How Important is Eliminating Steering Slop?

[wesleyb82]

Private Stewped Kwestian reporting for duty

We have some slop in one of our karts. It's my sons and I'm too big to get into it to test it. I ask him if it's a problem and he just shrugs at me.

The wheel when the kart is not moving moves a few degrees left and right.

When I drive my car and there is slop I tend to ignore it and everything just seems to work unless it gets very sloppy but this might be because my car has a tendency to drive straight and idk if his kart does this.

Is a small amount of slop acceptable? This seems like a stupid question even to me but sometimes people come up with things I never even consider so I'm throwing it out there.

:flamesuit:

 

[Scout]

I would think that a couple degrees is ok. Something like a quarter inch or more I'd bee looking for the slop.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I would definitely try and track down why there is play there.....

A bit of slop on it's own is not a problem. .....but if something is about to break......

 

[firemanjim]

Could be worn bearings or even a loose bolt...... Worn kingpin bolt.....

 

[Half-breeder]

Is a small amount of slop acceptable?

I 'believe' I know of the 'slop' you are speaking of... steering wheel moves left n right an inch or so w/out the tires turning... IMO, if the kart is slow enough(<20mph), it wont make any difference/issues.

However, the stiffer the steering, the 'better' and afew degrees of looseness + a bump = a turn/sway. So, knowing that;

If the steering wheel is what is causing the play(or partial play), acouple locking screws can be drill/tapped to secure the wheel/hub, to the steering shaft.

If the steering shaft/tierods/spindle connections are loose, try a larger/more snug fitting, bolt(if applicable).

If the tierod ends/bearing are loose, then I recommend replacement.

If the whole spindle 'wiggles', check spindle pivot bolt(kingpin) both, top n bottom, ensure no groove worn in the bolt.

If the wheels/hub wiggles on the steering axle, ensure end bolt is 'snug'/locked into place, and check bearings(may need to replace bearings).

...remember a fraction of a degree/looseness here + there add up.

 

[wesleyb82]

This is a 15mph kart with no suspension, so tight steering could make it too responsive/darty over bumps? Am I understanding that correctly?

The slop is between the steering shaft and pitman arm. I was going to cut a sliver of metal and stuff it in there but figured I'd ask here first.

 

[firemanjim]

Nah, just let it be..... If its not messing up the steering or handling, it ain't broke, so no need to tinker......