M03 Steering Knuckle Replacement

[OCD]

Hi all - seeking some advice from the Mini drivers out there:

 

I just took my M03 mini to the track yesterday for some 'fun laps' and a little tuning.  (I discovered that the sway-bar set is an absolute must have!!)

All went well until a relatively light crash ended the day for the Mini.  Going down the back straight at speed, I cut the corner a little close and hung the front wheel up on the inside of the turn. (My LHS track has wooden barriers [] .. ) Anyhow, in spite of the fact that I basically only 'glanced' off the wall , the result was bent (not broken[:^)]) steering knuckle.  It wasn't completely disabled, but, let's just say that my M03 didn't handle so well with more than negative 5 degrees of toe...[:|]

 My question,

I want to replace the knuckels with something that can at least withstand common crashes, but I've always adhered to the  'adding stronger parts only leads to breakage of the weaker' thoery. In other words, if I go with alloy knuckles, would I just end up breaking a control arm or chassis instead?  Does Tamiya make reinforced M03 knuckles similar to those of the TRF touring cars?  Lastly, what other cars/truck share this knukle? ( I love using the word knuckle![8-|]) Surely there has to be a better alternative than the flimsy originals!?!

 

-Steve

 

[bakaguyjean]

I use the Alloy knuckles,i have a set of Tamiya Knuckles and a set of Eagle Knuckles,both have held up great. you can also try the New Knuckles that come with the MO3M,they are a different design and might be better,but use a different size bearing.this might be a cheaper way to fix the problem.

I have broken a few of the tie rod ends that came with it my mini,but i have switched to the ball ends that Tamiya sells that have the longer body,so there are more threads over the rod.they seem to be stronger. this has made my mini stronger and i havent any problems with it sence.

 TL01 shares the same Knuckle with the mini,along with a few more cars.

  i also have bump checked my plastic knuckles and that why i use the Alloy ones now.

Hope that helps 

[DJTheo]

The M03 knuckle problem is well known, thats why Tamiya made different ones with the M03M, either get those or some alu ones, its one of the very few alu parts I recommend.

Cheers 

[OCD]

Thanks for the info fellas! [Y]

 I might try the new plastic hubs, but alloy is always tempting.  Either way, I think I'll add a foam bumper as well; not a whole lot protecting the front end on these things!

 

-Steve

 

[dunebuggy71]

Hi OCD,

I would use Alloy front knuckle arms. The original Tamiya Alloy ones aren´t cheap,

I´ve the Xspede Alloy Front knuckle arms installed on my M03 Mini Cooper Racing. They are of very good quality and look the same

as the original plastic ones. You can get them for 16,90 USD on ebay. I think this is the cheaper way. And you have a cool looking alloy part.

Theo is right. Other alloy parts aren´t necessary. If you buy the knuckles from the Suzuki Swift M03M chassis + 1050 ball bearings, it´s

more expensive then the aftermarket alloy parts.

Cheers

Joachim

 

 

 

 

 

[Wrc action]

I have some spare TL01 knuckles around I think. Pm me if you are interested.

best regards Ryck  

[Rabiedmushroom]

If you have a tendancy for smacking into things [][][] the Eagle foam bumper is a good upgrade. It really helps to help the front of the bodyshell from splitting so easily.

[dunebuggy71]

Yes, this foam bumpers protects the body very well.[Y] And they look very cool too. [H]

But the bad point is, the M03 stabilizer doesn´t fit behind the Eagle foam bumper mount.[:S]

 

 

[techie]

Oddly enough I have just had a look through my new (not yet built) M-03M Swift kit and it doesn't have alloy front knuckles/arms. Its got regular plastic ones but does have the 2 degree neg rear arms on the same sprue which also use the smaller bearings.

 

How odd.

[mr_pushrod]

The Suzuki doesn't come with alloy knuckles, it has redesigned plastic ones.

[techie]

Thanks for clarifying that

[OCD]

Well, I went ahead and went with the Tamiya alloys.  Expensive but at least they're OK for TCS.  Never know, I might just give it a shot since I've grown to really enjoy running my Mini on a 'real' track.

Glad  you reminded me that the Eagle bumper doesn't work with the stabiliser.  Anyone know how it works with the Tamiya bumper?  I need something up there or else learn how to navigate my track flawlessly.

 

-Steve

[techie]

Our track changes every week so learning it is difficult.

But my first race was this week and I really enjoy racing mine too.

 

[dunebuggy71]

 

Glad you reminded me that the Eagle bumper doesn't work with the stabiliser. Anyone know how it works with the Tamiya bumper?

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No problem here.[Y] Stabilizer fits perfect under the original bumper. As you can see on my pictures.

Cheers 

[Wrc action]

For the bumper, just do what I do with the tb01 cars. Get the foam for say the TG10 and make ure own holes etc and shape it as desired.

Best Regards Ryck  

[Gruntfuggly]

The Eagle racing foam bumper doesn't fit with the stabiliser as standard, but you can make it fit. There is a whole thread about it here:

http://tamiyaclub.com/CS/forums/thread/162831.aspx