Steering Pull Model and Its Sensitivity Analysis

When a vehicle goes on the straight road with a bank angle, a steering pull makes the driver exert a constant steering torque to the steering wheel, which causes an annoying steering feel to the driver. This paper proposes a steering pull model and sensitivity analysis on the steering pull. In order to develop the steering pull model, pulling forces on the tires, such as plysteer and conicity forces, lateral force due to slip angle, lifting forces due to cast and kingpin, and camber force are modeled. A steering system is also modeled because the generated pulling forces are attenuated as it is transmitted through the steering system. Each component of the steering system, such as lower body linkages, rack and pinion gear, universal joint, and steering column with electric power steering (EPS) system is modeled, and then they are integrated into a complete steering system. Finally, the steering pull model is developed by integrating the pulling force model with the steering system model. For verification, the steering pull of a vehicle is estimated based on the model, and the results are compared with the experimental results. For the verification experiments, a steering pull measurement system using a global positioning system (GPS) and its accessories are used. The result comparison showed that the developed steering pull model provides very accurate estimation results. Based on the steering pull model, the sensitivity of steering pull factors, such as caster angle, kingpin angle, camber angle, rack friction force, and anti-rattle spring (ARS) stiffness is analyzed.