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weak steering

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nitrokid49

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When i set my tmaxx on the ground and try steering the servo can't move the wheels but if the truck is moving it dose ok but its responce is slow. Is this just because the traxxas servo is to week or is something binding or tight. Is this the same case on your trucks. And i tryed a futaba 3003 servo and it only got worse. Thanks

Victor
 
no mine is the same way u have to have the mt moving for the servo to work it is also a good idea to oil some of the steering conponents
 
Oiling the steering componets is a very bad idea. The oil will attract dirt, turning it in to an oily sandy sandpaper like matter, slowly eating away at all your parts, then causing them to bind even more. The best thing to do is replace the stock servo with a good high torque servo. I personally recommend the Hiteck 645mg servo, or better yet the Hiteck 5645 digital high torque servo. The stocker just don't have the balls for a mt. Then upgrade the steering bellcranks, at least add bearings as opposed to the stock bushings. Or better yet go with the pro-line servo saver steering set up. Both of these will greatly improve your steering.
 
A common mistake that hurts the steering performance is overtightening the pillow ball caps. If you have had your axle carriers (AKA knuckles) apart recently, be sure that you have not over tightened the caps/cups.

Just a thought that doesn't cost $$$$.

Mr T
 
While it's typical of the steering not to move much when the truck is still, it should move fairly well when the truck is in motion. You've already heard a lot of good fixes including making sure the pillow ball retainers aren't too tight and upgrading to a stronger servo. You could also do as NC said and upgrade the bellcranks. I definitely recommend upgrading to bearings in the steering. It's inexpensive and easy to do. One other thing to look for is binding. Take the servo horn off your steering servo and move the wheels by hand. They should move very easily. If there's any drag, that will affect the performance. One thing I noticed on my Maxx was that there's a little bar that links the 2 bellcranks. And that bar was rubbing on the front differential case. I sanded a bit if the bar and it no longer rubs.
 
Servo and Pro-Line steering kit solved my problems...cost about $60-70 to do the 645MG servo and steering kit.....much better control....the 2055 servo sucks
 
I new oiling the steering components was a bad idea I ment to say dry oil will that hurt anything.
 
Hi, newb here, I must confess I've been lurking for quite a while.. This is a great forum!

Back on topic..

I just made the change to the HiTech HS-645mg and replaced the bushings with bearings. It made a HUGE difference. My only concern is that the servo saver does not like the added torque from the servo, I've actually removed it for better response, any thoughts or suggestions?
 
Yeah, first off don't run without some type of servo saver. Either get a Kimbrough servo saver for the hiteck, or the pro-line kit, but dont run without one or you will destroy the servo.
 
the UE one is awsome but costs big bucks...the pro-line is a similar design but w/ plastic replaceable arms for 1/3 the price...I run those in all my maxx stuff now....they help re-center the steering and let the servo relax more.....so it is really a "Servo Saver"
 
What does a servo saver do and what does one look like so I know what I'm looking for. It was stated that I shouldnt be running without one so I figure I better invest in one.
 
The t-maxx comes with a servo saver, but a really really poorly made one. It is actually the servo horn in the stock form. Pro line makes a servo saver that replaces the drag link setup and the posts. Great product.
 
ye, the hitec servo will help but still needs to be moving to turn, try a futaba 9350 if you plan on keeping your truck, you will need a good servo saver to handle the torque though, i'm on my third now, using the hitec on the throttle/brake now, brakes are crazy
 
The HiTec has no problem turning my wheels while sitting still, I do run it with a 6v 1200Mah Battery Pack though.
 
My Hitec 645 has no problems turning my front wheels while not moving as well. I am also running a Rechargable 2700mah 6v pack. Also have the UE servo saver... nice setup
 
Same here.....but now I do get the JR 240/260 servos instead....they seem to handle way more abuse.
 
Thanks alot guys for all the help, But now i got to get new shock towers and bulk heads sence i broke them the other day anyway thanks.
Victor
 

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