Aligning RC Car Wheels for Straight Travel: Tips Needed

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on aligning RC car wheels for straight travel, specifically for models using straight axles without caster, camber, or toe-in adjustments. The recommended methods include using rulers to measure the distance between the wheels at both ends to ensure they are parallel, and semi-tightening the wheels to manually push the car along a straight path, allowing the wheels to self-align before final tightening. These techniques provide effective solutions for achieving proper wheel alignment in RC cars.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of straight axle mechanics
  • Familiarity with basic measurement tools, such as rulers
  • Knowledge of wheel tightening techniques
  • Basic principles of vehicle alignment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for adjusting caster and camber in RC cars
  • Learn about the impact of toe-in alignment on vehicle handling
  • Explore advanced wheel alignment tools for RC vehicles
  • Investigate the effects of wheel materials on performance and alignment
USEFUL FOR

RC car builders, hobbyists, and enthusiasts looking to improve the performance and handling of their remote-controlled vehicles through proper wheel alignment techniques.

fresh
Messages
17
Reaction score
0
trying to build an rc car but stuck on how to make sure its wheels are aligned properly so that it can travel in a straight line. Any tips will be welcomed. thanks.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I'm going to assume that you're just using straight axles, without any castor, camber or toe-in. In that case, the easiest way is probably to just put rulers along both sides of the car, in contact with the wheels. Measure the distance between them at both ends to make sure that they're parallel, then adjust the wheels so that their edges lie flat along the rulers.
Alternatively, you could semi-tighten the wheels, so that they can be moved around with a bit of effort, then manually push the car along a straight path for a few feet. That should force the wheels into alignment, and you can then finish tightening them.
 

Similar threads

Automotive Alignment Theory - DIY Help
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
5K
Automotive How to calculate Torque on the rear wheels of an RC car?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
7K
Automotive Car Differential - spider gear
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Calculating the force of an average car
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
7K
Automotive Normal load on the tires of car
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Auto/Motor Design to 3D print RC car - Steering
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
7K
Forces induced by a vehicle wheel on the ground
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Making a vehicle go straight on carpet
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
817
Ball bearing cantilever system with maximal moment of inertia
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
Find new location -- 2-wheeled car/robot
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K