To all the Guru and Master

[buggito]

The last time I took my buggy, before it hit the tree, I realize at hight speed on the trail that I have to hold the wheel pretty well, no power steering LOL. My bumpsteer doesn't seems bad, it was the same thing with the Ody. I have no reference to go with since I never drove an another sandrail or buggy

My steering wheel is , I think, 10" and wonder if adding a "steering damper" could soften the feeling, or to get a bigger one (Steering wheel). I look at some pics and it seems some guys use bigger steering wheel.

Does any of you ever try this ?

[masterfabr]

The larger wheel will make it easier to steer and maintain direction due to the extra leverage .It will also slow your steering "response" due to having to make larger movement with your arms to get to same degree of turn and you will need to turn *the wheel more quickly.Just depends on how you want it to feel.You know----personal preference.I would not like it myself with a 12" wheel. If the steering feels too heavy you may need to investigate your geometry.Especially the scrub radius and castor. Just my 2 cents worth of advise worth absolutely nothing.

[renegadespec1]

Buggito,
I use a large steering wheel now cuz I can't hold on to the smaller ones, But if your having trouble at higher speeds maybe you want to check your allignment out, 100* parallel at static will usually give you a 1* or more toe out at speed due to bushin compression and such, If your toed in slightly it will be darty...I'll post some pix of the wheels I use...

[Rorty]

A 10" steering wheel is probably too small for any set-up. I would recommend either a 12", 13" or 14" wheel, depending on your rack and steering arm length.

You need castor, so don't reduce it below 5°. Check the scrub radius and if it's too large (or even negative), then that may be the source of your problem.

Don't worry if your steering feels heavy when the buggy is sitting parked in your garage; it's not uncommon for it to feel heavy when static, but it should become much freer once the buggy gains more than a couple of miles per hour.

When driving, the steering shouldn't feel twitchy, nor should it be heavy. If it is heavy, it will tire you quickly and make the whole driving experience unpleasant.

[masterfabr]

Sorry guys mine IS *a 12".Had my head planted with that reply but I would not want bigger than 12".

[Bugpac]

I got 12 1/2, your a bit small masterbater.... [smilie=icon_bolt.gif]

[masterfabr]

Quit stretching your ruler,bug! *

[buggito]

I forget to mention that I run 26" tire, the steering box is a 14" from ( EMPI) it's a 1.5 lock to lock.
Rorty , what is the scrub Radius and how it should be set, I had a 1/4 toe in, and yes it's very hard where moving the buggy on the asphalt.
What toe in and castor do you recommend
The last trip I did, I was happy to stop on the top of the hill , my hand was hard to open, the trail up was half dirt and half left over asphalt.
That's why I was thinking about the "steering damper" to smooth the ride at hight speed, over 60MPH.
I can check for a larger wheel 12", or maybe I'm just so used to drive a power steering on the Fwy that I *forget about "real" basic driving.
My friend with their quad was feeling the same way at the end of the ride

[Rorty]

buggito, have a look [url=http://www.minibuggy.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=36163&hig hlight=scrub+radius#36163:5b0jlpr8]here[/url:5b0jlpr8] for a description of scrub radius.

Six degrees of positive castor is a good starting point. Toe will vary depending on the type of tyre, front or rear steer rack and many other factors, so I would just experiment and see what works best. Be objective though and make only small changes and note down the effects (if any) before moving on.