RC model cars sport chassis / tyres, springs, suspension

Ground clearance

The ground clearance of the RC model sports car depends on the choice of the new tyres and in order to achieve the optimal propulsion of the front axle the rear wheels should be 5-10 mm bigger. As the rubber tyres wear there comes a point when the ground clearance becomes insufficient and the model vehicle no longer steers correctly.

Springs

The correct hardness of springs to be used depends on the condition of the track, so you should try out a range to find the most suitable ones. Using firmer springs will give the RC car a better grip, but on hump tracks or straight stretches softer springs are better.

Suspension components

Sometimes plastic suspension component parts are a little too stiff after assembly; if this is the case heat them with a hairdryer several times.

Shock absorbers

After assembly fill the shock absorbers with oil and move the piston rod several times up and down to remove any trapped air bubbles in the damper before sealing. In order to adjust the damping pull the piston rod from the shock and twist. There are 4 adjustment positions: from 1 hole fully closed to 4 holes fully open.

Anti-roll bar

The setting of the stabilisers plays only a small role in the RC model suspension tuning. A more rigid stabiliser reduces the grip on the corresponding axle, a softer stabilizer increases the grip.

Camber

Negative camber: wheels of an axle up close together.
Positive camber: wheels of an axle down close together.

Track

Toe-in: an axle and front wheels close together.
Toe: an axle and rear wheels close together.

Differential

When cornering with the RC racer fitted with a self-locking differential, the inner wheel to the bend turns slower than the outer wheel. For different track surfaces the locking effect of the differential can be changed. For a surface with little grip use a soft differential setting, and for a good grip use a firm setting.

Front and rear axles

Set the camber of the front axle at -1 ° to -1.5 ° and the rear axles at -2.5°. Monster truck models etc. with 4-wheel drive set the front axle toe-out.

Tweak

If the suspension is set incorrectly the car stands at an angle. The problem is solved by correctly installing the shock absorbers, suspension springs and stabilisers.