Tech Focus | The adjustable column support by Parolin Racing Kart

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THE ADJUSTABLE COLUMN SUPPORT BY PAROLIN RACING KART

Max Bernardi

24 November 2020

Analysis of the steering angle adjustment system that allows you to change the Ackermann angle in a few seconds. Let's find out how it works and why the Italian company's technicians have devised this system to improve performance on the track

The adjustable steering column support by Parolin Racing Kart has the peculiarity of allowing you to adjust the Ackermann angle in a few seconds by turning only four screws and without having to remove anything. The system also allows you to refine the adjustment of the front geometries with the aim of managing the various bends of the circuit on which you are driving, always using the narrowest possible steering angle. This generates greater smoothness of the kart and less dissipation of engine power.
Before analysing the Parolin Racing Kart system in detail, let's understand what the Ackermann angle is for. The term “Ackermann” refers to the angle created between the front wheels once they are fully steered. This means the front wheels can steer at different angles. Doing so creates a single centre of rotation which coincides with the meeting point between the two axles of the front wheels and the axis of the rear axle.
You can explore this topic further In the TKART article "Everything you need to know about Ackermann's angle in karting".

“BOXED” STEERING COLUMN

The steering angle adjustment system directly on the steering column support was adopted about a decade ago by Parolin Racing Kart. Its key feature is the boxed shape of the support, a solution designed to increase rigidity in this area. The column support is an element of the chassis that undergoes continuous stresses during changes of direction. In traditional column supports, consisting of two small diameter tubes welded directly to the front tube of the chassis, there may be oscillations in the order of 1 - 1.5 cm. These movements can create extra stress for the front tyres with consequent tyre blistering, consisting in the formation of air bubbles between the casing and tread. These bubbles come out of the tyre after a while, tearing a small part of the tread, creating craters. The boxed shape, which is closed on all sides - mounted on all Parolin racing chassis - improves, as mentioned, the rigidity of the component by reducing these involuntary movements and decreases the weight of the component.

COMPONENTS

There are two main elements the column support made by Parolin Racing Kart is composed of: the boxed support and the slide that slides inside it. The support, with the logo of the Italian company engraved by laser, has four slots for adjusting the slide and an indicator to check the different positions. The slide, a component machined from a solid piece, has two rows of holes to adjust the position of the steering column. Lines have been engraved on the upper side 1 mm apart as reference points to adjust the Ackermann angle progressively. The threaded uniball is screwed onto the slide where the steering column is fastened. The maximum displacement of the steering column in the minikart chassis is 30 mm, while in the chassis for the higher classes it is 35 mm.

By sliding your finger to the right, we will show you how the Ackermann angle works. In particular, the two different angles of the wheels that are created by turning the steering wheel. In the last steps you can see the variation of the angles, with the same steering, using the Parolin system.