However, because the effects of torque steer happen downstream from the diff, there's little a traditional mechanical differential can do to help, and in some situations, the way they send power to the wheel with the most ability to use it can actually create even more torque steer. Electronic differentials that can be programmed to recognize torque steer and compensate or brake-biasing virtual differential systems typically fare better here. Finally, the best way to fix torque steer happens at the vehicle and suspension design level.
Employing packaging tricks to mount the differential closer to the centerline of the vehicle can result in equal-lengh half shafts, which can cancel out torque steer. The Fiat Abarth uses this system. Additionally, employing better suspension geometry than is afforded by the standard McPherson strut setup, such as the RevoKnuckle system made famous by the horsepower Ford Focus RS, can help to keep the steering wheel straight.
What can I do to limit torque steer? The best way for you to limit the torque steer in your current car without dramatically altering the engine bay and suspension geometry is to exercise restraint with your pedal foot for the first few feet of acceleration.
The Internet is awash with accounts of backyard tuners experiencing success with everything from chassis braces and adjustments in alignment to stronger bushings for the engine mounts and various suspension components.
However, there is comparatively little documented proof that any of these bolt-on solutions really work consistently. Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy , which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion. Antuan Goodwin. June 28, p. What causes it? In a rear-drive vehicle, the half-shafts are equal in length and react identically to a load. In a front-drive vehicle, differences in half-shaft length cause the drive and steering wheels to react differently to the same load.
The Fiat Abarth uses equal-length half-shafts to mitigate the torque steer that's common to powerful front-drive vehicles. Whilst a savage piece of engineering, the reality was if you pressed down hard on the accelerator the car would not only spin its wheels but rip them to shreds. Having established that torque is the rotational power the car can exert on its wheels; torque steer is, unsurprisingly when the power is applied unevenly to the drive wheels.
This issue mostly affects front wheel drive cars, causing the steering to pull in one direction or another. Depending on the power output of the vehicle this can be a minor pull to a startling and sharp veering motion that needs concerted effort to correct.
Torque steer can be caused by a number of things including a variance of traction between the two drive wheels. The most common cause in front wheel drive cars is a transversely mounted engine. In these types of cars the engine, transmission and differential are all mounted in a single place — the engine bay. In these instances the differential and transmission hang over one side of the engine. This means the half shafts are of unequal lengths, delivering more power to one wheel over the other.
The problem can be compounded during sudden acceleration as the car rocks backwards, shifting weight off the drive wheels, decreasing downforce and causes the wheels to spin. Rear wheel drive cars rarely experience torque steer because the design of the engine, differential and transmission are linear which means the half shafts are of equal length. It can be compensated for however.
This crown in the road can magnify the effects of torque steer, and makes a car feel unstable when driving. Fortunately, car makers have a number of solutions for torque steer. These can be mechanical, but an electronic alternative is to gently apply the brake to the inside wheel of a torque steering car. Many manufacturers of powerful front-wheel drive cars have also developed suspension systems that isolate the steering from the torque steer effects on the front axle. The only way to avoid torque steer is to use light throttle inputs.
Simply don't mash the pedal to the floor and you should be fine! If you do experience torque steer, back off the throttle and turn the wheel in the opposite direction to where the nose of the car is heading, but not by an excessive amount.
If you're looking at where you want to go, then steer towards that point. This should be enough to remedy torque steer. What's the best car to drive that you've ever owned?
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