Understanding Torque Steer

Learn what causes torque steer and what you can do about it

Torque steer appears as an unexpected tug at the steering wheel when accelerating hard from a stop.  Depending on the specific vehicle and which wheel is being loaded more at any given moment, the torque reaction can pull the steering wheel unexpectedly to the left or right.

When a vehicle uses axle shafts of different lengths on two drive wheels, the vehicle can encounter a pull to one side. Torque steer is caused by the longer axle twisting slightly when high power is applied. The slight twisting in the longer axle causes a slight delay in the transmission of torque to the attached wheel. The shorter shaft transmits the torque immediately without twisting causing that wheel to be the main driving wheel. The result is a light pull to the side with the shortest axle. The pull can be felt in the steering wheel as it rotates slightly to the side with the shorter axle.

How manufacturers can avoid torque steer

In transmission designs where the axle shafts must be different lengths, carmakers can avoid these pulling issues by increasing the diameter of the longer shaft to reduce twist during hard acceleration events.

What can you do about it?

If you’ve replaced the axle shafts and now experience torque steer, chances are the new axle shaft is a smaller diameter than the OE shaft. Ask the shop to double-check the part number and order the correct axle shaft

©, 2021 Rick Muscoplat