A certain amount of torque steer to the right may normally be experienced during heavy throttle application on some front-wheel drive vehicles that do not have equal length drive axles. This is due to the right drive axle being longer than the left axle and associated difference in axle angle. Cars with intermediate shaft assemblies have almost equal length axles.
A difference in axle length results in more torque toe-in effect to the left front wheel. This condition may be noticed when accelerating from a standing start or at lower speeds. A simple measurement to determine the degree of torque steer is to place a small piece of tape at the top center of the steering wheel. Drive the vehicle and note the inches of steering wheel deflection required to steer the vehicle straight under heavy acceleration. A comparison of like vehicles will then determine if a particular vehicle has a greater than normal degree of torque steer. The following factors may cause torque steer to be more apparent on a particular vehicle:
| • | A slightly smaller diameter tire on the right front tire will increase a right torque lead. Inspect front tires for difference in brand, construction or size. If the tires appear similar, change the front tires side to side to retest the vehicle. Tire and wheel assemblies have the most significant effect on torque steer correction. |
| • | Large difference in right and left front tire pressure. |
| • | Any looseness in control arm bushings, tie rod assemblies or steering gear mounting which permits a front wheel to pull forward and toe-in under torque more than the opposite side. A loose suspension component may also result in an opposite lead in deceleration. |
| • | High front trim height which would increase drive axle angle. |
| • | Binding or tight drive axle joint. A tight joint or high front trim height may also exhibit a wobble condition between 24 to 48 km/h (15 to 30 mph). |
| • | Incorrect, worn, or loose engine mounts causing adverse drive axle angles. |
The following conditions affect vehicle handling and/or a constant right or left lead separate from torque steer causes. The existence of one or more of these conditions may compound a torque steer complaint.
| • | Incorrect front-wheel alignment or a rear-wheel alignment condition which would cause the vehicle not to track straight. A difference in the front wheel to rear wheel measurement compared side to side may indicate a dog track condition or one front wheel ahead of the other due to a misalignment or a manufacturing fault. Front-wheel caster should be equal or within specifications and camber may be raised slightly to offset a lead condition. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Wheel Alignment. |
| • | Front suspension damage, such a bent strut. |
| • | Suspension support misalignment. Refer to Alignment Checking in Frame and Underbody for measurement points in order to determine proper underbody alignment. |
