Topic: steering help PLEASE!!!!

[Nicks]

Ok on my steering im running a chain set up,my issue is that once the pitman arm moves to full turn,my steering wheel only turns like less than a quarter turn. Should i run the same size sprocket on bottom as the top to make it a 1:1 ratio? The top is a 15 tooth and the bottom is a 20. I want to get at least a half a turn left and right

[Rocket Ron]

Chain on steering ? bobo waitng to happen!,  Thats worse than brakes on trans or gearbox you need direct linkage , tierods and hime joints.

[Nicks]

Well i need to figure out how to make this work sorry ive already put alot into it,it works fine just needs to be detailed

[docbro]

Nicks,

I have ran a set-up like that for 3-4 years.  Steering shaft sprocket 15 - pitman sprocket 30.   A 2:1 ratio in other words.  I have built a new FXT type chassis with 20T to 40T steering setup using 40 chain.  You are too close to a 1:1 ratio already.

[Nicks]

So i need to get a bigger pitman arm sprocket? A 30 tooth?  Do u have any pics?

[snydas1987]

doesnt this not meet the regulations for a racing mower as you have to have direct solid linkage steering? as far as i know u have to use all solid rod or plate for your steering as the chain is a week n slip point in the steering.
All you have to do to fix it is put a pitman arm at the top and a 2nd arm where the bottom gear is n then a link arm n it'll be solid as.
my 5c worth n id like a reply on if this design is actually legal?
cheers

[leman]

I know this is an old thread, but it this steering set up legal to use?  This could route solve a lot of my steering problems i'm having on my new build...

[chavez]

It shouldn't be legal if it is....lots of opportunity for bad things to happen with that design.   

[leman]

How so?  If 80-100 hp motors wont brake a lined up #40 chain, how will the tension from turning my steering wheel break it?

[Jeff McKelroy]

Unfortunately, rules are rules. By being defensive you will only open up a can of worms in front of the powers that be. If others have been doing it with no trouble, it's because they haven't said anything, the old saying "It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission" hold true in this case.

I for one completely and totally disagree with the negative opinion of rack steering, but there's nothing I can do about it. Rules are rules. And making a big stink will only draw attention, with tech crawling all over looking for that 1/16" out-of-whichever specification.

[docbro]

This setup is legal in FX/S and FX/T.

[leman]

This setup is legal in FX/S and FX/T.

This setup would be used on my FXT.  (I probably should have mentioned that earlier...) 

The rule book for FXT/FXS says...
"6. STEERING: Direct steering is mandatory. No plastic steering wheels unless it is the type that is
reinforced with steel."

It doesn't say the same thing as the other prepared classes. "All steering linkages must use ball-type or spherical threaded rod ends"

I never want to open a can of worms, but this would make my steering SOOOOOO much easier to set up.  I currently have the normal tie-rod setup, but my arms get really tired after 3 laps.  I cant get the range of turning i need if i move the tie-rods to make it easier to steer.  I have front brakes so my tires are a bit further out on my front spindles than normal.  Im pretty sure this is what is giving me this problem and cant quite figure out how to overcome it...

[cycloneracer]

I hate that it is legal at all. 

Chain steering is an accident waiting to happen. 

I lobbied to make the rear brake on the jackehsft legal as long as there were front brakes.  I was shot down.  My rear brake is only on enough to pass tech. 


Although I was the one to ruin the handlebar rule.  But my mower was out to show.   The guy complaining had his mower under a tarp the whole time it was sitting still.   

[Tazz914]

Why not try a steering quickener

[leman]

Why not try a steering quickener

I might be able to use one and just use it backwards to make the steering easier.  It might be worth a shot before i completely redo what i already have