Spetz

Just wondering what self modified tricks people have to improve stability and handling on a car?

For example, on my cars where the steering is connected by balls and collars, I use some fuel tubing so that there is less slack/play.
I heard of polishing up the pivot points so the suspension moves more freely

Also, I was especially interested if people have tricks on removing slack from:
a) the suspension arm hook up points? Use tiny washers maybe? and
b) the wheel slack from the bearings etc. Any way to reduce play there? As I assume play there would be quite bad for handling

NitroTherapist

Try using a wire coat hanger as a sway bar see how that works lol

turbodremz23

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a) you can use small rubber washers, or cut fuel tubing and it works great either way.
b) stack 0.2mm shims till it suits your desire






some wire coat hangars actually make good sway bars...usually the thicker gold colored ones.

Spetz

turbodremz23,
Where do I put the shims (shims are just the thin washers isn't it?)

turbodremz23

My Feedback: (16)

before i tell you i want to be sure you and me are thinking of the same thing. if you can, post some pictures of the area that your talking about that has the play in it that would be a big help so that way I dont give you incorrect information.

Spetz

It's basically the wheels I meant
I can move them a bit with my hands in every direction, so basically they have slack/play/give in them
I guess an easy way to describe it is there is wobble present
Same goes with the suspension arms too

turbodremz23

My Feedback: (16)

i will take some pictues of my 4 tec later tonight and show you what i did...i'm not to great at explaining things, but that way you can see what i am talking about.

but for starters, you can place the shims behind the drive pin on each axle, make sure that when the drive pin is installed it still turns freely...

I will post some pics...i just confused myself

Spetz

Yeah pics would be great

GYNAIKAS

Well sorry but don't expect visible difference by doing that. The most innexpenssive trick is to set the rear toe, camber and caster andles properly with a good set of foam tires. You can gain up to 50% more grip and cornering speed from your current setup.

Spetz

Really? I thought getting rid of slack would make a huge difference?
In fact, I thought this was the different between a good race car and not so good race car?
Of course + lower CG and alignment options

Foxy

Yeh, the arms shouldn't slide to and fro on the hingepins, that's for sure. It's worth doing if you have play. But most cars don't have play there, unless they are very cheap or very old.

Spetz

Well, on my car, which isn't very old and it's a Tamiya which generally produce quality kits, has play in the wheels.
I can wiggle them to a couple of degrees in each direction

turbodremz23

My Feedback: (16)

sorry i didnt post pics yet, been really busy these last couple of days.

removing slack does make a difference, especially with a couple of degrees of free play in any direction.

and foxy is right, most higher end cars dont have this problem...however traxxas, duratrax and a few others do have this slack problem..especially if you purchase them used.

sometimes shims and o-rings will solve the problem, but new bearings never hurt. but if you are looking for free help, stack the shims, and use o rings where possible..but for best performance and out come, try and use a gauge of some sort to be sure everything stays straight, then tune your settings to your desire.

i will try and get some pics up tonight of what I was talking about with the drive shaft slack.

Spetz

I did buy a camber gauge and thinking about buying a toe gauge but it says for 1/10th scale where as my car is a super size 1/10th (Tamiya TGX) and don't know if it'll work

Anyway when I said "No cost" I meant without replacing springs/shocks or other major parts
I guess, more to the question is, once springs, shocks etc have been done, how else can you get a bit more cornering speed

I had a look and my bearings are giving some if not most of the play. They are the original ones which are 5 years old now