Big Rock Steering Block C-Hub Clearance

[kaladeth]

I tried out some aluminum replacements for the steering block and C hub on my BR 3S. What’s an acceptable clearance between the block and the hub at the part where the screw comes in?

* The stock parts have close to 0.
* The aluminum steering block with the stock hub is 0.2 mm… seems to be okay after the two flanged tubes bring it close to 0.
* The aluminum parts together go up to 0.5 mm, feels like too much.

Do you guys put a shim in this case? Or should I get an aluminum part with tighter tolerances?

I switched back to the stock hubs for now, it feels like it drives better.

PS. Is “slop” another / a better word to use than “clearance”?

 

[Tex Koder]

I tried out some aluminum replacements for the steering block and C hub on my BR 3S. What’s an acceptable clearance between the block and the hub at the part where the screw comes in?

* The stock parts have close to 0.
* The aluminum steering block with the stock hub is 0.2 mm… seems to be okay after the two flanged tubes bring it close to 0.
* The aluminum parts together go up to 0.5 mm, feels like too much.

Do you guys put a shim in this case? Or should I get an aluminum part with tighter tolerances?

I switched back to the stock hubs for now, it feels like it drives better.

PS. Is “slop” another / a better word to use than “clearance”?

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Yes you'll need to shim up some of that slop..

Just look for a kit of M3 ,M4 ,M5 stainless steel washers. They should give you enough selection to use.

$12 @ Amazon

 

[Hector_Fisher]

You're not required to get rid of slop, however, it is recommended. Like you said you already experienced: the suspension/steering response will be more tight and predictable if you shim out all the slop and it will help increase durability.

Personally, i would be looking for soft metal shims or cheap plastic washers. I'd rather the shim/washer take more of the abuse and replace the cheap shim every so often than the expensive aluminum parts take the abuse, but that's just me. For sure i'd be looking for something to take up the space.

 

[Dan B.]

Yes, shims are often necessary. You can get a very cheap assortment on AliExpress for cheap. ID’s of 2.5 to 4mm in varying thicknesses. Bigger ones for bigger tolerances.

 

[kaladeth]

Just a quick update. The gap is too small to fit an M4 shim. I will most likely be returning these to the seller.

Stock parts FTW.