Ok, just got my first 1/8 buggy used off ebay, mayhem pro, and there is a slight problem with the steering. I haven't driven it yet (no starter box) but when i turn the wheels to the right and back to a neutral position they go left first then back to center. I am assuming this is a problem with the servo, but just wanted to check with you guys to make sure its not the receiver or something else. The radio is a jr xr2i and the steering servo is a z650. Since it looks like i will have to replace that servo would another z650 be a good servo, if thats what you think the problem is?

How far on the left does it go when centering?
Some servos do this and it's normal for them.

it goes all the way to the left, i don't think its normal. Especially since it does it in only one direction.

also, what do you all think about the z590 for steering. Its going alot cheaper on ebay than the z650 and its what is standard for the rtr mayhem and i think people have been happy with its 85oz of torque?

It is only so so If you go with the 650 you will notice a BIG Difference. I went to the 650 and it was a big suprise at how much better it handled. My Next Servo will be a Good Digital from everything I have read that will make an even bigger improvement.

dood I know what is happening there is a botton on your radio that changes the stering. Your steering is reversed you should read the manual and see where to change that and by the way dont by a starter box buy a rotostarter they are cheaper and last longer.

If his servo was reversed it wouldn't "[do] it in only one direction".

A rotostart may be cheaper (until you wear out a backplate, one way bearing, buy a few battery packs since one doesn't last, etc), but you are on good drugs if you think they last longer than a starter box. Rotostarts are prone to almost all the problems of a pullstart (leaky backplate, slipping one way bearings). Engines designed for a starterbox have a solid backplate and no one-way bearing. Also, many starter boxes have larger 12 volt batteries, and can typically go longer on a battery charge.

There is only one advantage to a rotostart, its easier to move around. But unless you carry your fuel jug along with you as well, you are going to have to walk back to home base in 10 minutes or so anyway when the tank runs dry.

OK, are you saying left is right and right is left or are you saying they go right when you turn right but then go back left momentarily?

If it's the latter, then you are probably just experiencing a common analog servo problem where they tend to not center well.

Is your reciver wire touching any metal and graphite? And do you have fresh batteries?

Reading the original post, it sounds like the feedback pot in the servo is toast. My advise is to make the move you have mentioned and go digital, Check out the Ko Propo range (that's what I run).