Steering issues with servo/servo savers LB & MB

[Malakite]

Hi Guys,

I have noticed I have had the same issue on both my Lunch Box and Monster Beetle steering. Basically the servo saver on them not only ends up becoming looses and sometimes snapping, but also the Screw that holds the servo savers into the servos always pulls out of the servo and the servo arm becomes shredded and so I need to replace the entire servo (Locktite solution does not seem to work - nor oversized screws?!).

Any ideas the best way I can sort the issue? I've heard you can upgrade the servo savers to metal re-inforced ones?? Anyone have the part number/link for this? Also is there such a thing as an upgraded servo??

Many thanks as always

[TA-Mark]

Is the slip ring missing from the servo saver? This will cause the screw to keep coming undone. The slip ring does need a small wipe of ceramic grease. Grit/dirt caught in the servo saver will make the slip ring jam.

Bottom right of this picture.

On my Lunchbox re-re I'm using a Futaba S9351 digital high torque servo which has metal gears and a metal output spline. On that I'm using the Tamiya high torque servo saver. The screw is a machine screw and it's thread locked into the servo (Tamiya blue thread lock). I've not had it come undone. I also have the ball screws thread locked that are on the servo saver (nut on the backside).

I've also centred the servo so that the steering links are equal length using the short steering link turnbuckles from two DT02 turnbuckle sets.

It will steer the big wheels from lock to lock in under a second without the truck needing to move. Servo is very powerful.

[Malakite]

Is the slip ring missing from the servo saver? This will cause the screw to keep coming undone. The slip ring does need a small wipe of ceramic grease. Grit/dirt caught in the servo saver will make the slip ring jam.

Bottom right of this picture.

On my Lunchbox re-re I'm using a Futaba S9351 digital high torque servo which has metal gears and a metal output spline. On that I'm using the Tamiya high torque servo saver. The screw is a machine screw and it's thread locked into the servo (Tamiya blue thread lock). I've not had it come undone. I also have the ball screws thread locked that are on the servo saver (nut on the backside).

I've also centred the servo so that the steering links are equal length using the short steering link turnbuckles from two DT02 turnbuckle sets.

It will steer the big wheels from lock to lock in under a second without the truck needing to move. Servo is very powerful.

Hi Mark - thanks for the advice. Your set-up sounds fab! Do you have any links to the equipment you are using so I can see? Also any pics of the actual steering column?

Thanks as always!

[TA-Mark]

#51000 servo saver and DT02 #53828 steering turnbuckle links:

Centred servo (not the S9351, but a junker to get fitment right):

If you've looked at the Lunchbox in my showroom you'd have seen it also has the CRP FX10 double wishbone conversion done. Steers and handles real good, when the front wheels are actually touching the ground, which isn't very often with the 5700Kv pushin it along.

[Malakite]

Hi Mark - wow I just looked - does the Gearbox stand up ok to that monster of a motor? I have a modified in mine which makes it fly, but nothing like yours!!

Incidentally, DO you think if every now and then I seem to lose reverse (and occasionally forwards!!) on the Lunchbox, this is more about the electronic speed controller playing up? Can't think what else it could be to be honest! Is there any way of testing it at all??

[TA-Mark]

Hi Mark - wow I just looked - does the Gearbox stand up ok to that monster of a motor? I have a modified in mine which makes it fly, but nothing like yours!!

Lunchbox/Grasshopper gearbox is strong. I'm still on the original gearsets in both the LB and GH (Lunchbox pinion and 4600Kv in the GH) and they've been running like that for over 2 years now. The body on the Lunchbox doesn't stand up so well though. That New Bright Chevy truck body was totally destroyed, glued back together and now for display only. It didn't survive the 60km/h roll over and over and over and over. Chassis held up to the cartwheels fine. Have a Kamtec lexan V12 Escort panelvan body on the LB now.

Incidentally, DO you think if every now and then I seem to lose reverse (and occasionally forwards!!) on the Lunchbox, this is more about the electronic speed controller playing up? Can't think what else it could be to be honest! Is there any way of testing it at all??

Certainly sounds like something electrical. Could be motor, connections (battery or motor connectors), the ESC itself, the on/off switch or even the setup on the radio gear not finding neutral between forward/brakes a reverse properly. Look for something that is hotter than it should be next time it does it.

[matman]

@ TA-Mark . Have a Kamtec lexan V12 Escort panelvan body on the LB now. You got pic of this ?.

I'm a great fan of escorts . Had one as a kid for my first car .

Thanks for your time .

[TA-Mark]

Have a Kamtec lexan V12 Escort panelvan body on the LB now. You got pic of this ?.

No I haven't sorry. Issues with the camera and haven't been able to get any new pics up for a while now.

I'm a great fan of escorts . Had one as a kid for my first car .

Escort Mk1 panelvan was my first car too, and many other Escorts since, both for competition and roadcars. Still have a '78 BC Coupe, but it's not my daily driver anymore. Great little car.