ackermann on a powerwheels

[salmirabile]

hey people,

I'm trying to improve my boys powerwheels steering a little and not sure what the best way of doing that is.

I've been looking at the ackermann theory and that tends to be the way to go but not sure how i'm gonna achieve that with as little mods as possible. linked below is a pic of the current steering setup. Any ideas?

I may just simply get rid of the steering bar that hooks onto the steering column and install track rod ends....at least he'll then have more steering angle, if nothing else. at the moment, the angle is so small!

https://ibb.co/KNqt74Q

cheers,
sal

 

[gegcorp2012]

I think it could be done without welding.

I assume you have stretched out some string from the center line of the rear wheels through the front wheel pivot to show the angle for the steering arm hole.

That would show you how much material to add on each side. You may be able to make a pair of suitable bolt-on adapters out of a short piece of flat stock. Clamp them to the existing arms, then drill them through and bolt them to the existing arms.

May be possible to add material to the steering bar too, but be sure to watch for interference where any of the bars or adapters bolt together.

Or get a 3 or 4 foot piece of flat stock to make a longer steering bar, and use a few inches of that material to make the adapters for the steering arms.

The adjustable rod ends would be needed to set toe in, but that probably not an issue at low speeds.

Should be OK for low speed if you use flat bars, some string for layout, some nylon bushings or washers to keep the bolts from coming loose.

Edit
I just noticed the springs on the front end. Are they for suspension or to force the wheels strait ?

If you disconnect the steering bar from the wheels, can the front wheels be made to turn sharp enough ?


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[salmirabile]

hey gegcorp2012,

thanks for the reply, sorry for the late reply!

that's exactly what i was thinking so thanks for the clarification. there's no springs as such, it's just some cable ties i put on there to actually lower the 2 wheels without too much hacking as the rear has been lifted quite a lot so it was causing front end issues when steering.

I'll let you know how i get on