I know this topic has been brought up before, but I've never figured out what causes this?? Is it because the power isn't distributed evenly to both wheels? If so, I would understand how this happens coming out of turns, but why do we feel it when the wheels are straight and accelerating?

Along these lines, its been stated that future Maximas wont be seeing significant power upgrades until it becomes RWD or AWD. Wouldn't a 3rd option be to keep it FWD and find a solution to torque steer?

Would it be possible to have a computer decide how to evenly distribute the power to the wheels accordingly; taking into account the speed, wheel traction, and degree turn of the steering wheel? Isnt this how the Acura RL knows to distribute power to the outside back wheel coming out of a turn (or did I completely misinterpret that comercial?) I am thinking a computerized solution would be somewhere along the lines of how the VDC knows to correct for over and understeer.

I would figure that if a computerized solution to Torque steer can be practical, it would be cheaper and easier to continue giving the Max more managable power without changing the platform from FWD.

Any thoughts??

-MO-

 

This article here http://www.cars.com/carsapp/duluth/?...eer_popup.tmpl does a good job of pointing out what causes torque steer. Unless I'm mistaken, the solution it mentioned of using equal length drive shafts is not used in the Maxima. The article also points out why a FWD car has trouble handling a lot of power.

 

I've read a lot about torque steer and the Maxima, and I haven't experienced it. Perhaps it is my driving style and/or that I typically keep a firm grim on the wheel, but it just hasn't shown up with me and my car (05 SL).

 

I agree with wsu - I ALWAYS read about the torque steer and I have yet to experience it after 2 years of owning my ride. And YES I hammer my gas pedal daily and have put my car through the paces Guess I just have a strong grip or something
JJT

 

Long story short is that Torque is length times force. What happens is that one of the drive shafts to the wheel is longer than another. There is no avoiding this problem in a FWD car. There simply is not enough room to stuff two equally length shafts to the tranny and fit the rest of the power plant under the hood. All FWD cars suffer from this. The more HP a car has the more obvious the torque steer will become.

 

No problems here. I run my car hard every once in a while, , but have no problem with torque steer.

 

I think if you have been driving a FWD car all your life you are accustomed to the pull the car gets. I certainly notice the torque steer off a dead stop when I floor the car. A lot of it also has to do with the pavement too. If the road has a crown and/or tire channels from semi trucks you will notice the torque steer more. The maxima has torque steer and I think it's really a null item to b!tch about. All it means is the car has some *****.

I think the reason why testers b!tch about the torque steer is that the expect the engineers to do a better job handling all the power. Problem again is it's hard to put 10lbs of **** in a 5lb bag. there simply is not enough room under the hood to make it all happen unless you want to go back to the 60's and 70's and drive a boat of a car. This is one of the reasons why RWD is the way to go when racing. AWD suffers from torque steer/understeer too because of the front drive shafts.

 

To the people that dont feel it, try punching it with only your fingertips on the wheel. You'll def feel something.

Its not really an issue because with the thrill I get from accelerating in the Max, I generally have a firm grip on the wheel

But people say that this is whats holding back the future Max's as far as staying FWD and adding more HP.

Just curious, what do past generation owners that have like chargers and turbos deal with Torque steer?? I imagine it must be very hard to control!

-MO-

 

basics: RWD is pushing and the drive wheels can only go in one direction.

FWD is pulling and the driving wheels can turn. torque steer is only obvious from a stop and you press hard on the accelerator. sometimes at high RPM w/ a low gear.

some notice it in the 5th gen.

 

This car is not for Granny's guys. If you can't hold on then this bad a$$ ride ain't for you. That's why they call it MAXIMA. They could minimize torque steer a little more by redesigning the steering mechanism a little but that may take away some of the MAXIMA feel. It doesn't bother me because I know how to drive and actually I like for the car to dance a little when pushed real hard. It kinda gives me the feeling that it's overpowered which I love. We gearheads always like to have more power than we need and torque steer just amplifies that. Quit griping, hop in and hang on and enjoy the MAXIMA experience and thrills.

JPBOSS

 

No no, by no means am I griping. I LOVE THAT FEEL!!!

I was just wondering if there was a solution to torque steer because from what I understand, that because of this the New Maximas wont have any significant added power without changing from FWD which will lead to the new Max's costing more.

Is this correct?

-MO-

 

Besides my Max, I own a Dodge 2500 Pickup with a V-10 engine and a 5 speed manual trannie.

When the truck is in 2-wheel mode (and not 4-wheel mode), there is a real tendency for the rear end (with no weight in the back) to go sideways. Yes the wheels are going in one direction, but the back end will still "walk" to the side. The higher the torque on these wheels and the poorer the traction for these wheels, the more the rear will move sideways. This is even more noticable if there is a crown on the road or any difference in elevation from right rear wheel to left rear wheel.

Is this "torque steer" -- no. But it is a torque problem.

 

Thinking back to physics I think this is due to how your drive shaft rotates and causes your car to move in the direction of the spin. Although I am not 100% on this I think this is what causes RWD cars to do this.

 

it's one thing to compare FWD and RWD cars, but throwing in trucks is bringing in even more variables.

basically, if you want the high power resulting in the best performance, you want RWD in a rear engine car. the weight stays where the powered wheels are. so when you accelerate, the weight is already in the back with less travel to transfer.

suspension also plays a factor in the equation.

not sure about the truck RWD moving around, but the FWD gives the torque more room to displace its energy, by turning the wheels.

 

I brought in the truck because it is a RWD vehicle I have some experience operating. An unloaded pickup has very little weight over the rear drive wheels -- which is probably more important than comparing cars with trucks per se. Note that I specified this occurred with 2-wheel drive. With 4 wheel drive (in snow or mud) this "walking" tendency is not so noticable because all wheels are turning.

Would it be nice if the Maxima were all-wheel drive? -- YES. Would it still have torque steer? As long as the front half-shafts were unequal in lenght -- YES. But it would be much less noticable because all wheels would be pushing.

 

in my SL, the wheel doesn't feel like it's going to be ripped from my hands, the front just litterally slides to the right when it's pushed hard.

compared to my 2000, this car is a pleasure to drive.

 

My maxima being the first FWD vehicle I have owned after many years of RWD, I definently feel the difference in steering as well as torque steer compared to RWD.

Anyways, like mentioned, there is no way around it in the maxima. Limited slip is only half as effective as most people believe it to be as far as turning both wheels with equal force. Even at the best case, there is always going to be an unequal amount of force going to both wheels in a limited slip differential regardless of car or equal/unequal length axles. Throw in the unequal axle lengths, and it is compounded some. It's just the nature of it. A locker will distribute equal force to both wheels and is a popular mod to offroad vehicles that are actually used off road. The problem with lockers is with equal force going to both wheels, it is only effective going straight when on the road where it is hard for the tires to give. When you turn in that situation, one wheel must go faster then the other, which will cause binding in an axle/differential with a locker installed. This is why most lockers either make a loud ratcheting noise when turning or else are pnuematically controlled so you can engage it when needed, and disengage it and run like a normal open differential normally.

 

Ive got it for sure. I just know to grip it tighter when I floor it, and it always pulls right.

When you know its coming, its not that big of a deal.

 

I second Jayz. If it does not hurt the car dont wory about it.

 

Reality check: FWD was designed for safety, not performance. That's why it's my wife's daily driver. I'll stick with my old RWD Pathfinder. Whether you feel it or not, from an engineering standpoint, torque steer is very real, and FWD is what limits how much power/torque they can allow the engine to produce. Personally I'll be glad to see FWD go away in the Maxima. It's already been 30+ years that Japan has catered to the eco-friendly/safety-oriented American driver. Detroit has raised the bar big time performance-wise (have you watched any SCCA Speed GT races lately?) FWD ain't gonna cut it if they ever want to compete with the the BIG BOYS or resign to competing with the ECONOCLASSES . My soon-to-be next car is the Caddy CTS-V. 400HP M3 eater...

 

I'll give ya the benefit of the doubt and assume you are talking 4-LO /lockouts or other aftermarket transfer case (rock crawlers, etc).... other than that, no more than 1 front and one back are pulling at the same time, this also refers mainly to trucks, but even the electronic AWD systems found in Acura MDX's (considered one of the best systems) and JGCL's... still only pull two at a time, they just transfer faster.

Dang forgot to add my jab:
F-250 .. the only REAL 4x4 Full Size truck on the market!

 

Yeah, if Nissan wants the Maxima to compete against the TL or the Avalon, both of which have more hp than the Maxima, they will have to think of something to do with the Maxima. Because it seems that the FWD in the Maxima is holding it down right now.

 

but what don't you get by Nissan bringing it more upscale in 04?

their performance focus is clearly on the Z and G35. exactly why Nismo is not offered for Maxima. It's sportier than other FWD sedans and that's it. compare RWD w/ the Z and G.

AWD is possible. but RWD will never see the Max.

 

Yeah, I totally agree, I don't see the Max going RWD, and I would not want to see it go RWD, but AWD would not be a bad idea for Nissan to put on the Max.

 

AWD seems to be the path of all near luxo cars doesn't it? Problem with that for the Max is the additional cost added to the sticker getting it too close to the Infinity.. just thinking outloud. I guess they'd add the same system to all of them, raising the price across the board.

 

AWD has it's performance benefits and all, but weight will jump and gas mileage will plummet. everyone has different priorities. for me, the my Max is perfectly balanced. RWD would not be driven in the winter, and AWD would burn my wallet to ashes.

but w/ many moving away from FWD for performance, i know Nissan has to be considering AWD and keeping the Alti for FWD. it all depends on what demographics they collect.

"Will Maxima sell the same or better with the increase in cost and weight?"

and they very well have already decided, that cost will push it to compete w/ the G35.... where right now they serve separate customers.

 

AWD would increase the price and would take a more gas, but unless Nissan figures out another way to add hp and still be able to keep it FWD, they will not be able to compete with the other FWD vehicles with more hp.

 

I don't think we should assume that the typical Maxima buyer is worried only about max hp or that the TL has 5 more... I can't see in the boardroom, but it seems pretty obvious to me that they positioned the new Max for a slightly older crowd, and have the sportier Altima 3.5 and SE-R for the younger ones? Seems there is a new model issue in that the current Maxima owners (previous gens) are considering the 6th gen to have the same target market and purpose as their Max's. I believe Nissan has positioned the Altima to fill the role of the previous gens.

 

I agree with you. In terms of both price and ameneties, as well as the "image" consideration you mention above, the Maxima seems targeted to more of a sport-family vehicle ("near luxury", established careers), whereas the Altima seems targeted toward more of a sport-fun demographic.

 

With 265 HP and FWD you just can't avoid torque steer, unless your a granny driver. As for RWD, it's good for the 1/4 mile only. AWD is the way to go. Subaru has done it forever, and VW offers it on the Passat, BMW had to put it on the 330. Nissan needs to get with the program. BTW if you guys complain about torque steer with FWD wait till you drive a RWD posi in the rain Both RWD and FWD have disadvantages. AWD is the answer. If they make it AWD the 300HP barrier is gone! It's the obvious choice. Be sure it's gonna be an option thats gonna cost $$$$$$$. I also want to add I would not buy the 1st year run. I'm waiting patiently for the Maxima AWD.

 

That's not true bro... corners? Yup, RWD (same HP/weight) will spank you.. bad.
FWD (front) was a combination of cheaper to produce and "safety" for the mfgs. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

I race my RWD in the 1/4. As for corners I tested the BMW 3 series not that long a go on a track. I hated it. It was *** happy. While beating the hell out of it I came upon a hard left. Mind you I dive a 69 SS Camaro too. I push this euro car as much into that turn as my SS. To make long story short the beamer failed. Yet another RWD *** happy car. RWD sux in corners unless the car has the weight distributed correctly. The 325 is light in the rear making it a slob on the turns. My friend has the 928 S4, now thats cornering! If they make a RWD Max it would be the biggest mistake Nissan ever did. Plus AWD means more parts and more parts = more money.

 

I just bought a new Maxima SL and the first time I punched it I felt the wheel shimmy. Now I just hold onto it a little tighter and no problems at all. The only way to get rid of the torque steer is to by the G35, of which the latest version has an AWD option for an additonal $2,000.

 

That's part of it ... RWD cars are balanced WAY better than FWD, lol. I'm sure all the fastest race cars on the planet would be running FWD if they could

 

Yeah, I totally agree that if Nissan ever plans on taking the Max up a level, which needs to be done, especially since the hp of the Maxima and the Altima/SE-R are way to close. That they would be better off in going with AWD, instead of RWD. What would be wrong with buy the first year run of the Maxima AWD if it comes on the 7th generation?

 

I drove my 4th Gen for a couple days and then I drove the 6th Gen and started peeling out. This thing has to much torque steer. Makes it feel stong though so I don't mind for now.(till it comes to change the tires)

 

Ok, everyone's talked about torque steer when accelerating, but what about this torque steer when driving over 40mph and you let off the gas.... what is the deal with that? I notice when you coast at those speeds the steering wheel tends to yank erratical to left or right? I'm not a gear head, but it seems like the torque converter doesn't release. I don't think its just my car... I drove a used '04 Max before I bought the '05 and it did the same thing.

Or let me guess... you guys don't ever coast???

 

um, never experienced this. extremely smooth coasting. sure it's not the road you're on?

 

Guess I don't get the arguement over having more horsepower in this car. Believe me, 265 ponies is more than enough for most people and more than most people who buy this type of car can handle safely. Yes, there's some torque steer, but it's not a problem if you actually drive a car instead of aiming it. Don't understand the auto reviewers for hammering this car for it's minimal torque steer as if it's possesed by Freddy Kruger. So, it has some torque steer as do most front drivers, but the rest of the Max's virtues way outweigh this supposed demon. I must be Nissan's target market in that I'm 57, wife is 54, no kids, dual income, house in burbs, etc. Guess what, Nissan is right on target as I bought two 2005 SE's this week, one for the wife and one for me. Just love this car, especially for the bucks. Father in law's got a Lexus GS300 and dollar for dollar the Max is a better car. If you're like me and want luxury, handling and power for a bargin price, the Max is perfect just the way it is. That's why Nissan has the Infinity division for those of you with more bucks and the Altima SE-R for those of you younger than me. Whatever torque steer is present doesn't bother me as I have a hard time thinking of anything else but the smile on my face every time I hear that 3.5 liter sweetie fire up under the hood.

P.S. - Had to get the two Max's just to keep from being divorced. Three day's of fighting my wife for the keys made me get the second one. Believe me, it's cheaper than a divorce.

 

I coast quite often and have never experienced the "yank erratical to left or right" that you seem to get with your Max. But then I have the 6-speed manual with no torque converter "problems." Quite often I "release" the clutch and coast in neutral to save wear on the engine. (Don't do that with an automatic.) But if I want engine breaking, I will coast in gear. In both instances, I have no yank of any kind from "reverse torque steer."

jinsatx got it correct in his post above. The Max IS the best buy in a car for someone who wants some luxury along with near-sports-car handling. Being retired, we don't need 2 Maxes, as my wife would rather be a passanger.