What is Ackermann?
Ackermann is the angle of the inside tire in relation to the outside tire when the wheels are turned completely to either the left or the right.
In a tight turn, where the wheels are turned to full ‘lock’ (either to the left or right), the inside wheel is turning at a sharper angle than the outside wheel, allowing the inside wheel to follow a smaller radius than the outside wheel. This is called the ‘Ackermann Effect’.
If both the wheels were turning the same amount, the inside wheel would scrub (effectively sliding sideways) and lessen the effectiveness of the steering. This tire scrubbing, which also creates unwanted heat and wear in the tire, can be eliminated by adding more Ackermann.
See also: Toe In/Toe Out
Tuning with Ackermann
Less Ackermann
• More aggressive steering
• More on-power steering
• More difficult to drive
More Ackermann
• Less aggressive steering
• More off-power steering
• Easier to drive
Back to the RC Suspension Tuning Guide.
