Torque steer

[Auto_newb]

I know what torque steer is, but how come they can't make the axles the same length on an FWD car? What barriers do they have to overcome?

[MagicRat]

They can make equal length drive axles on FWD cars. GM made the Toronado/Eldorado platform from 1966 through 1985 with no torque steer. The same goes for the more recent Chrysler LH (Concorde, Intrepid) cars. They used longitudinal engine location, not transverse, that is, the engine did not sit 'sideways' like in most FWD cars.

That being said, the front end geometry can be designed in a transverse engine to reduce or eliminate torque steer. It is just not as easy to arrange such a layout in a compact, inexpensive design.

[quaddriver]

Its unlikely you experience much acceleration induced TS in a modern car. what you are more likely feeling is the fact that without limited slip front ends, the tire that goes wild is gonna tug on the steering wheel.

[Auto_newb]

And that "tug" has nothing to do with torque steer?

[quaddriver]

Originally Posted by Auto_newb

And that "tug" has nothing to do with torque steer?

no, that tug is torque steer, but has nutting to do with the lengths of the axle shafts. the auto makers learned years and years ago to make the longer side larger in diameter and hollow(er) to eliminate torque steer on normal surfaces/circumstances.

heck, hitting a rock will cause torque steer and no axle configuration will elimintate that either

[Auto_newb]

Torque steer is when under hard acceleration the axles flex, and the longer axle can flex more therefore the shorter axle puts power to the wheels/ground first and that makes the car bias to one side right?

How is that nothing to do with the lengths of the axles? How can it torque steer when the axles flex and put power to the ground at the same time?