Steering Axis Inclination - Explained

[Gridlockpt2]

And your good at rectifying on how to solve a problem with steering axis

[Gridlockpt2]

You have a great observation

[HawaiiJackJr]

I know there's probably an explanation for this, but my first though about the scrubbing axis was, wouldn't the decrease in tire contact mean the car puts down less power?

[EngineeringExplained]

@HawaiiJackJr The amount of contact between the tire and the ground is almost identical in both scenarios. Regardless, power would not be affected.

[PhilTheBroatian]

To decrease the scrub radius, why cant you just decrease the distance from the wheel to the axle?

[EngineeringExplained]

@PhilTheBroatian Because there are things between the steering axis and the center of the wheel. Brakes, suspension components, the wheel itself has an axle in the center obviously, from which it is driven. These components make it difficult to decrease that distance, though it would be beneficial if possible.

[yamenad]

This is the first time i don't understand your video :(

you started too fast, without enough explaining of the parts used first, you should drawn another view angle of the steering system.

[EngineeringExplained]

@yamenad When you're looking at the diagrams on the board, imagine that you are sitting behind the front right tire at looking parallel to the ground at it. The dotted red line is the line about which the wheel/tire rotates. The dotted green line is the center of the wheel/tire. The closer these two lines are at the bottom of the tire (scrub radius) the easier it is to turn, and less wear will occur. Hope this helps!

[yamenad]

@EngineeringExplained Thanks :) , yup it cleared things up, and i just went out minutes ago and checked my car steering system, and understood the parts :D

one little question: will the outer parts of the tires wear out faster by having a positive camber ?

[EngineeringExplained]

@yamenad Well, possibly, but the camber angle is very small so it won't make a huge difference.

[bloximonkey]

@yamenad Exactly same here. Got it after googling some images and watching the video for a second time.

[bahy930]

if i want to get -ve cambers and small scrub radius ,could i increase the steering axis inclination to ease the return of the wheels back to the center ?

[Salazar518]

Very great informative video man!! keep them coming.

[Nicosh1471]

I never knew this is what caused the steering wheel to return to centre. I always presumed it worked by some kind of elastic or spring operated mechanism! Thanks! :)

[EngineeringExplained]

@Nicosh1471 It is also due to positive caster, which will be another video posted shortly. Positive caster plays a very important roll in keeping the tire straight. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[Nicosh1471]

Ahh wow! I never knew that this is what causes the steering wheel to return to centre. I always presumed it was on

[Mcarlsonnr]

Love your vids man. Keep it up.

[ReubenMRU]

Oh so that's why the wheel spins back on it's own!!! But I've got a 4WD ... hmmm does that mean that the 1998 Rav 4 has positive camber? Or is it just the Steering axis that's inclined? I noticed two things: 1. My wheels appear to get worn uniformly... 2. My car makes an awful lot of screech when I turn the front wheels in the work parking lot - Polished Cement Flooring - Even if I'm not accelerating... - Of course couple that with acceleration and I've got everybody looking at me always :-P

[SzymekCRX]

Cool ! I didn't know about that !

[Degr8n8]

Very informative video, keep them coming!



[visnevskiscom]

interesting

[TheReapero]

awesome explanation! Your videos are fantastic!

[JOSUELITOlive]

are you going to do a video on torque steer?

[EngineeringExplained]

@JOSUELITOlive I want to eventually but to be honest I'm not quite sure yet of the cause. I know the root of the problem is apparently unequal shaft lengths, however I'm not sure why this angle difference creates a problem since the joints are "constant velocity." I'm gonna have to spend some extra time on that one. 

[Carrera911Fan]

love the vids keep up the great work man