steering problem

[MMarty]

Hey all, I just test drove my off road buggy in a rough pasture. Problems is the steering wheel will jerk out of your hands when you hit dips and holes. I can control it fairly well but for my 13yr old it's a handful. On smooth ground it's fine, steers and handles ok. I do not have a rack setup just a 5" long pitman arm. Do they make a steering dampner for smaller buggies? Thanks.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Direct steering is like that. I don't know if they make a damper for it, but keep in mind that a damper can also make it a bit harder to turn the wheel.

One thing you can try is to decrease the leverage the front wheels have on the steering. Do this by drilling a new hole in the pitman arm closer to the column (effectively shortening the pitman arm without actually cutting it).

 

[Nodroz]

Yeah, I hat that aswell. Each time you hit a bump or a stone, the steer wants to steer left or right and you got to prevent that from happening. That's why I ordered a rack and pinion to stay safe at higher speeds.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Another thought worth thinking about, under the general heading of "Leverage".

Depending on your skills and what's available to you, you might consider a larger steering wheel. It makes weaker arm stronger against the evil forces of bumps. As a side benefit, it will make the steering feel a little less sensitive or "twitchy" to the driver, because your hands have to travel further to get the same amount of steer.

 

[MMarty]

A larger steering wheel is out. (my gut get in the way). I have thought about using atv handlebars just to be different and maybe have more control but my son doesn't really want that. I guess I have to brainstorm some more.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Think outside the bun. You could cut the bottom out of the wheel for clearance, or top and bottom and make a yoke.

EDIT- How to make a Chevette wheel NOT a Chevette wheel... LOL