jdetar
10-01-2005, 09:45 PM
So we've been building project mayhem for over 2 years now and are very close to completion. When first starting to test drive I couldn't help but notice I have to turn the steering wheel a lot to get a decent response. We have a toyota power steering setup and it's quite ridiculous. I didn't bother counting the rotations needed to completely turn the vehicle from side to side but I have to run the steering wheel around rather quickly just to make a simple turn. I'm not sure what the problem is and what can be done to improve this. It takes way to many steering wheel rotations to turn the vehicle. :confused:
Has anyone else run into this problem before? I'm stumped as to why this is happening.
ChicksDigWagons
10-01-2005, 10:37 PM
I don't have a clue what your setup is, but, it sounds like you may have too short a pitman arm for the length of the knuckles.
Tusker
10-02-2005, 08:06 AM
It is probably either your steering/pitman arm geometery, or your suspension. As mentioned above, too short of a pitman arm or too long of steering arms will require increased steering cycling to make a turn.
What are you running for suspension? Your problem may be lateral play in the axle. With long, loose springs and no panhard bar you can end up pushing the axle left or right instead of turning the wheels. Have someone watch the knuckles and axle position as you drive slowly and steer. If the axle is being pushed sideways instead of (or in addition to) turning the wheels, it should be easy to see.
jdetar
10-02-2005, 08:17 PM
Thanks for the info. Here's some pics of the setup if that helps. We'll test the steering tomorrow to see if it pushes the axle around.
http://www.detar.org/pics/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00750.JPG
http://www.detar.org/pics/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00749.JPG
http://www.detar.org/pics/albums/userpics/10001/normal_DSC00748.JPG
super_zook
10-03-2005, 09:32 AM
Just a quick comment ... When sitting on the ground, do the panhard and draglink angles match? If not, they might be fighting each other.
jdetar
10-03-2005, 10:00 AM
Hrm.. that is where they sit as the axle's are held in in the pictures from jack stands. Do those angles not look sufficient? We thought they were when designing everything but maybe not.
We also are thinking there's a problem with the power steering somewhere in a piece failing. It was rebuilt/ebay purchased stuff so who really knows the quality of it. We're going to test some things and will hopefully figure this out.
bogger61
10-03-2005, 10:02 AM
What is the number of turns from lock to lock in the steering box
OKIE ZUK
10-03-2005, 11:09 AM
Hopefully 4 turns. I thought you'd been done with this. The draglink and panhard are at different angles and will have bump steer.:)
Non Urban
10-03-2005, 06:40 PM
Just a quick comment ... When sitting on the ground, do the panhard and draglink angles match?
Doesn't look like it.
jdetar
10-03-2005, 08:38 PM
Didn't get a chance to do anything tonight to it. But it's definitely more than 4 turns. It's at least 7 or 8. haha.
Yeah the angle's aren't exact.. anyone have a flat pitman arm they want to sell? :)
phil_j
10-04-2005, 09:49 AM
wouldnt it be better to drop your upper panhard mount than run a flat pitman arm? that would keep both closer to flat at ride height, minimizing lateral shift during suspension cycling.
jdetar
10-04-2005, 10:09 AM
Hrm.. yeah we could do that too I'm sure but that's going to be one long drop. We'll think the options over
bogger61
10-04-2005, 04:55 PM
Didn't get a chance to do anything tonight to it. But it's definitely more than 4 turns. It's at least 7 or 8. haha.
Yeah the angle's aren't exact.. anyone have a flat pitman arm they want to sell? :)That many turns its the box what is it off of ,looks like FJ