¶ Steering Knuckle Plates
Ackermann is the angular relationship of the left and right tyres during steering. During a corner, the tyres do not steer to the same angle (as in the below figure). Increasing the Ackermann will result in a greater difference in steer angles.
Adjusting this relationship affects how the car feels both into and out of the corner (depending when the type is loaded). The affect of this is fet most at full lock.
Changing the steering link pivot points adjusts the Ackermann experienced in the turn.
NOTE: Ensure you recheck end points and toe angles when adjustments are made to steering components
The MX8 is unique in that the adjustments for Ackermann can be done either by changing the plate on the steering knuckle, or in smaller increments by flipping the asymetric bushing around in the plate.
¶ Steering Plates
Summary:
Longer plate / shorter link = Smoother initial steering, more stable and calm, less steering in hairpins
Shorter plate / longer link = More initial steering, more steering in hairpins
MYB0044-01 Carbon Fibre Steering Knuckle Plate 1 (Long)
The long steering plate is standard, resulting in a shorter steering link and more ackermann. When you turn the bushing so the plate is longer/link is shorter, it will give you the smoothest initial steering, and easiest car to drive. The car is more calm, and it's easier to flow around the track. You also lose some steering mid corner in tight hairpins. Flipping the bushing around results in a 1.5mm shorter plate/longer link. This is the same position as the long plate position on the short plate.
MYB0044-02 Carbon Fibre Steering Knuckle Plate 2 (Short)
The short steering plate is an option, resulting in a longer steering link and less ackermann. When you turn the bushing so the plate is shorter/link is longer, it will give you the most initial steering, and more steering mid corner in tight hairpins. The downside is that the car can feel unstable at speed or on high grip, and it is harder to flow around the track. Flipping the bushing around results in a 1.5mm longer plate/shorter link. This is the same position as the short plate position on the long plate.
¶ Ackermann Plate Adjustments
Forward hole:
- Less Ackermann
- Less initial steering
- More mid corner steering
- Suggested for loose tracks
Rearward hole:
- More Ackermann
- More initial steering
- Less mid corner steering
- Suggested for high speed or high bite
