A degree of torque steer to the right may be experienced during the use of heavy throttle on some front-wheel drive cars with drive axles of unequal length. This torque steer to the right results from the right drive axle being longer than the left drive axle, which creates a difference in the drive axle angle. Cars with intermediate shaft assemblies have axles of almost equal length.
A difference in the drive axle lengths results in more torque toe-in in the left front wheel. You will notice the torque toe-in when the vehicle accelerates from a standing start or at lower speeds.
Inspection Procedure
- Place a small piece of tape at the top center of the steering wheel.
- Note the inches of steering wheel deflection required to keep the vehicle straight during heavy acceleration.
- Compare this finding with similar cars.
Factors that may cause torque steer to be more apparent on a particular vehicle include:
| • | Variations in the tire and wheel assemblies. This has the most significant effect on torque steer. A slightly smaller diameter on the right front tire will increase a right torque lead. |
| • | Large differences in the right and the left front tire pressure. |
| • | Looseness in the control arm bushings, the tie rod assemblies, or the steering gear mounting. This looseness permits a front wheel to pull forward and toe-in under a torque greater than the wheel on the opposite side. A loose suspension component may result in an opposite lead upon deceleration. |
| • | A high front trim height. This height would increase the drive axle angle and could cause wobble at speeds between 24-48 km/h (15-30 mph). |
| • | Binding or a tight drive axle joint. A tight drive axle joint or a high front trim height may also cause a wobble at speeds between 24-48 km/h (15-30 mph). |
| • | Incorrect, worn, or loose engine mounts causing adverse drive angles. |
Refer to Symptoms - Suspension General Diagnosis for actions to remedy these problems.
Conditions that may produce an effect similar to torque steer include:
| • | Incorrect front or rear alignment |
| • | Frame misalignment or defect |
| • | Front suspension damage |
| • | Incorrectly mounted rear crossmember |
