[Kartbuilding] Kart problems - Steering Problem (Track Rods) - Photos

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Val,

Thanks for the photos. It looks like a well built kart. Its a pity that 
the steering has started locking up. Did the steering suddenly begin to 
lock up? After a knock etc.?
I woild suggest raising the front wheels off the ground and putting the 
steering through its range of movements. This will make it easier to 
spot the problem. It could be something as simple as putting grease/oil 
the king pin and track rod ends. I see there is a grease nipple on the 
king pins where grease can be pumped into the bearings there. (see 
DSCN3011.jpg)

Best of Luck,
-steve

  On Wed, 21 Nov 2007, Val Al wrote:

> Hi these are a few pictures of the Kart.  Thank You for responding.
>
> Stephen Burke wrote:   Hi Val,
>
> I suspect that the problem you are having is as a result of track rod
> adjustment. If the ackerman angle which is applied to the steering arms is
> incorrect it may cause the front stub axles to lock up in an overseer
> position.
> Looking at:
> http://www.kartbuilding.net/racingkart/Free_Racing_Kart_Plans_PDF/Main_Kart_Complete_12_Front_Steering_End.pdf
> If the track rods were allowed to turn too far towards the right or left,
> then a situation may arise where the steering arm turns too far. E.g. the
> steering arm on the left turns from the 5 o'clock position to 11 o'clock
> then it may lock up.
> The easiest solution would be to weld "stops" to prevent the front wheels
> from moving too far left/right.
>
> I hope this information/suggestion helps you.
> Best of Luck,
> -steve
>
> On Sat, 17 Nov 2007, Val Al wrote:
>> Hi i am sorry to bother you with this question. But i ruly hope that you can help. I don't have pics on my at the moment because the Kart is at a friends. We are having problems with the steering. The kart I have is a Baja Blaster. Known as the BB65. You can see it at www.bajamotorsports.net . i have been trying to contact them but can't seem to get what i need. When i drive the Kart and attempt to turn either right or left the steering seems to turn in too far. and The tire seems to get stuck. is there something i have to do so that it won't happen. Or is there some kind of change i can do to it maybe longer arms or a different way of attaching things. I will take pics and show you wht it is i am working with. Hope you can help.
>> ---------------------------------