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self centering
skinny - 26/8/04 at 09:03 AM

just a quickie, will increasing the scrub radius (modyfying it with bigger offset wheel or spacers) give you more self centering?


mackie - 26/8/04 at 09:16 AM

I think so, it will also make your steering heavier I think, and I guess you'd get more feedback since the wheel has more leverage against the (virtual) kingpin.


stressy - 26/8/04 at 10:56 AM

For "feedback" read "kickback".
Chances are increasing the offset dramatically will result in frightening effects in the wet and undulating roads.

Are we talking about SVA requirements for self centering?????


andyps - 26/8/04 at 11:29 AM

I can't see how it would affect self centering as that is a result of castor which should not be affected by offset.

It will make the steering heavier, and the feedback/kickback will be greater. also will make your wheel bearings wear out quicker and put extra strain on other components.


skinny - 26/8/04 at 12:40 PM

yeah, i meant for sva. i know that caster is the main contributor to self centering but was just wondering if increasing the scrub radius would increase the moment of the self aligning torque created in the deflection of the tyre as you turn.


andyps - 26/8/04 at 03:11 PM

Just from personal experience in a Mini (so the front wheel drive may have an effect) if anything it gave a perceived reduction in self centering. I say perceived because I only measured that by feel, but it may be related to the extra effort required, rather than anything else.


stressy - 26/8/04 at 03:18 PM

skinny your right on he sat idea but were talking less than 10mph.

Best bet is to tak it to a car park and play with tyre pressures and fron toe, its amazing what you can achieve. The SVA inspector doesnt care that it will handle like a beast when on the road.

As soon as you et home you can set it back to normal

Good luck