Does the steering wheel automatically return to center?
1 Answers
Automobile steering wheels have an automatic return-to-center function. In fact, the professional term for steering wheel return is called the steering wheel's stabilizing effect. Specifically, when a car is driving in a straight line and its original path is forcibly altered by an external force, the steering wheel will naturally regain its ability to maintain straight-line driving. To achieve the steering wheel's stabilizing effect, three core components are essential: the steering wheel, kingpin, and front axle. The installation of these three core components follows certain rules, defined by parameters such as the kingpin caster angle, kingpin inclination angle, and front wheel camber angle. The kingpin inclination angle refers to the angle between the kingpin axis and the tire diameter perpendicular to the ground. Most vehicles are set with a positive value when leaving the factory. The angle between the kingpin axis and the vertical line is the kingpin caster angle. When the steering wheel is turned, the tire rotates around the kingpin as the center. The ground's reaction force on the tire lifts the front of the car, and under the car's own gravity, the wheels return to a position parallel to the direction of travel, making it easier for the steering wheel to return to center.
