What primarily causes 'torque steer' in a vehicle?

The primary cause of 'torque steer' in a vehicle is unequal axle lengths. Torque steer is a phenomenon that occurs predominantly in front-wheel drive vehicles during acceleration. When the wheels are powered, if the drive axles are different lengths, the wheel with the longer axle will experience a delay in power delivery compared to the shorter one. This discrepancy leads to a situation where the vehicle tends to pull toward one side rather than maintaining a straight line, especially when significant torque is applied.

This uneven distribution of torque can lead to handling difficulties, making it essential for manufacturers to design the driveline carefully, especially in performance applications where torque steer can be pronounced. Having balanced axle lengths helps ensure that torque is evenly distributed to both front wheels, minimizing the chance of the steering being affected during acceleration.