Kyosho Mini-Z AWD MA-020: Can we improve steering with PN Racing's steering tie rod?

Mini-Z AWD MA-020: Can we improve steering with PN Racing's steering tie rod?

It may look simple, but Mini-Z is known to have good functional steering. Resolution and speed are decent. Similar to MR-03 and MB-010, the AWD MA-020 uses this sliding tie rod to transfer motion from the servo to the knuckles. This system is simple to maintain but in general adds play and limits steering angles Let's try this aluminum tie rod from PN (MA0254K). This is the version for narrow track width and toe out.

First, let's measure the turning diameter with the stock setup. Turning right, that's about 5.1 widths of these hardwood planks. Turning left, the radius is much larger with my MA-020! I've set up EPA properly, but the stock tie rod binds before the lock. The result is 6.7 widths, significantly more than 5.1.

Okay, let's install the tie rod. Kyosho made this really easy. The stock plastic piece sets up the the front wheels to have a slight toe out. The PN version is made of aluminum and well machined. Let's compare the lengths between the stock and this PN -1. It's 43.6mm long. Surprisingly, the PN -1 is longer than stock, at 44.3mm, by 0.7mm. So this isn't going to create much toe out effect.

How about turning diameter in practice? After carefully setting EPA, turning right takes 4.8 widths. That's an improvement over the stock 5.1. Okay, let's try the other direction. This time, it uses only 4.9 widths. This PN tie rod fixes the wide left turn exhibited by my stock MA-020. Nice!

Conclusion: the PN tie rod achieves more steering angle because it fits and slides better than stock.

This is Sammy and thanks for watching!

PN Racing Mini-Z AWD MA020 Alumium Tie Rod N-1 (Black): https://www.kenonhobby.com/PN-Racing-...

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