I was looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-1-DOUBLE-SPLIT-STEEL-NEW-CLAMPING-SHAFT-COLLAR-BLACK-OXIDE-SC100D/291794457361?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
116516
$10.69 for a 4-pack
fletch
10-22-2019, 12:48 PM
Thanks, I thought about using PVC but it makes me a bit nervous to use plastic - I feel like it will crack and disintegrate over time with enough temperature cycles and getting squeezed on U-turns. PVC is usually in a much more stable environment when used for piping but maybe I'm just being paranoid.
I researched "shaft collars" per Tom and think I found exactly what I was looking for:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-1-DOUBLE-SPLIT-STEEL-NEW-CLAMPING-SHAFT-COLLAR-BLACK-OXIDE-SC100D/291794457361?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
116516
$10.69 for a 4-pack
I would appreciate seeing a picture of these installed when you get to it.
STiPWRD
10-22-2019, 01:01 PM
I would appreciate seeing a picture of these installed when you get to it.
Certainly. These should be arriving soon. It's funny, I didn't know these shaft collars existed so I actually designed something nearly identical and printed them on my neighbor's 3d printer to do a fit check. I was about to draw them up and have a machine shop make them but come to find out they are readily available and cheap - go figure!
Bob_n_Cincy
10-22-2019, 06:58 PM
Certainly. These should be arriving soon. It's funny, I didn't know these shaft collars existed so I actually designed something nearly identical and printed them on my neighbor's 3d printer to do a fit check. I was about to draw them up and have a machine shop make them but come to find out they are readily available and cheap - go figure!
I need some of those shaft collars on a harness bar to keep the shoulder strap in the correct place.
savak1
12-18-2019, 02:13 PM
I bought F5R100064ES already assembled (5th owner if you count the dealer from a trade-in) and was getting ready to post about this issue as I am getting ready to submit the car for certification in NJ. Same as fletch, I would really appreciate an update/pictures also to see if this resolves my issue.