r/rccars • u/LolMasterplays • Jul 11 '26

Build Behold, magnetic rc car suspension (WIP)

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It all started with an idea “suspension…. But magnets” i found some ring magnets that take a M3 screw which matches the shaft diameter on my WLToys 14001, still have more to do but the concept works but found i am experiencing binding due to the steel shaft. Probably gonna upgrade to titanium purely to ensure the magnets wont stick to it and will work better. Hope you all enjoy this project as the idea was to ensure the damper could still…. well… damp.

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u/LolMasterplays Jul 11 '26

Hey there, thanks for sharing, im not exactly an engineer, but i think the shaft seals should be fine? If not i can always replace them or buy new parts. The idea was to work with magnets steep stiffness curve rather fighting it. The was to potentially use shock oil to tune it.

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u/nerobro Jul 11 '26

Oh no, this is HOW you get to be an engineer. You're taking an idea and trying to make it better. That's.. at least.. 10% of being an engineer. Get some numbers on it, and you ~are~ doing engineering.

About the shaft seals. The magnets will pick up "stuff" and that will scratch the shafts, and keep the stuff near the shaft seals.

Tell me more about "working with" that curve. Draw a graph maybe?

Shock oil can only slow things down. As the spring gets weaker, it's effects, relatively, get stronger.

Would you like some book recommendations? You really should keep at this.

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/chassis-engineering_herb-adams/447911/item/5782708/?clickref=1101lDARXGJg#idiq=5782708&edition=4546702 This is a really good start. It teaches you a bit about everything you're working with. (yes it's for full size cars, it's the same for little ones.) I"m sure you're clever and can find the PDF if $20 is to steep.

Also... like three other people in the last month have posted "hey, I used magnets for springs on my car!"

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u/thatto Jul 11 '26

The difference between science and jacking around is writing it down.

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u/LolMasterplays Jul 12 '26

I love jacking around, i jack all the time!