Steering stops are one of the simplest yet most important components in a drift car, off road truck, or track build. They may look small — often just spacers or collars installed on the tie rods — but they play a huge role in controlling steering angle, protecting your suspension, and maximizing the life of your steering rack. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what steering stops are, how they work, and why every drift car should use them.
What Are Steering Stops?
Steering stops are physical limiters installed in the steering system to prevent the front wheels from turning beyond a set angle. Without steering stops, cars with extended steering angle kits or modified suspension can push the wheels too far, causing tire rub, bent tie rods, or even steering rack damage. By acting as a safeguard, steering stops make sure your steering angle is usable, consistent, and safe.
Why Steering Stops Matter in Drifting
Drifting, for example, requires more steering angle than normal street driving. With the popularity of angle kits and modified suspension geometry, front wheels can rotate up to 60–70 degrees. While this added angle is crucial for holding deep drift angles, it can also stress components if left unchecked. That’s where steering stops come in:
- Protects Tie Rods: Prevents them from over-extending and bending under load.
- Saves the Steering Rack: Reduces the chance of internal rack damage from over-travel.
- Avoids Wheel/Tire Interference: Keeps wheels from contacting fenders, control arms, or sway bars.
- Provides Consistency: Ensures that maximum steering angle is always predictable and repeatable.
Different Types of Steering Stops
Not all steering stops are the same. Depending on your build, you may choose different solutions:
- Clip-On Collars: Simple plastic or aluminum rings that snap onto the tie rod shaft. Easy to install and adjust thickness.
- Adjustable Stops: Threaded collars or plates that allow fine-tuning of steering angle limits.
- Rack Spacers with Stops: Combination kits that not only add angle but also control maximum travel.
- Custom CNC Stops: Precision-machined solutions like those from SLRspeed that are designed specifically for drifting applications.
How to Install Steering Stops
Installing steering stops is typically straightforward:
- Jack up the front of the car and remove the front wheels.
- Locate the inner tie rod shafts where they connect to the steering rack.
- Slide the steering stop spacers or collars onto the tie rod shaft.
- Reinstall wheels and check steering lock to ensure proper clearance and function.
Always test steering lock at full compression and droop to make sure nothing makes contact under real driving conditions.
Signs You Need Steering Stops
If you’ve recently installed a drift angle kit or experienced any of the following, it’s time to add steering stops:
- Front tires rubbing on frame rails, sway bars, or fender liners.
- Clicking or popping noises at full lock.
- Uneven tie rod wear or bending.
- Steering rack failure after drifting.
Steering Stops and Steering Angle Balance
Many drivers mistakenly think more steering angle is always better. In reality, too much angle can hurt transitions, slow steering response, or cause unpredictable handling. Properly tuned steering stops ensure that you get all the angle you need without pushing the chassis past its functional limit. In pro drifting, steering stops are dialed in to match tire width, suspension geometry, and wheel offset for a perfectly balanced setup.
SLRspeed Steering Stops: Designed for Drifting
At SLRspeed, our steering stop sets are engineered specifically for drifting and motorsports. Unlike generic solutions, these stops are CNC-machined for precision fitment and designed to work with our angle kits. Benefits include:
- Durable construction for high-stress motorsport use.
- Exact-fit tolerances for BMW, Nissan, and other RWD platforms.
- Adjustable sizing to fine-tune steering angle limits.
- Quick installation with no permanent modifications required.
By using SLRspeed steering stops, you’re ensuring not just performance but also the long-term health of your steering system.
Conclusion
Steering stops may be small, but their role in drift car performance and reliability cannot be overstated. They protect critical components, fine-tune handling, and keep your car consistent through every drift. Whether you’re a grassroots driver or a pro-level competitor, installing steering stops is a must. Explore the SLRspeed Steering Stop Set today and take control of your steering setup with confidence.
