What is steering Ackermann?

Edited: 8/11/2007 9:19:12 AM by e10pvmt

at ride height all the linkages (upper, lower CA's & steering tie rods) will be parallel with the ground....i will draw something later on today and post it up

What happened to "later on today?"

Can I ask how Ackerman works in respect to a rack & pinion being mounted solidly whereas a centerlink moves front back in an "arc" based the idler arm and pitman arm length?

That's a good question...

You have to take the swinging motion of the centerlink out of the picture when you calculate ackermann, then you would address any "outside" movement that could effect the ackermann.

The second diagram Phil provided helps a little, but what about a similar diagram in a front steer application??

The only difference would be that the front steer tierods would be further apart than the steering pivot instead of closer together.

sorry it took so ling..been busy with work...here is a crude sketch

Is this system already built or is this your prliminary drawing?

I think everyone that wants to build a front suspension should go buy an R/C car or truck. I learned a TON about ackerman, roll center, toe, caster, and later, even the Dave point from building and racing R/C offroad cars.
They're cheap and fun, and you'll gain a real world understanding of chassis dynamics that almost directly applies to full size vehicles!
Plus, we can all bring 'em to the shows to screw around with!!

-Phil

There is a lot to be learned from RC cars. The geometry is exagerated on them (because tires are a bit cheaper) but that helps to get the point across.