How to make RC Car Steering that Self-centers - Front Axle | Toy-grade Mechanism

Thanks for tuning in! This time we make a basic car steering mechanism out of a PVC pipe for 1:18th scale toy-grade remote-controlled cars. Thanks to the integrated pen springs, the mechanism self-centers (returns) the wheels to a neutral position after power is pulled away from the motor to continue driving straight. Additionally, this steering/axle unit has higher steering torque with the dual-spur compound (step down) gear taking the motor's pinion gear rotation and rolling the rack gear back and forth.
This mechanism can be used in RC cars with 4-channel HIGH/LOW receivers (controllers) and transmitters.
This is my original car steering mechanism design, hope you found it straight-forward to make, with my parts' blueprints and guidance.
If you enjoyed watching, feel free to drop a like on the video, a share, a comment, & a subscription to the channel.
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Printable blueprints sheet of the mechanism's parts (stick straight onto PVC sheet):
drive.google.com/file/d/1afOT...
Full list of materials and parts required with links:
1. Gear kit (Includes needed wheels, spacers, (8-tooth pinion, 32-tooth to 8-tooth double spur, & rack gears) - amzn.to/3SoMowX
2. 3-6V DC brushed 130 motor - amzn.to/3faX5os
3. PVC sheet or pipe (2mm in thickness) - hardware store
4. Steel bicycle wheel spoke (2mm) - amzn.to/3qY1UnQ
5. Rebar tie wire (1.5mm) - hardware store
6. (x2) Pen springs (4mm) - amzn.to/3StwEbS
7. Wooden skewer (3mm) - amzn.to/3f2tbma
8. Cheap cotton bud tube (or narrow ballpoint pen refill) - craft shop
9. Ballpoint pen stem/refill tube and larger tube piece from pen - amzn.to/3S6JuNr
Other supplies & tools to use:
Superglue (non-gel type )- amzn.to/3Sdr9yn
Sandpaper - amzn.to/3BCXjw8
Scissors
Hobby knife - amzn.to/3BGSXEn
Wire cutters (used here for PVC cutting) - amzn.to/3dzQLq4
Screwdriver kit - amzn.to/3SoQdSP
Large needle-nose pliers - amzn.to/3xIGiiY
Lighter
Kitchen stove
Other videos by Max Imagination you may like to watch:
Mini RC boat from drone motors - • Build Your Own Mini RC...
Mini Panga boat engine that steers - • DIY 1/12th scale Outbo...
Motorized rowing boat from coconut pod - • How to make a Motorize...
Tags:
max imagination, diy steering, steering mechanism, toy grade, toy grade rc car, toy rc car steering, steering,mechanism, steering system, system, with retraction, self centering, steering axle, rc car axle, how to make, how to, rc car, rc car steering, dc motor, toy motor, diy gearing, miniature, rc car turning, turning, turning mechanism, remote control, actuator, servo, rc car steering mechanism, self-centering, self-returning, diy rc car steering mechanism, front axle
#steeringsystem #mechanism #rccar

[@bens4446]

PVC pipe + stove = the poor man's 3D printer. Very clever.

[@MaxImagination]

I work with what I have! 😂 Cheers 👍

[@ShatterDavid]

Yeah me too and I finally made mine too

[@RICKY-RIKON]

The hard way you learn is the better! Then... Later when you meet all those full automatic 3 D prints and micro electronic tools you will be more fit to work your workshop! That is the way 🎉

[@klausjurgen2696]

Honestly 3D Printers aren’t that expensive at this point no? Like a cheap printer will still get you better results than good pipe skills

[@ProCoder119x]

​@@klausjurgen2696I cannot even afford cheap one, because CHEAP isn't actually cheap beacse of taxes and they're imported to my country.

[@julianschecter]

WOW!!! Hey Max, thanks for this great tip! 👍🏻 You've inspired me to create my own rc car models! 👌🏻 I look forward to seeing more of your videos! You just earned a new subscriber! 😎

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for your kind comment, Julian! Stay tuned for more :)

[@noobmaster6074]

That spring corrector is pretty genius

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you!

[@User-zb2gh]

Your working level in reality max. It's amazing

[@spencer963]

I've never thought of using pvc like that, very innovative. Subbed!

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, Spencer!

[@zainuddin4076]

Incredible

[@bigredwatermelon]

It is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing your steering wheel project

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your comment! Glad my video helped. Stay tuned for the upcoming video of the final RC Car which uses this steering mechanism. Cheers!

[@kashishpatel4543]

this is exactly what i was looking for, thanks for the tutorial, dude

[@MaxImagination]

Glad I could help! Thanks for your comment :)

[@darkgt0066]

Awesome bro

[@Mr_KPs]

Your Rc car steering is very simple and it is very helpful for my projects Thanks

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you liked it... Thanks for your comment!

[@poonamvishwas-ys4kj]

How to make RC car break Front and back

[@TechsScience]

Nice mechanism You deserves more views

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-tb4dc4wd6u]

It’s the best thank you Onur!

[@sermadreda399]

Great video ,thank you for sharing

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching!

[@Technocrafts]

This is so amazing! 💯

[@MaxImagination]

I appreciate your comment! 😁✌🏻

[@3lemoat]

Is there's 3D models that i can print instead of making? I don't have these tools

[@MaxImagination]

Not yet, since it wasn't designed initially in a CAD program... I would have to make a 3D model of the steering from scratch...

[@GrandadsOtherChannel]

This is excellent work, Max 👍👍👍

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks, James! 😃

[@DoItYourself-DIY]

Great work Max. I like it

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@BuildCreation]

Really Creative mechanism!🔥

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you, Kaustubh! 😃✌

[@DjAlciney]

O melhor ate hj

[@kristoffermulbjerg6848]

Very clever and well designed steering thing. Keep up the good work! 🙌🤘

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you like it! Thanks, Kristoffer! 😊

[@reshmisinha904]

Very good thing ❤

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for watching!

[@vallepukumar6564]

Great work max! I really appreciate your work! And awesome VFX at end of the video! Have a great weekend 😊

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot, Kumar! Your support is greatly appreciated as usual, thanks! 😊 Have a good weekend, too!

[@vallepukumar6564]

@@MaxImagination 🤜🤛

[@shakilscreativezone]

Amazing work

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@tiagodesteffani]

Great job, Max

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your support, Tiago 😃

[@_cl3tus]

Very nice mechanism. I fancy the way it's not too complex to make and understand. Great work!🤚 And btw, nice ending 😂

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot! 😁✌🏻

[@jonujangid3J]

That's work great & new design of self centering steering mechanism i like it.

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you like it! Thanks for your comment 😃✌

[@ritesh9202]

Love from india

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for supporting! :)

[@akramhabib753]

This is amazing Max! We would love to see you recreate the rc car from 2019 with this new steering mechanism. Love ur vids

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! I'd be glad to make part 2 showing how to make the rest of the car. Will work on it! Thanks for watching. ✌🏻

[@AlokMauryaOfficial]

Very nice..

[@CraftChannelYT]

Hi max nice video 🙋‍♂️

[@MaxImagination]

Hi Naraş. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Boiadepesca]

Magnífico 💡 boa

[@334hafiy4]

Thanks,i really apreciate that,ive been working on my dad rc,its an mk4 supra

[@MaxImagination]

Very cool! Cheers ✌

[@Anthony-vb7sj]

great work 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ironyguy1750]

Awesome 👍 I am from India

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks and welcome!

[@MechAero_Labs]

So cool,Amazing ❤❤

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Rishunitsvlog]

Wow well explained brother

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you 🙂

[@nitishsingh1264]

Amezing car

[@sasinikanchana281]

Good bokka super

[@kspcreation666]

Amazing build very usefull gear

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for your comment!

[@congvub7142]

great job, nice video

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you for tuning in! 😀

[@Cafe_Mikrochip]

Thank you

[@carlosgarzon6906]

thanks very much super you video

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you too!

[@yusufabdulloh]

This is awesome...

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks!

[@elciomartinsbfilho]

Dude, great work! I will use servo, but i love your idea. I will use a lot of your work as basis. Thx a lot!

[@MaxImagination]

Glad to hear that! Thanks!

[@invention_A_to_Z]

Perfect stearing in youtube

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching

[@RithyChannel]

Good

[@teslastellar]

Great job 👍

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@astr0yt344]

This is amazingly clever

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks, Astr0!

[@Tinvan_real]

I think better to buy electronics for 20$ and servo for 2$

[@VINAYAK.VINAYAK.]

Super Video Sir Amazing

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks! :)

[@muzammilacassim1271]

Awesome video👍🏻

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you 👍 Glad you enjoyed it.

[@afonsobarqueiro]

Excellent video, I also use PVC a lot in my projects.

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Nice! PVC is the perfect material to craft with for these kinds of projects if you don't have a 3D printer. Cheers. 😊

[@JK-Real-Science]

Good work 👏👏👏

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@angryhusky2467]

Man you are a genius?

[@MaxImagination]

Maybe 😉

[@beautiful_feelings9]

عمل رائع !! ربما تنفع هذه القطعة في تعويض Servo Motors إن أردنا صنع طائرة للتحكم في الذيل والأجنحة 🤩 شكرا على هذا الفيديو الرائع صديقي❤

[@jeffreymoffitt4070]

I would cut the slit for the steering limiter wider and use a longer piece of bar gear for some serious drifting!

[@MaxImagination]

Good tip!

[@7MinutesCreative]

Wow Your ideas is great 👍👍 very creative ❤❤

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@vandeirminiaturasautomotiv522]

Sensacional, muito bom! Mais um inscrito!

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks! :D

[@acmgj8536]

How to make remote for rc car sir?

[@MaxImagination]

Hi there, please watch my full rc car build video to see that. You can purchase the modules to assemble your transmitter (remote) through clicking on the links below that video.

[@ManusWorkbench]

Wow great max. Different design .. 🔥

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot!

[@ManusWorkbench]

@@MaxImagination can i expect New rc car version 2 😀😃

[@MaxImagination]

@@ManusWorkbench Stay tuned 😉

[@M1sc3]

Realmente muito bom, genial!

[@MaxImagination]

Many thanks!

[@devilalchouhan8176]

Hey buddy I like this work 👏👏amazing 👍

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for the visit! Cheers!

[@paulmwipikeni9407]

So u already made the steering, can u remake the whole rc car.

[@MaxImagination]

That's the plan. Will work on that! :)

[@joshuaaranguren1020]

Nice steering mechanism 😃🙌🏼

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks, Joshua! Have yourself a good weekend! 😁✌🏻

[@joshuaaranguren1020]

@@MaxImagination thanks you too ☺️

[@spiderman699]

Nice bro ,love from india🇮🇳

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for supporting! 😊

[@spiderman699]

@@MaxImagination ❤️

[@Truepowerofhulk]

Wow

[@user-lm5rg6wb5y]

Крутое видео

[@boithebingus3317]

Super cool! Could you add 3d model STLs for printing?

[@MaxImagination]

Hi there. Thank you! I have not publicly provided an STL file to its 3D design due to the dedication and time it takes to design it when I did not 3D print the project in the first place. I would be willing to personally 3D-design you this steering mechanism in return for a kind tip via the "Super Thanks" button (up front payment). Cheers.

[@STATUSGLITCH2K]

Thanks bro i am planning to make a rc car at home

[@MaxImagination]

All the best! You are welcome! :)

[@mobilecubing]

I want to make a Tamiya RC conversion thru that 😅

[@UnfunnyMayonaise]

I did everything that u did, but my 3 volt dc motor cant seem to move the mechanism, its maybe less powerful, what do i do

[@MaxImagination]

Hi there. You might need to reduce the tension on the springs, either find some weaker springs or compress them a bit. 2, you might need a higher-voltage power source or a stronger motor. Hope this helps.

[@bineeshbincy8090]

Brother try less tensioned springs and high torque motor like gear motor.

[@RICKY-RIKON]

Very nice and with a lot of very accessible materials! Keep the good trade and best wishes for your channel at this 2024 year🎉 Seasons greetings from LIMA PERU!

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a lot for your kind remarks! Will keep it up, cheers!

[@travellerdina]

Hi my name is nil I do not have a pvc pipe ,so what should I do

[@hqgprojectofficial]

Amazing Friend keep it up ❤❤❤❤

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks! 😄

[@user-tb4dc4wd6u]

Thanks again and I will see What tomorrow?

[@musicaltablabeats4079]

thnx bro 😆😆

[@MaxImagination]

Welcome 😊

[@rabitudu7937]

Thanks it help me in my school project 😃 and itell yor story in school

[@MaxImagination]

Most welcome 😊 Thanks for your comment!

[@dulboreyofficial]

Say yes for your idea😍❤️👍💯✅🎉🎉🎉

[@troop24]

Bro make one for drift cars. I'll need it

[@Crafthouse008]

Hlw lovely ❤️

[@MaxImagination]

Hello, t lahan! 😊

[@Pushpendra_Chaudhary0]

Gjb brother and I am big fan of u

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks a bunch! :)

[@tammiyas]

Hopefully I can make that my Tamiya Boxstock to that Steering Mechanism

[@dipanshupaul1819]

first video of making rc car with proper explanations. Loved it. can you convert a hot wheels car into remote control and provide a proper explanation ?

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Actually, that's going to be my next video. I won't be going into detail as it's been a difficult and lengthy project for myself, but I will be sure to provide you with project files.

[@dipanshupaul1819]

very much excited about it@@MaxImagination

[@sabreeyansyahsalleh6761]

Now ,you can animated you're dream become reality

[@dirceudonisseli3025]

EXCELENTE!

[@1993VolkswagenPassatGLXVR6]

While this idea is very good, I enjoy the extra precision you can get from a small, cheap servo motor.

[@MaxImagination]

Servo or DC motors... It up to the maker on what system they prefer.

[@isamsedeeq5535]

You are ❤

[@doomslayer8639]

I think the electric current will break the motor because at some point it cant move and it will melt the rotor

[@MaxImagination]

Not quite... it may heat up the motor, but meltdown isn't possible due to the already low power given. You can choose to over-complicate the mechanism with stop switches and unnecessary circuits or simply make a steering mechanism with a 9G servo for a hobby-grade RC car that can tell where to stop.

[@naoaki6598]

You are mistaken,Mr.dooms. The steering system created by Max is designed to be used with a low-voltage on-off And,You might not be aware, but...Similar steering systems are also occasionally used in RC cars for children.

[@jailsonaraujo5766]

sou seu mais novo inscrito 😁

[@MaxImagination]

Thanks for joining aboard, Jailson! 😁

[@tahminaamin748]

It's a little difficult bro .😬but thank you.

[@MaxImagination]

You can do it! The mechanism is at least reliable and durable.

[@stephanyzimmerman6809]

Max make a rc car wite bateryy case

[@MaxImagination]

Will consider that in the future RC car video tutorial!

[@savneetsinghrairai6823]

Good servos n transmiters n huge batteries add lot of weight/ complications / expensive to make ....a simple solution

[@MaxImagination]

Simple made, yup. Thanks!

[@plumbum826]

Very clever design! Do you think there is any simple, good way of adding suspension to a car using this mechanism?

[@MaxImagination]

Thank you! Yes, I would have a method in mind for converting this mechanism into one with shocks for the front wheels.

[@plumbum826]

@@MaxImaginationWould you like to share?

[@MaxImagination]

Maybe in a future video! 😊

[@primusgamerx3281]

is a normal moter used for the steering

[@MaxImagination]

Yes, a normal motor can be used.

[@kinzaeman7742]

😮

[@yxhankun]

how thin is the pvc pipe?

[@MaxImagination]

1.5mm or 0.059-inch thick

[@diegeeleel]

Not bad. I think that the turning circle might be a bit wide though

[@MaxImagination]

With shorter steering arms (rods) and some adjustment to the slider piece, the turning circle can be decreased.

[@davydorynbaev]

I like how you used the springs for correction!

[@MaxImagination]

Glad you liked it!

[@PURGATONYT]

Fun fact: if you use a drone RC, you will, with enough torque, have a proportional steering mechanism.

[@geekofallthings4568]

Hey Max! I just wanted to ask if you think this design would be possible to create with cardboard. Because unfortunately, the PVC around my neighbourhood is much too thick to make the design. So I just wanted to ask if you think it is possible to create both the car and the steering with cardboard? Thanks so much And make sure to keep up the great content!😊🎉

[@MaxImagination]

Hey there! With more durable cardboard, it may be possible but the self-centering part will probably not work due to the tension required. I highly recommend you look in your hardware store for 2mm pvc. Thanks for your comment!

[@kevinmarch6442]

Also cardboard is going to be really difficult to make the pieces as small / precise as you need it for this! If you can't find the PVC locally you can probably order the small pieces from one of the on-demand 3d printer services

[@MrSquigglesYT]

You should use a lazer cutter for cutting the pbc plus lazer cutters can cut wood, plastic, and much more

[@MFB_yt]

Which glue are you using?

[@MaxImagination]

Superglue - cheap type sold in aluminum tubes.