Steering Pull and Residual Aligning Torque

Abstract

Abstract A laboratory method is described for measuring residual aligning torque, which is presented as a predictor of tire contribution to steering pull. Results from a new steering pull test are compared with those for conicity levels on tire combinations having differing aligning torques. The individual contributions of conicity and plysteer to residual aligning torque are discussed, as are correlations between residual aligning torque values obtained in two laboratories. The effect of tire belt angle and tread design on residual aligning torque is shown in three experiments.