So i was just driving my nitro sport and all of a sudden, my steering didn't work. I brought it in and checked it out. throttle worked fine but steering didn't. I switched the channels of the steering servo and throttle. the throttle worked usin the wheel but the steering still didn't work with the trigger. When i turn on the car and radio, the steering throttle sets itsefl, as does the throttle servo.
Please help. this was the first electronics problem i've gotton into. Will i have to replace the servo?

Check to see that the plug for the steering servo didnt come unplugged from the reciever. Also try to replace the batteries in the car. I doubt its the problem, but eliminating one possible problem at a time is a good start.

Does the steering servo make any noise when you try to operate it? If it does, it may just be the gears are stripped, which are easy to replace. If it just sits there, you will probably have to replace it.

Rod

He said the servo was plugged in, so I think it's stripped. If it makes a noise, but doesn't move, get a good metal geared servo. I suspect you only bash, so I reccommend the Hitec HS 645MG

Good old RTR servos good chance it is bad.

I think he's saying here that when he turns on the electrics that the steering self centers. If so then the gears inside would not be stripped. Well they could be, but more then likely not. What kind of transmitter do you have. If you have a computerized transmitter then you may have accidentally switched the end points on the steering to 0%. Which means that you would have no steering at all till you set it back up to your desired number. Make sure that no wires are frayed but I dont think that would bhe the problem. Make sure that the plug is completely in and not falling out. But look for anything that should be there or that is abnormal. Like a frayed wire or something like that. It most likely something simple.

But if the servo does make a sound when you turn the steering then you may have stripped a gear and may need to get a new servo. But lets make sure that the servo is not good before you buy a new one.

If I understand what he is saying when he swaps the plugs on the receiver the throttle works fine with the steering wheel on the TX but when he tries the steering with the throttle trigger on the TX the steering does not work. So I am guessing everything is set properly. Not for sure but guessing as I do not have it here in front of me. So I am guessing a good chance the servo is bad and might not be the gears as there is an electronic board in there that tells the motor what to do in the servo. Things like this are not easy to figure out when not right in front of you! Now correct me if I am wrong about any of what I am trying to say.

yea yur right 46u. Thats what i did. It doesn't make any noise at all when i try to move it. the gears arent moving at all. it's like the wires are just unplugged, but their not. the batteries are good because the throttle servo is fine. the radio i have i the stock traxxas 2 channel AM redio. Its not computerized

Have you tried the adjustable steering rate knob? That will prevent the wheels from turning much.

I do not think it is the steering rate as he just about ruled it out with what he and I are talking about. But just in case do you know what the steering rate is and how to change it on the TX I am guessing it has one. Sorry I know very little about Traxxas.

Being the stock RTR servos are not very good now would be a good time to up date to something better.

Sorry if I had it in front of me I could tell you quickly as I have many servos and I could hook one up to see if that was the problem.

How old is the vehicle as it might be covered under warranty?

I HAve about 5 TQ2 radio setups and they are bad news. replace the servo its dead, i once had a brand new nitro ruslter (well it was a mates you know what i meant) and the steering didnt work stock. pulled it apart and it had a shard of metal shorting it out :O good servo, low quality control.

Thats true.

Dann

OK now i understand what he is saying. Yes 46u is probably right in saying that there is probably something wrong with the circuit board. Just get a new servo and good metal geared servo will work.

I had that happen and I found that the control wire (white) was pinched and was shorted so when the power came on it centered but no movement. All I had to do was resolder the white wire where it broke and presto perfect Servo


Edit: Sorry bad typing fixed

Actually thats very clever jdeadman, i didnt think of it. :P

Dann

OK well i decided just to order a new servo from tower. These are my three choices so far. Hitec HS 645 mg 2BB MG high torque servo, Futaba s3305 High torque standard w/ metal gears, and Futaba s3013 standard high torque servo. I am open to more suggestions. No more than $40 for the servo
thanks!!

The HS 645 has good torque but is fairly slow. Are you running a 6-volt receiver pack or AA batteries? Not up on the Futaba stuff.

the S3050 is good. futaba that is, fast high torque. metal gears and ball bearings, im loving it.

Dann

I just looked and the S3050 is not very fast and the torque is not real great either. Lets talk 6 volts S3050 torque 90oz and speed .16 HS 645 torque 133oz and speed .20. I would go with the HS-645. As far as speed fast is like .10 or faster. For bashing no big deal but for racing it makes a big difference.

Well i run with AA batteries which when the volts are added up, equals 6 volts. Is the Hitec 645 metal geared? thanks.

Sorry I no longer recommend Hitec do to having problems starting about a month ago and then more today.

The MG-625 is a miricle worker. Its a lot faster and has the same tourqe rating at the same price. I have a spare 645 lying around but I'm keeping it if I ever need it.

You are mistake as the 625 has about 95oz torque and the 645 has 133oz torque. 625 in speed is .15 and the 645 is .20 in speed which it is a we bit faster but much lower in torque. To see check out the links below.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUZ87&P=ML
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUZ89&P=ML

May be I should not be so hard on Hitec as the servos that went bad where no wear near new but they where both in the same truck and when out close to each other.

OK guys, tomorrow i'm ordering the servo so please give me any last minute suggestions. Thanks alot

Hitec HS-645MG!!!

I agree you loose a little speed but you have good bit more torque!