Turning Circle (numpty Question)

[Bellissimmo]

The turning circle on my SV is not dissimilar to that of an Ocean Liner - I've always assumed this was normal but I recently read a post by someone who was saying that cars with clam-shells have a better turning circle.

 

Can some confirm/deny and give a simple explanation of why?

[Jonathan Kay]

I've heard it mentioned, and there is at least one comment in the archives.

 

I think it's because with some combinations of wheels, tyres and suspension the turning cycle wing fouls the bodywork and this limits the lock you can apply.

 

Jonathan

[johnv]

or you could just get an LSD 😬 😬

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

Do I recall the figures are 10m for an S3 and 11m for an SV ?

[Bellissimmo]

Johnv: 😬 Suits me! But my biggest issue is that it is harder to reverse into a parking space in my SV than it is in a people carrier - guess I just need more practice

 

SM25T: If the 'm' stands for miles, that'd be about right

 

Jonathan: Thanks for the linky. I guess this is the root of the problem, although I don't have any scuff marks or dents anywhere. Presumably there is some sort of mechanical stop on the steering somewhere - maybe there's some room for adjustment there?

[Eugene]

Presumably there is some sort of mechanical stop on the steering somewhere - maybe there's some room for adjustment there?

Yep, there is... Have 'adjusted' the collars on the rack a number of times 😬

 

First, measure the space between the wheel (or wing with Cycles) and the body on full lock to see what adjustment can be made.

[tbird]

Buy a Land Rover as well, then the 7 lock looks quite good by comparison 😬

 

Tim

[Bricol]

Dutton Phaeton like the one parked at the bottom of my garden waiting for the nest trial - full lock turn makes the inside rear wheel describe a circle of about 12" radius 😬

Took some modding to get proper ackermann (rather than inverse ackermann) and no bump steer over the full suspension movement. Involved grinder, welder and hammers

 

Bri

[RS2000]

Sporting trials cars have an amazing lock, if you've never experienced this form of motorsport check a local event out - good days entertainment and a really nice bunch of people! http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8ca8kWU6yjc/UKFjKN19x6I/AAAAAAAAK0w/2Ua2-ol55oU/s640/IMG_4605v2.jpg

[Bricol]

Ah - but without the fiddle brakes they can't use the lock. Excellent fun - I have my licence do-dar from their training day - just need a car now. Just not desparate to pay more than a decent CAterham for one 😳

 

Bri

[RS2000]

Bri - was out watching on Sunday at the Roy Fedden Memorial event near Bath - held in woodland, nice twist to the normal field events. In relation to sales, I guess you're aware of this site? here

[George C]

With clams the steering could be turned to the full extent of the old rack (mini rack upside down I think). But, with cycle guards the guards catch on the ali bodywork and also the wing brackets catch on the anti roll bar when turned the other way. I converted from clams to cycle and this was a downside of the conversion. I seem to remember reading somewhere that the turning circle with clams is second only to a London taxi. Caterham fitted rack stops to restrict steering movement and this then became standard and was carried over when they made their own rack. I have thought about sculpting a piece of the cycle guards and reprofiling the brackets to get full lock back which would be quite handy.