TRF502X Upgrade Aluminum Steering Set

[marco NL]

Tamiya 84283 RC TRF502X Upgrade Aluminum Steering Set

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3121/kgrhqnpme8wvvhb3cbpzfgk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/kgrhqnpme8wvvhb3cbpzfgk.jpg/)

looks very promising

are available on ebay

[msxmre]

I'll be ordering 1 of these, look really good.
Scotty....

[Shifta]

I've just fitted one of these and it gives steering geometry like the 511x.. Very nice:thumbsup:

[discothesnake]

Ah, good to know. I have one on order.

Does it give more turn in? Badly needs it.

Dave

[DaveG28]

Ah, good to know. I have one on order.

Does it give more turn in? Badly needs it.

Dave

I've run it, and it's good and bad news:

1. The bad: it doesn't solve the lack of outer lock. It is better than kit standard but gives less lock than a flipped or JT models link I think at least.

2. The good: it is more linear, and the car feels a bit more together with it in. On my tight indoor local track I didn't really feel the lack of lock (though it was practice so maybe I'll notice racing) and on bigger outdoor tracks it is fine.

To maximise lock I'd consider:
1. Keep it shimmed! After a couple runs I was able to add shimming to the two upright shafts to decrease play.
2. Tighten everything as much as possible, including bridge screws. I connect the servo last and found the steering still nice and free when doing this, but less play means less lost outside lock!
3. You can dremel down the Ali castor blocks then use a screw to set max lock on each side, this gives even more inner lock and therefore allows more outer....I haven't tried this yet! I also think binding may become an issue on the driveshaft if done too far!

[Shifta]

I ran this set up at the weekend on astro and the car felt really good. It seemed less twitchy than the flipped JT bridge. I spaced the ball studs forward by 3mm which gave a little extra outside lock :thumbsup:

[Airwave]

Could you please post a picture of this new steering parts mounted on the car?

I can't figure how it will change the lock... :confused:

[kidcongo]

Could you please post a picture of this new steering parts mounted on the car?

I can't figure how it will change the lock... :confused:

I changes the lock be eliminating the interferance between the plastic steering bridge and the gearbox. By laying the steering assembly back on an angle, the steering bridge does not bump into the gearbox. Also the installation is way more smooth as there is no chance of grit getting between the linkage horns and the chassis. This kit should have been standard when the kit was released.

The good news is the 502X keeps getting better and Tamiya picks away at it's known flaws.

[stefke]

Tried the new steering last weekend on an outdoor astro track. I thought it was just fine. I had enough steering, even in tight slow turns. And the feel was very linear. Very happy with it.

I also compared the wheel lock with a CAT SX3 and found the lock on the outher wheel is almost exactly the same. The schumacher has a bit more lock on the inside wheel (so it has a bit more ackermann).

[dobber]

Can someone take a pic of their car with this mod in please. Want to know if it replaces the carbon fibre steering link is I have broken mine. Or if anyone has installed this and want to sell me their carbon fibre steering I'll have it :)

Cheers!!

[gurnell]

Im afraid the carbon plate is also used on the new alloy steering too.

[msxmre]

Dobber you talking about the carbon fibre link or the actual steering linkage.
Scotty

[dobber]

The carbon fibre link ( the bit that sits on top of the 2 steering posts) I broke it last year at the mk gp if you remember ;)

[Aussie Top Force]

I have just built a 502X and included some up grades in the build including the steering.

Can someone take a pic of their car with this mod in please. Want to know if it replaces the carbon fibre steering link is I have broken mine. Or if anyone has installed this and want to sell me their carbon fibre steering I'll have it :)

Cheers!!

[dobber]

I have just built a 502X and included some up grades in the build including the steering.

Thanks for the pics. I see its set at an angle, is this to give it more steering?

[Aussie Top Force]

Thanks for the pics. I see its set at an angle, is this to give it more steering?

I believe it does. I initially installed the original steering when I built the kit. The hop-up options arrived a few days later and then I installed them enabling a 'bench' test/comparison. Its seems to create a lot more 'inside' wheel lock, but also place more weight from the chassis on the outside wheel due to the angled geometry. More force on the wheel should generate more grip!

I'm no engineer or physics major, these are just my bench top observations.:)