Now some of this was brought up in a previous discussion and it didn't quite fit there in the end overall so I deiced to make its own topic about it.

For me I would love to see alternative steering systems with Technic models. This will add more realism to its functions and include several benefits like having the ability for the tires to return to center due to the weight of the Technic model alone. Think about it, this would remove the need for having that extra stuff for a steering system that can require a whole host of methods that include the use of rubber bands or springs for the wheel return to center. It is now accomplished by weight and the entire LEGO model composed of that.

I remember one of the First Technic sets I got as a kid the 8808 and it is funny to me today to still see this rack and pinion steering system still be the dominate choice when it comes to steering elements. Below is a show piece I made to demonstrate another style of steering the Pitman arm steering with a more accurate axle alignment with KPI. I even include a steering wheel for turning function. The way the wheel turns just feels more realistic then the way a rack and pinion steering wheel would feel if you where to turn them.

I also want to show a pneumatic steering idea I had. It works but how to remotely control it that is where the problem is.

Would the pneumatics function as power steering

pneumatics would work if you filled them with thin oil or water... something non compressible - otherwise bump-steer is horrendous

pneumatics would work if you filled them with thin oil or water... something non compressible - otherwise bump-steer is horrendous

Do not fill them with water! Metal rod inside the cylinder will corrode!

Do not fill them with water! Metal rod inside the cylinder will corrode!

Yes.. I discovered that around age 11, when I decided to turn the pneumatics in my 8843 into a water pistol!

Worked great for a few days... then I forgot about it.. then I went to play with it a few weeks later, and everything was stiff :(

I did not treat my childhood lego well :(

I think the main reason for TLG using rack+pinion without advanced geometry in most models is its simplicity compared to other systems. That being said, doesn't the 2H2015 Arocs feature a different system?

I recently made a MOC (midscale 4 axle truck) with multilink steering, and although it does have some advantages (mainly ackerman and the pivot inside the wheel), it is set back by slack and a semi small large steering radius.

Edited April 28, 20159 yr by D3K

@ 9V system Yes rockbrick is right That was supposed to be a hydraulic steering system. Not pneumatic. I even got a pump that fits perfect with the LEGO pneumatic nipples.

I think the main reason for TLG using rack+pinion without advanced geometry in most models is its simplicity compared to other systems. That being said, doesn't the 2H2015 Arocs feature a different system?

I recently made a MOC (midscale 4 axle truck) with multilink steering, and although it does have some advantages (mainly ackerman and the pivot inside the wheel), it is set back by slack and a semi small large steering radius.

That is a great statement D3K. I was looking for someone to point that out about simplicity over the other steering system. More and more Technic models are increasing in size but the simplicity in certain areas like steering has held these great models from begin even better. The Unimog is a good example for this. I guess we will haft to wait see about Arocs featuring a different steering system but that is not going to hold me back form saying this. Models based around the Unimog and Arocs are the definition of what need to happen for the steering. Rack and pinon steering is not how the Unimog and Arocs handle turning their wheels in real life but that is the problem here. For LEGO to replicate this kind of steering I think would be quite the endeavor and probably would never happen to the full extent that how it is mechanically working in real life because of the size difference but overall how it functions is more the capable of begin built in LEGO with out resorting to a different means steering.

Lego have moved away from Rack and pinion steering more and more recenty (and even in the old days with 8455 and even using cables etc...) - but the fact is rack and pinion works well, strong and uses less parts

and is also easy for a youngster to understand what is going on....

Do not fill them with water! Metal rod inside the cylinder will corrode!

indeed it will rust the newer type - if you use water dissassemble the whole cylinder later and dry out well

so a very thin oil may be better but it would have to be compatible with the seals and has to be filled with no air bubbles

Edited April 29, 20159 yr by Rockbrick

Lego have moved away from Rack and pinion steering more and more recenty (and even in the old days with 8455 and even using cables etc...) - but the fact is rack and pinion works well, strong and uses less parts

and is also easy for a youngster to understand what is going on....

I'm going to focus more on these steering parts here. For all practical reasons the rack and pinion certainly has the advantages over other steering solutions but this shouldn't keep back other methods of steering systems that Techinc Models can poses like the pitman arm and drag link steering, there models after all and furthermost this will expand the assortment of Technic links parts.

for all content and purposes, Lego is targeted for kids and teenagers, and rack and pinions is a good way to get a working steering that is reliable and easy. And I don't see it changing any time soon.

While most people dont see it changing anytime soon I see it changing today. I don't think the targeted age of whom which LEGO is sold to has anything to as to why Technic sets have rack and pinion steering.

That being said, doesn't the 2H2015 Arocs feature a different system?

42022 Hot Rod has non-standard, in terms of LEGO, steering setup also.

Yeah i think its fairly realistic steering for a hot rod.

this week i'll show you guy's my new ackerman steering system which will turn lego into a much more realistic thing. with only a few modifications your car will have ackerman steering, also you will be able to make a AWD car with acherman teering

this week i'll show you guy's my new ackerman steering system which will turn lego into a much more realistic thing. with only a few modifications your car will have ackerman steering, also you will be able to make a AWD car with acherman teering

Sounds awesome.

Most vehicles lego released had pinion and rack, but not all. The telehandler 8295 had a set of linkages. Though the links did steer the front tires, it was far from a good steering geometry.