Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Scrub radius

Scrub radius is a critical in , referring to the lateral distance at the road surface between the center of the tire's and the point where the axis—also known as the kingpin axis—intersects the ground. This measurement influences the mechanical leverage applied to the system during turns and straight-line travel, affecting overall . The scrub radius can be classified as positive, negative, or zero based on the relative positions of these points. A positive scrub radius occurs when the steering axis intersects the ground inside the tire's centerline (toward the vehicle's center), creating a lever arm that amplifies torque from road forces on the tire. In contrast, a negative scrub radius positions the intersection outside the tire centerline, reducing this leverage, while a zero scrub radius aligns the points exactly, minimizing torsional effects. Positive values, often around 10-20 mm in production vehicles, provide steering feedback and self-centering but can increase effort and tire wear if excessive. Negative values enhance stability, particularly in high-performance applications, but may lead to sudden steering pulls during component failures. Factors such as offset, tire size, suspension type (e.g., or double wishbone), and directly alter the scrub radius. For instance, using wheels with more negative increases positive scrub radius, while taller tires can mitigate this effect. In design, engineers target small positive or near-zero values to balance precision, during braking on uneven surfaces, and reduced wear on components like bearings. Deviations, often from aftermarket modifications like wheel spacers, can compromise by altering yaw rate damping and braking performance on split-friction roads. Overall, optimizing scrub radius is essential for modern vehicles, from passenger cars to race cars, as it integrates with other alignment angles like inclination and to ensure predictable handling and longevity. In designs, for example, values as low as 9.5 mm are selected to minimize steering forces while maintaining .

Definition and Geometry

Definition

Steering geometry in wheeled vehicles refers to the precise configuration of and components that allows the front wheels to for directional while optimizing , wear, and handling performance. This geometry includes angles and offsets that determine how forces from are transmitted to the vehicle, ensuring predictable response to driver inputs. A fundamental aspect of this setup is the scrub radius, which plays a crucial role in how the wheels interact with the road surface during turns. Scrub radius is defined as the lateral distance, measured in the front view of the vehicle, between the point where the axis—commonly referred to as the kingpin axis—intersects surface and the geometric center of the 's . This axis represents the imaginary line around which the wheel assembly rotates during , typically formed by the upper and lower pivot points in systems like MacPherson struts or double wishbones. The , in turn, is the area where the tire meets , with its center serving as the reference for the wheel's rolling path. The term "scrub radius" originates from the scrubbing or frictional sliding action experienced by the 's during low-speed maneuvers, resulting from the between the and the tire centerline. In a front-view , the inclined extends downward to meet the , often from the tire's vertical centerline due to design choices in layout; this misalignment causes the tire to around a point not aligned with its natural rotation center, leading to the characteristic scrubbing effect. inclination contributes to determining this intersection point, influencing the overall without altering the fundamental measurement.

Types of Scrub Radius

Scrub radius is classified into three types based on the lateral position where the axis intersects the relative to the center of the tire's : positive, negative, or zero. In a positive scrub radius , the axis projection intersects the ground inboard (toward the vehicle's centerline) of the center, creating a positive distance. This type was common in older vehicles, where values could reach up to 100 mm (4 inches). A negative scrub radius occurs when the axis projection intersects outboard (away from the vehicle's centerline) of the center, resulting in a negative distance. This configuration is prevalent in modern vehicle designs. Zero scrub radius is achieved when the axis projection intersects exactly at the center of the , yielding no lateral offset; this type is rare and generally avoided in production vehicles. The type of scrub radius can be altered through adjustments to wheel offset, which shifts the position of the tire's relative to the fixed , or by changing angles, which tilt the and modify the on the ground. The inclination also influences the point, thereby determining the scrub radius type.

Steering Geometry Components

Steering Axis Inclination

Steering axis inclination (), also known as inclination, is the angle formed between the steering axis—defined by the line connecting the upper and lower pivot points of the —and a true vertical line through the center of the when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This angle represents the inward tilt of the steering axis toward the vehicle's centerline, distinguishing it from vertical . In passenger cars, SAI typically ranges from 5 to 15 degrees, with common values around 8 to 10 degrees depending on the suspension design and vehicle type. Geometrically, tilts the axis such that its extension intersects the road surface at a point offset from the tire's centerline, directly contributing to the scrub radius by establishing this lateral separation. This offset interaction with the center influences the overall , where SAI works in tandem with scrub radius to define the pivot dynamics during turns. The tilt ensures that steering inputs generate a in without requiring to the ground. Historically, the incorporation of in early suspension designs helped mitigate the need for excessive angles, which were challenging to implement in rigid axles common before front suspensions. By providing an angular foundation for self-centering, allowed engineers to achieve balanced response with simpler setups. Specific to , this inclination enhances straight-line stability through a caster-like effect, where the intersection creates a restoring that promotes return to center without relying on forward-backward tilt. This geometric feature produces vertical lift during , generating self-aligning moments that stabilize the vehicle in forward motion.

Kingpin Offset

The kingpin offset, also known as the wheel center lateral offset, is defined as the horizontal distance at the wheel center between the axis (the steering pivot line) and the wheel centerline. This linear dimension represents the lateral separation in the front view, measured parallel to the at the of the wheel hub, and serves as a fundamental geometric parameter in system design. It is sometimes referred to as the scrub radius at axle to distinguish it from its projection onto the road surface. The offset relates to the overall scrub radius by providing the base linear component that, when projected downward to the road plane through the inclination (), determines the effective scrub radius at ground level. A positive (where the intersects outboard of the centerline) typically results in a positive scrub radius when combined with positive SAI, influencing the pivot point of the during turns. In modern passenger vehicles, kingpin offset values typically range from 20 to 50 mm, though they can vary by suspension type: approximately 50-75 mm in systems, around 40 mm in double wishbone setups, and 20-30 mm in advanced designs. This offset is adjustable through or modifications or by altering offset (the distance from the wheel's mounting face to its centerline), allowing engineers to fine-tune characteristics without major redesigns. Historically, offset in solid suspensions was minimal, often approaching zero (e.g., 0.9 mm in optimized terrain vehicle examples), due to the rigid beam geometry that aligned the closely with the wheel centerline for simplicity and durability. In contrast, the shift to independent suspensions in the mid-20th century, such as the introduced in , enabled engineered offsets tailored to specific handling needs, including larger values to accommodate compact packaging and layouts while balancing self-centering and stability. This evolution allowed for greater customization in passenger cars, prioritizing ride comfort and precise control over the robustness of solid s.

Mechanical Effects

Effects on Steering Effort

The scrub radius significantly influences the forces required to steer a vehicle by serving as a moment arm for lateral tire forces, which generate self-aligning torque transmitted to the steering wheel. This lever arm effect means that larger absolute values of scrub radius amplify the torque from road-generated lateral forces, altering the driver's perceived effort depending on the sign and magnitude of the radius. A positive scrub radius amplifies steering torque from road forces acting on the tire contact patch, increasing the effort needed for steering during high-speed or transient maneuvers as the moment arm enhances feedback from lateral accelerations. However, this amplification aids low-speed parking maneuvers by promoting tire rolling over scrubbing, thereby reducing the overall effort required to initiate turns. In studies of sport utility vehicles, increasing the scrub radius from near zero to positive values like 54.8 mm resulted in higher steering wheel effort during dynamic inputs, underscoring the torque magnification. In contrast, a negative scrub radius reduces self-aligning by positioning the contact patch inside the steering axis, easing high-speed effort through lower transmission while potentially numbing road feel and leading to less intuitive driver inputs. Extreme negative configurations have been shown to amplify self-aligning effects excessively in some cases, increasing effort under certain loads and making feel more isolated. Zero scrub radius minimizes variation from lateral tire forces, resulting in neutral effort that remains consistent across speeds but can feel unpredictable during maneuvers where road inputs expect amplified . Designs aiming for near-zero scrub, such as through optimized angles around 8 degrees, achieve lower overall effort by eliminating the lever arm's influence on buildup.

Effects on Vehicle Stability

Negative scrub radius enhances vehicle stability during braking, particularly with anti-lock braking systems (), by countering uneven torque distribution across the front wheels and minimizing yaw moments that could lead to loss of directional control. This geometric arrangement creates a self-stabilizing effect where braking forces on one side induce a corrective toe-out on the opposite wheel, reducing the vehicle's tendency to pull toward the side with higher friction or brake application. In scenarios involving split-mu surfaces—such as one wheel on dry pavement and the other on wet—it helps maintain straight-line stability without requiring significant driver input. Additionally, negative scrub radius reduces the tendency for the to pull sharply during front , as the resulting lateral forces produce a lower compared to positive configurations, allowing better driver and safer . In contrast, positive scrub radius can amplify instability during cornering or acceleration under power, as the longer moment arm exacerbates and feedback forces, potentially increasing the risk of oversteer by promoting uneven wheel loading and reduced grip on the outer . This effect is particularly pronounced in high-speed maneuvers, where positive scrub may lead to braking instability and heightened sensitivity to road imperfections, compromising overall directional . In modern vehicle design, particularly front-wheel-drive architectures since the , negative scrub radius values in the range of -10 to -20 mm are often used to reduce and enhance stability, complementing systems like (ESC). This approach aligns with the shift toward front-wheel-drive architectures, where negative scrub contributes to reduced , enhancing safety by promoting more predictable handling during acceleration and improving overall vehicle composure in dynamic conditions. In zero-scrub scenarios, interactions with phenomena like squirm can further influence stability, though modern designs typically avoid exact zero to prevent such neutral effects.

Specific Phenomena

Squirm

Squirm refers to a front-to-back or vibration felt in the , arising from deformation during cornering maneuvers when the scrub radius is zero or nearly zero. This phenomenon manifests as an oscillatory motion that can make the vehicle feel unstable, particularly under inputs. The mechanism behind squirm stems from the geometric neutrality at zero scrub radius, where the axis intersects the precisely at the center of the 's . In this setup, causes the to rotate purely around this central point without any lateral scrubbing offset, resulting in opposing scrub forces across the fore-aft portions of the —one half scrubbing forward and the other backward. This imbalance leads to unstable energy dissipation through repeated deformation, amplifying vibrations transmitted to the system. Squirm is specifically linked to the zero scrub radius configuration in . As a consequence, accelerates wear by promoting uneven scrubbing and distortion within the , reducing tread longevity and overall handling precision. It was notably observed in early vehicles employing zero scrub radius designs, where the lack of contributed to noticeable feedback issues during turns. To mitigate , modern designs intentionally incorporate a non-zero scrub radius, either positive or negative, to introduce a stabilizing that promotes smoother and energy absorption during . This approach has become standard in contemporary to enhance ride quality and durability.

Torque Steer

Torque steer refers to the unintended steering pull or veering of a to one side during or deceleration, primarily resulting from unequal drive torques delivered to the left and right wheels. This phenomenon manifests as a tugging sensation in the or an involuntary change in the vehicle's trajectory, often noticeable in vehicles with powerful engines where driveline asymmetries amplify the effect. The scrub radius plays a critical role in exacerbating or mitigating , as it determines the lever arm for longitudinal forces acting on the tire relative to the steering axis. A positive scrub radius, where the lies outside the steering axis intersection with the ground, amplifies by creating uneven rotational moments around the , causing one wheel to generate more aligning torque than the other under imbalanced drive forces. In contrast, a negative scrub radius, with the inside the axis, reduces these moments by promoting self-aligning effects that counteract the pull, such as inducing toe-out tendencies during acceleration. This relationship is evident in the steering moment equation, where the torque component is proportional to the drive force multiplied by the scrub radius: M = F_x \cdot r_s, with r_s representing the scrub radius. Torque steer is particularly prominent in front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, where the steered front wheels also provide propulsion, directly coupling drive torques to geometry; it is less prevalent in rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configurations, as the driven wheels are not primarily responsible for . This issue becomes more acute in high-torque FWD setups, such as sedans or hot hatches, where rapid power application highlights driveline tolerances and asymmetries. To mitigate , automotive engineers have increasingly incorporated negative scrub radius into designs, especially in FWD performance cars since the , targeting values such as -15 mm to balance and effort. This approach, often achieved by adjusting offset and axis inclination, helps maintain straight-line under power without excessive feedback loss, though it requires careful integration with other geometry parameters like to avoid overcompensation.

Design Considerations

Calculation Methods

The scrub radius is determined through geometric projection of the steering axis onto the , measuring the lateral distance from this intersection point to the center of the tire . This method relies on the positions of the 's pivot points, which define the steering axis, and accounts for the vehicle's in the front view (lateral-vertical plane). To calculate the scrub radius step by step, begin by establishing the coordinates of the upper and lower ball joints (or equivalent pivot points) relative to the wheel center. Assume a coordinate system where the lateral direction is the x-axis (positive outboard) and vertical is the y-axis (positive upward), with the tire contact patch center at (0, 0) and the wheel center at (0, r), where r is the loaded tire radius. Let the lower ball joint be at (x_l, y_l) and the upper ball joint at (x_u, y_u), both relative to the wheel center. The steering axis is the line passing through these points. The steering axis inclination (SAI) is the angle this line makes with the vertical, given by SAI = \tan^{-1}\left( \frac{x_u - x_l}{y_u - y_l} \right). Next, derive the equation of the steering axis line. The parametric form can be used, with parameter t representing progression along the line: x(t) = x_l + t (x_u - x_l), y(t) = y_l + t (y_u - y_l). To find the with the (y = 0), solve for t such that y(t) = 0: t = -y_l / (y_u - y_l). The corresponding x-coordinate of the , x_g, is then x_g = x_l + [-y_l / (y_u - y_l)] (x_u - x_l). The scrub radius SR is the of the difference between this point and the center: SR = |x_g - 0| = |x_g|, with the sign indicating positive ( inboard) or negative (outboard) based on convention. This projection incorporates the effects of SAI and the vertical separations of the pivot points. For a simplified approximation when the pivot points are positioned such that the kingpin offset (lateral distance from the wheel center to the steering axis at height r) is known, the scrub radius can be estimated using trigonometric projection over the tire radius. Here, SR \approx KP - r \tan(\mathrm{SAI}), where KP is the kingpin offset at the wheel center height (positive if the axis is inboard), r is the tire radius (typically 250–350 mm), and SAI is in degrees (converted appropriately for the tangent function). This derivation follows from the horizontal shift caused by the axis inclination over the vertical drop from axle to ground: the inclination shifts the projection inboard by r \tan(\mathrm{SAI}), subtracted from the offset at axle height to yield the ground-level distance. The approximation assumes a straight axis and negligible camber effects, valid for initial design estimates. In practice, exact calculations are performed using (CAD) software specialized for , such as OptimumKinematics, which models the full geometry and outputs scrub radius values based on pivot positions and parameters. Wheel alignment machines, employed during vehicle setup, measure SAI and offset empirically by projecting lines along the to the ground and computing the distance to the center. These tools ensure precision, accounting for real-world factors like loaded deflection.

Applications in Suspension Systems

In MacPherson strut suspensions, prevalent in compact passenger cars and front-wheel-drive configurations, the scrub radius is engineered to be negative to promote steering stability and accommodate the system's space constraints. This negative offset positions the steering axis intersection outside the tire contact patch, reducing torque-induced steering pull during acceleration or braking while supporting the strut's vertical load-bearing role. Such design choices enhance overall handling in urban driving scenarios by minimizing vibrations and improving self-centering tendencies. Short-long arm (SLA) suspensions, commonly applied in heavier-duty vehicles like trucks and sport utility vehicles, often incorporate a positive scrub radius to optimize load distribution and road feedback under high payload conditions. The positive value aligns the steering axis inside the , facilitating greater mechanical trail for self-steering in straight-line travel and better tolerance for uneven terrain or towing loads. This configuration leverages the 's dual-arm geometry for adjustability, though it requires careful tuning to avoid excessive sensitivity in cornering. Prior to the , automotive designs favored positive or near-zero scrub radii, up to 100 mm in some cases, to deliver pronounced steering feel and in era-specific braking systems. The of anti-lock braking systems () from the onward shifted preferences toward negative scrub radii in most passenger vehicles, as this mitigates lateral inputs during modulated braking, enhancing without compromising ride quality. In post-2020 electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous platforms, scrub radius is increasingly tuned to optimized negative values to counteract potential instability from , where asymmetric motor torques could generate differential forces at the wheels. This adaptation supports precise control in energy-recovery scenarios, aligning with the demands of in-wheel motor architectures and software-defined handling in driverless systems.

References

  1. [1]
    Scrub Radius And Alignments - Brake & Front End
    Nov 28, 2016 · Scrub radius is the distance between where the SLA and centerline to the wheel intersect the ground. It affects steering response.<|control11|><|separator|>
  2. [2]
    [PDF] Introduction to Formula SAE Suspension and Frame Design
    Scrub Radius, Kingpin Inclination, and Caster - The scrub radius, or kingpin offset, is the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the intersection ...
  3. [3]
    [PDF] Vehicle Dynamics on an Electric Formula SAE Racecar
    A larger scrub radius causes higher driver forces when turning and causes increased tire wear.
  4. [4]
    Steering You Straight: What is Wheel Offset and Scrub Radius?
    Dec 27, 2021 · The distance between the tire center line and the steering axis is the scrub radius. A positive scrub radius would have your tire center further ...Missing: engineering | Show results with:engineering
  5. [5]
    [PDF] field study on crash causal factors of chassis modifications - Research
    A modified track width changes the scrub radius. Thus, the directional stability changes particularly with regard to braking on a track with partially low ...
  6. [6]
    Scrub Radius - Suspension Secrets
    May 29, 2017 · The scrub radius is the distance between where the extrapolated line of kingpin axis touches the road and the tyre contact patch centre point.
  7. [7]
    Scrub Radius - Technical | H&R Special Springs, LP.
    The scrub radius is the distance on the ground between the centerline of the tire contact patch and the point at which the SAI intersects the ground.
  8. [8]
    [PDF] SLASIM: A Suspension Analysis Program - The Ohio State University
    Dec 17, 2009 · Scrub radius is positive when the contact patch is further outboard than the point where the steering axis crosses the ground plane. Next, the ...
  9. [9]
    Kingpin Angle, Scrub Radius and Wheel Centre Lateral Offset
    Scrub radius is the distance from the steer axis to the centre of the tyre contact patch at ground level and wheel centre offset is the distance from the ...
  10. [10]
    Scrub Radius - The Technical Forum Archive
    Modern passenger cars use a scrub radius of the order of 0.25" to 0.75", either negative or positive. Older cars used a scrub radius of up to 4 inches, positive ...Missing: vehicle | Show results with:vehicle
  11. [11]
    Our Suspension Engineer Talks About The Effects Of Wheel ...
    Feb 21, 2023 · If the kingpin axis intersects the ground outboard of the center of the tire contact patch, then the scrub radius is negative. Many rear ...
  12. [12]
    Offset Optimization & Wheel Fitment | Curva Concepts
    Modern vehicles utilize sophisticated suspension designs that depend on specific offset ranges to maintain negative scrub radius, which enhances steering ...
  13. [13]
    Trouble Shooter | Scrub Radius | Aftermarket Wheels and Tires
    Scrub radius is the distance between the steering axis and the wheel's contact patch. It can be positive, negative, or zero, and is affected by wheel and tire ...
  14. [14]
    Mastering the Basics: Wheel Alignment | MOTOR
    Steering axis inclination (SAI) is the tilt of the steering axis from vertical as viewed from the front. It's an angle formed by a line through the centers of ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] Making Suspension Geometry work
    The steering axis inclination causes the spindle pin to point downward on the end as the wheel is steered. If the right front wheel on a car with caster = 0, ...
  16. [16]
    Geometry Explained - Suspension Secrets
    ... kingpin axis touches the road and the tyre contact patch centre point. If the extrapolated KPI is outboard of the contact patch then the scrub radius is.
  17. [17]
    Definitions to Common Suspension Nomenclature - Eng-Tips
    Jan 23, 2003 · steering axis and the vertical. 6.1.5 KINGPIN OFFSET : Kingpin offset at the ground is the horizontal distance in front elevation between ...
  18. [18]
    2001-01-2732 : The Effect of Kingpin Inclination Angle and Wheel ...
    Nov 11, 2001 · The effect of kingpin inclination angle and wheel offset on various vehicle performance metrics such as steering effort, vehicle handling, ...
  19. [19]
    [PDF] SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT OF A ...
    Mar 4, 2013 · The solid axle suspension system is also known as the dependent suspension system. ... By substitution of known values, kingpin offset is: Kingpin ...
  20. [20]
    The MacPherson Strut < Page 2 of 4 < Ate Up With Motor
    Jul 30, 2014 · Large scrub radius: Scrub radius (also known as kingpin offset) is the distance between the horizontal center of the tire's contact patch and ...
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
    [PDF] Design and Optimization of the Steering System of a Formula SAE ...
    Jul 1, 2016 · To keep the scrub radius to a minimum some amount of kingpin has to be added. Positive Castor angle was added into the system because it has a ...
  23. [23]
    [PDF] design of suspension to prevent pulling to one side
    The lateral deformation resulting from the braking force on the deflated tire means that the outboard scrub radius changes, so that the bra- king force has a ...
  24. [24]
    Wheel Spacers - 3 Reasons Why You Should Not Fit Them
    Dec 18, 2017 · An increase in positive scrub radius increases the forces on the steering rack under braking conditions. Any bumps in the road will also be ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  25. [25]
    On the Influence of Suspension Geometry on Steering Feedback
    Since the steering axis is vertical, the only component of the moment responsible for the torque steer is proportional to the scrub radius. ... SAE Paper; SAE: ...
  26. [26]
    Solution for the Torque Steer Problem of a Front-wheel Drive Car ...
    Aug 5, 2007 · This paper describes a torque steer reduction process for a front-wheel drive car with a high torque engine at the initial stage of vehicle ...Missing: scrub | Show results with:scrub
  27. [27]
    [PDF] An Approach to Using Finite Element Models to Predict Suspension ...
    Mar 10, 2008 · the method used for calculating the vehicle suspension loads by hand. ... designed scrub radius and mechanical trail. These suspension ...
  28. [28]
    [PDF] Formula SAE suspension System
    Front Scrub Radius. 27.768 mm. Front Caster Angle. +2.923˚. Front Mechanical Trail. 11.667 mm. Rear Kingpin Axis Angle. -2.249˚. Rear Scrub Radius. 56.529 mm.Missing: automotive | Show results with:automotive
  29. [29]
    [PDF] 982834 The Impact of Scrub Radius on Sport Utility Vehicle Handling
    coefficient K, defined as the differential of wheel road ... Each scrub radius vehicle setting ... 3rd Ed., Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc., Warren-.Missing: definition engineering
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Design, Testing, And Validation Of An Electric Vehicle Using ...
    Negative Scrub Radius: Occurs when the tire contact patch center is closer to the vehicle's centerline. It improves stability under braking, especially in ...
  31. [31]
    [PDF] vehicle dynamics development of an electric minicar - Webthesis
    The maximum track width is 20 mm. A negative scrub radius was obtained over the entire stroke in order to reach a stabilizing effect as previously discussed, ...