Some degree of torque steer to the right may normally be experienced during a heavy throttle application on some front wheel drive vehicles which do not have equal length drive axles. This is due to the right drive axle being longer than the left axle and an associated difference in an axle angle. Vehicles with intermediate shaft assembly have almost equal length axles.
A difference in axle length results in more torque toe-in effect to the left front wheel. This condition can be noticed when accelerating from a standing start or at lower speeds. A simple measurement in order 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 determine if a particular vehicle has a greater than normal degree of torque steer. The following factors may cause the torque steer to be more apparent on a particular vehicle:
| • | A slightly smaller diameter tire on the right front increases a right torque lead. |
| Inspect the front for a difference in brand, construction or size. If the tires appear similar, change the front tires side to side and re-set the vehicle. Tire and wheel assemblies have the most significant effect on the torque steer correction. |
| • | A large difference in the right and left front tire pressure. |
| • | Any looseness in the control arm bushings, the tie rod assemblies, or the 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 deceleration. |
| • | A high front trim height which would increase the drive angle axle. |
| • | A binding or tight drive axle joint. |
| A tight joint or high front trim height may also exhibit a wobble condition between 24 and 48 km/h (15 and 30 mph). |
| • | An incorrect, worn or loose engine mounts causes adverse drive axle angles. |
| • | An unequal engine/transmission height from the left side to the right side of the vehicle. |
| Determine the measuring points. Replace the engine/transmission mount if the difference from side to side is more than 6 mm (17/64 in). Do not shim the engine mounts. This may cause other symptoms. |
| • | On occasion, the side to side trim height differences may be the result of an inoperative stabilizer shaft. Disconnect the stabilizer links. Measure the trim heights again after the vehicle has been settled, driven a short distance. Replace the stabilizer shaft, if the side to side difference is corrected. Do not change the stabilizer shaft however, if there is no change in the trim height. A trim height difference of more than 6 mm (17/64 in), indicates a bent stabilizer shaft, attaching links or a suspension component that may need replacement. |
The following conditions affect the 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.
| • | An incorrect front-wheel alignment or a rear-wheel alignment condition would cause the vehicle to track incorrectly. A difference in the front wheel to the 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 other condition. A substantial caster difference is an indication of misalignment or other condition. The front-wheel caster should be equal or within specifications and the camber may be biased slightly in order to offset a lead condition. |
| • | Suspension support misalignment.Front steering damage such as a bent strut. |
