VW question - torque steer?

[Simon S]

g/f has a ‘97 base model VW Golf.

Whenever abrupt throttle let-off or acceleration occurs, the steering wheel briefly ‘jerks’ or tugs to one side.. been a while since I drove it, but it I think it jerks left upon decel and right upon accel.

Brake input doesn’t cause symptom. Only throttle input.

I’ve heard of ‘torque steer’ but this ^ is not what I’d define it as. (it doesn’t pull steadily to one side upon acceleration)
it has had new front drive shafts (CV’s) installed.

Is this typical? Indicative of a problem?

input appreciated..

[hamann318is]

Torque steer happens when too much power goes to the axle. It would constantly move to one side and the wheels would begin to drive the car. The best way I can explain it is that when you get to the higher revs, the car pulls towards on direction. I'm pretty confident that the car would not correct on its own.

I don't think that's torque steer either.

[Jarvis]

Torque steer happens when too much power goes to the axle.

Not exactly. It's generally when more torque goes to one side of the axle. Like in cars with unequal half-shafts, with fairly torquey motors. Or even equal length half-shafts during cornering because of different CV joint angle. And scrub radius has something to do with it, too.

Simon - I hightly doubt your problem is torque steer. If the '97 base model Golf in question is very similar to all the 97 base model Jetta's I've driven (which they should be), the car doesn't have enough power to create noticeable torque steer. Something is probably loose or worn out in the front end.

[europeanplates]

g/f has a ‘97 base model VW Golf.

Whenever abrupt throttle let-off or acceleration occurs, the steering wheel briefly ‘jerks’ or tugs to one side.. been a while since I drove it, but it I think it jerks left upon decel and right upon accel.

Brake input doesn’t cause symptom. Only throttle input.

I’ve heard of ‘torque steer’ but this ^ is not what I’d define it as. (it doesn’t pull steadily to one side upon acceleration)
it has had new front drive shafts (CV’s) installed.

Is this typical? Indicative of a problem?

input appreciated..

Is it stock or beefed up. A quaife will fix the issue but they are big money

Tyler

[OptimusGlen]

check tie rods and front end bushings

otherwise I'd say somethings up with the diff. at which point I'd just drive it till it takes a dump, and toss a different tranny in there.

[Julien]

my mothers 95 did that, i think one of the problems with it where busted shock tower mounts. Raise the car up with the jack and see if hte shock towers drop down a little bit.



HTH
Julien

[etajohn]

My wife's old '97 ford escourt did exactly what you are describing. It was worn out tie rods.

[Simon S]

thanks guys.
the feedback is really appreciated.

i'll investigate front suspension.. (tie rods in particular)

Cheers.

[e9nine]

I lived with it when I had my '97 Maxima which was 190hp or so. My buddies a4 GTi 1.8T has it. My other buddies 2000 Maxima has it....

Almost all FWD cars have it and the more power the car has, it worsens it.

Newer cars are getting better with trying to get rid of it.

Eliminating it is something you will not find worthwhile for a stock car unless it is truely a case of severely worn components.

[e30evolution]

I lived with it when I had my '97 Maxima which was 190hp or so. My buddies a4 GTi 1.8T has it. My other buddies 2000 Maxima has it....

Almost all FWD cars have it and the more power the car has, it worsens it.

Newer cars are getting better with trying to get rid of it.

Eliminating it is something you will not find worthwhile for a stock car unless it is truely a case of severely worn components.

good call

[eurostyl e30]

On a Golf with the 2.0 8v motor, there won't be noticable torque steer.