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 Rank: Beginner Level 2 Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/08/2014 Posts: 15 Points: 45 Location: Netherlands
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Hey guys,
For a few weeks now I've been working to assemble the MP4-23 kit (build diary will be posted soon). But I've just found out a problem with my assembly.
The steering column is not properly aligned to the gears that connect to the steering rod in the suspension. Meaning that if the tyres are strait the steering wheel is turned about 30 degrees instead of level.
Now, I've already permanently fixed the monocoque in place to the mainbody (so issue 77 completed). Is there any way to fix the steering wheel alignment now?
I hope there is a fix possible, if not I can try to remove the tabs inside the steering wheel itself where it connects to the steering column. that way the steering wheel fits no matter what, and will still turn as the fit is quite snug anyway.
Take care,
Raymond
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I would try what you suggested and rectify it the steering wheel end. Easy fix and being a static model it wont notice. Hope you get it sorted. 
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 Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,827 Points: -13,348
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Hello Raymond,
If you have already glued the body to the monocoque as detailed in the instructions for issue #77, then I can't see how you could disassemble it in order to get at the gearing assembly without risking damaging the bodywork in the process? Therefore I agree with Nemesis and would suggest the same plan of action as you have already discussed.
The steering wheel should simply pull off the steering colum and then as you say, you could remove the two tabs that engage with the two splines on the steering column boss, align the wheels straight ahead and then refit the wheel in a central position. It should be a snug enough fit for the steering wheel to turn when you move the front wheels, though if you wanted to turn the front wheels via the steering wheel then I would suggest permanently glueing the steering wheel onto the boss with a small amount of ABS glue to give added strength and prevent twisting out of alignment again? If you intend to just display the model and not 'play' with the steering then an unglued push fit for the steering wheel should suffice and nobody will be any the wiser if it all looks straight and level?
Hope that helps?
Kev 
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Rank: Beginner Level 2 Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/08/2014 Posts: 15 Points: 45 Location: Netherlands
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Thank you for the quick replies, I assumed that was the case. So I'll implement the fix on the steering wheel end. Now I just need to figure out how to remove the splines from the steering column boss without damaging it.
Oh well, at least I can take as long as I want. Since I don't need the steering wheel for any other step in the build.
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Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,827 Points: -13,348
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rschram wrote:.... Now I just need to figure out how to remove the splines from the steering column boss without damaging it ......
Hello again Raymond,
Not sure what you mean by what you've said in the passage above - did you mean steering 'wheel' boss? You don't need to remove any splines from the steering 'column' boss, as in the bit that is pre-attached to the steering wheel end of the column which has two grooves (splines) on it and is the end on the right-hand side of the steering column in photo #2 of issue #56 - here:
http://forum.model-space...aspx?g=posts&t=3988
The only bits you need to remove are the two tabs located inside - and which run the full depth of - the tubular boss at the back of the steering wheel. You can see them in the same photo and they would normally locate into the two (grooved) column splines? If you just use a fresh narrow scalpel blade in your knife you could (very carefully!) slice them away a bit at a time until the steering wheel fits onto the column, when it is pushed fully home - or if you really don't want to risk cutting anything by accident, you could use a pin vice with gradually bigger drill bits and slowly drill them out by hand to the full depth of the steering wheel boss. Be careful that you don't crack the steering wheel boss in the process of drilling it out and try not to increase the existing diameter of the tubular hole as you may find that it is then a sloppy fit onto the column? If that happens you could then just glue it on but then it will be a permanent fixing and you'd need to ensure that it is correctly aligned with the straightened front wheels first as there will be no second chance!? They are the only bits that you need to remove to achieve the modification you require, you don't need to do anything to the steering column itself, just the back of the steering wheel?
Maybe I didn't explain it properly in my first reply but I hope it is clearer now and that it helps you solve your problem?
I think your problem very likely started when you didn't remember (or realise?) that you had to align both cranks in the steering mechanism so that they were vertically centred when you were meshing the two gears together during assembly?
Kev
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Rank: Beginner Level 2 Groups: Registered
Joined: 05/08/2014 Posts: 15 Points: 45 Location: Netherlands
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Yeah, I read over the instructions for the alignment. As I usually only look at the images and only read what type of screws I need.
In this case we are talking about the same modification. Removing the 2 small splines shown in photo #2 of issue #56. That should be all that's nessisary to fix my problem.
If that's the only problem with my build, I'd be a happy camper!
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Rank: Pro Groups: Joined: 24/08/2009 Posts: 48,827 Points: -13,348
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That's great, let us know how the modification works out and whether it solves the problem?  
You shouldn't have any major problems with this kit if you just take your time, work slowly and read through the instructions carefully before assembly?
Eventually you will end up with a fantastic looking model!! 
Kev
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 Rank: Elite        Groups: registriert, Registered Joined: 20/03/2011 Posts: 2,356 Points: 7,122 Location: UK
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Some good advice offered by both Nem and Kev rschram. The only thing I would add is that the model was not designed to be able to move the position of the wheels by turning the steering wheel. Only by moving the front wheels so that they turn the steering wheel should be attempted to minimise the risk of breaking the inner parts all together. Regards Spencer
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