Hung Long M1A2 stearing issues

[colodan1]

Hi. So I got my first RC tank!!! Its a hung long M1A2 upgraded with metal tracks and gearbox and 360 turret. After just a few min of driving it it started to pull to the right sharply. After checking it out when I press the stick straight forward or back only the left track moves. When I move the stick right or left only the right track moves. So to drive forward I have to hold the stick to the top left corner to go straight. I tried to adjust the trim with the radio as per the manual but it didn't seem to much. When I opened the tank up nothing looked to be mechanically wrong. Anyone have any suggestions? I was also thinking of after market radio and controller any decent ones that work with HL tanks? Thanks.

[SoCalBobS]

Check the track pins. If one works out, it can sometimes rub against the skirts, causing one side to bind. Just one possibility. See any plastic scrapings around there?

[colodan1]

Thanks for replying! I did check and there is no binding or scraping around the tracks. The tracks both move freely, just not when they should according to the stick inputs. Is there any way to adjust steering trim on these Hung Long tanks?

[SoCalBobS]

To trim steering, hold down the G button and move the right stick left or right. You'll hear hear a tone each time you do. But I don't think it's going to straighten out a full stick travel deviation.

[Rubicon99]

Hi. So I got my first RC tank!!! Its a hung long M1A2 upgraded with metal tracks and gearbox and 360 turret. After just a few min of driving it it started to pull to the right sharply. After checking it out when I press the stick straight forward or back only the left track moves. When I move the stick right or left only the right track moves. So to drive forward I have to hold the stick to the top left corner to go straight. I tried to adjust the trim with the radio as per the manual but it didn't seem to much. When I opened the tank up nothing looked to be mechanically wrong. Anyone have any suggestions? I was also thinking of after market radio and controller any decent ones that work with HL tanks? Thanks.

Try unplugging and swap the motor lines right to left / left to right. Then run the tank. YES left / right will be reversed but that is not important. This is a test of the motors and control system.

If the tank still pull to same side you have a motor issue. If it now pulls to the opposite side you have a control system issue.

The motor issue is simple, just replace the motors which takes about 30min start to finish. This would be a good time to also upgrade the motors.

The control issue is not so simple. It can’t be fixed and you will need a new system. Depending on when and from whom you purchase the tank from this might be easy to warranty or not.

[colodan1]

To trim steering, hold down the G button and move the right stick left or right. You'll hear hear a tone each time you do. But I don't think it's going to straighten out a full stick travel deviation.

I did try that and as you said it it not enough by far. Thanks for the help though!

[colodan1]

Try unplugging and swap the motor lines right to left / left to right. Then run the tank. YES left / right will be reversed but that is not important. This is a test of the motors and control system.

If the tank still pull to same side you have a motor issue. If it now pulls to the opposite side you have a control system issue.

The motor issue is simple, just replace the motors which takes about 30min start to finish. This would be a good time to also upgrade the motors.

The control issue is not so simple. It can’t be fixed and you will need a new system. Depending on when and from whom you purchase the tank from this might be easy to warranty or not.

Thanks for the tip! I will give it a try in the next few days as soon as I have time to pull it all apart.

I'm thinking it is a control issue, as the motors work fine, just not when they should according to the stick input. I did just get it this week from Toucanhobby and the warranty is good for three months. That may be the direction to go. Yay for warranties!

Thanks for the help!

[Zippersnapper]

Try unplugging and swap the motor lines right to left / left to right. Then run the tank. YES left / right will be reversed but that is not important. This is a test of the motors and control system.

If the tank still pull to same side you have a motor issue. If it now pulls to the opposite side you have a control system issue.

The motor issue is simple, just replace the motors which takes about 30min start to finish. This would be a good time to also upgrade the motors.

The control issue is not so simple. It can’t be fixed and you will need a new system. Depending on when and from whom you purchase the tank from this might be easy to warranty or not.

"just replace the motors which takes about 30min start to finish"

Please forgive-off topic a bit, but I have new 390 motors I wish to install myself and can't find a Youtube vid showing the procedure. Can you enlighten me/us as to the exact steps required? (Henglong Abrams)

[Rubicon99]

"just replace the motors which takes about 30min start to finish"

Please forgive-off topic a bit, but I have new 390 motors I wish to install myself and can't find a Youtube vid showing the procedure. Can you enlighten me/us as to the exact steps required? (Henglong Abrams)

First: remove upper hull, tracks and sprockets.
Second: unplug motor wires.
Third: remove the three screw holding each gearbox to the
hull and lift up on the gearboxes to free them. Then
slide each one out starting with the left box.
Fourth: once the gearboxes are removed, unscrew the motors
and remove them.
Fifth: replace the gearboxes by doing the process in reverse.

It’s only seems daunting the first time you attempt it. But as you work through the removal and install you will see just how easy the process really is. After a couple of dozen times doing motor / gearbox swaps and repairs it becomes second nature and with experience on some tanks fully removing the gearboxes to replace the motors is not even necessary. Is the Abrams one of these? YES, but I encourage everyone to learn to remove the gearboxes entirely the first few times as it is a needed skill for the long term enjoyment of the hobby.

[Zippersnapper]

First: remove upper hull, tracks and sprockets.
Second: unplug motor wires.
Third: remove the three screw holding each gearbox to the
hull and lift up on the gearboxes to free them. Then
slide each one out starting with the left box.
Fourth: once the gearboxes are removed, unscrew the motors
and remove them.
Fifth: replace the gearboxes by doing the process in reverse.

It’s only seems daunting the first time you attempt it. But as you work through the removal and install you will see just how easy the process really is. After a couple of dozen times doing motor / gearbox swaps and repairs it becomes second nature and with experience on some tanks fully removing the gearboxes to replace the motors is not even necessary. Is the Abrams one of these? YES, but I encourage everyone to learn to remove the gearboxes entirely the first few times as it is a needed skill for the long term enjoyment of the hobby.

EXCELLENT kind sir, and I thank you !!