What Causes the Feeling of Tire Rubbing When Turning the Steering Wheel to Full Lock?
3 Answers
The reason for the feeling of tire rubbing when turning the steering wheel to full lock is due to tire modifications, which result in the car's tires being larger in diameter or wider than the original tires, leading to this phenomenon. It can only be resolved by visiting a repair center. The steering wheel is generally composed of a skeleton and foam, and these two materials form a simple steering wheel. Tires are usually mounted on metal rims to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road, and ensure driving performance. Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures while driving. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and shock absorption capabilities.
I've been driving for several years and often turn the steering wheel to its limit in parking lots or sharp turns, feeling the tires scrubbing against the ground like they're rubbing the floor. A friend at the auto repair shop explained that this happens because the steering angle is too large, causing the tires to slip at extreme positions, coupled with a sudden increase in pressure from the power steering system. Whether it's electric power steering or a hydraulic pump, the workload becomes very heavy at this point, often producing a gurgling sound. Doing this frequently can accelerate tire wear and damage steering components, so I've developed the habit of slightly loosening the steering wheel just before completing the turn to give the system a breather. Regularly checking tire pressure and the condition of the steering fluid is also crucial, especially for older vehicles. Ignoring these minor issues can lead to more significant repair costs. Paying attention to these details while driving can protect the vehicle and save a lot of hassle in the long run.
I think this phenomenon is quite common, especially when turning at low speeds with the steering wheel at full lock. The principle is that the vehicle's steering geometry design causes different turning radii for the inner and outer tires, creating the Ackermann angle effect, which results in slight tire slip and friction. Additionally, the power steering system is under heavy load at maximum angles, causing noise from the pump or motor to overlap. In daily driving, it's best to develop good habits, such as slightly straightening the steering wheel before completing a turn to reduce system pressure. During inspections, you can start with the power steering fluid level and tire tread patterns—simple preventive measures can avoid potential damage. Long-term neglect may lead to issues with ball joints or bearings, increasing costs. When I shared this with my friends, they all found it practical.
