Wheelbase
Front axle centerline to rear axle centerline.
Ackermann geometry / bearing limits
Scrap Mechanic Wheel Angle Calculator - Steering Setup
Calculate separate inner and outer steering limits for a Level 5Driver's Seat. Use the result to reduce low-speed tire scrub on a conventional front-steered vehicle.
3 editable presets1°–89° steering modelRuns in your browser
Geometry baselineIdeal alignment, not a complete handling simulation
Uses bearing-center geometry; grip, suspension flex, body contact, weight transfer, and high-speed stability still need an in-game test.
- Steering axle
- Front only
- Rear axle
- Fixed
- Seat setup
- Level 5 direct
Vehicle measurements
Use axle and steering-bearing centers, measured in blocks.
Measurement rule
Do not use the outside edges of wide tires. Wheel offset and spacers can place the tire center away from the steering pivot.
Steering geometry
The inside front wheel turns farther than the outside wheel.
Diagram uses bearing centers. Tire width, suspension movement, and body clearance are not included.
Calculated settings
Enter these limits on the two front steering bearings.
Outside wheel target20.82°
Keep the inside wheel at 27.00° for a difference of 6.18°.
- Inner wheel
- 27.00°
- Outer wheel
- 20.82°
- Rear-center radius
- 13.78 blocks
- Outer pivot path
- 16.88 blocks
| Physical wheel | Left turn | Right turn |
|---|---|---|
| Left wheel | 27.00° | 20.82° |
| Right wheel | 20.82° | 27.00° |
Direction check: If a wheel turns the wrong way, reverse that bearing connection with the Connect Tool before increasing speed.
Optional build check
Compare a finished vehicle
Measure both front wheels at full lock. This checks steering geometry only, not grip or handling quality.
- 100% · ideal angle difference
- Below 100% · difference is too small
- Above 100% · difference is too large
Setup reference
Measure, calculate, then enter both bearing limits
Use Bearing centers, not tire edges. With the default 6 × 4 setup, a 27° inner limit produces a 20.82° outer target.
Steering pivot track
Center of the left steering bearing to the center of the right.
Inner wheel limit
The maximum angle for the wheel closest to the turn center.
How to set Level 5 Driver's Seat bearing angles
- 01
Upgrade the Driver's Seat to Level 5.
- 02
Connect it directly to both front steering bearings.
- 03
Aim the Connect Tool at one bearing and press E.
- 04
Enter that wheel's calculated left and right limits.
- 05
Repeat on the other side and test at low speed.
How the outside angle is found
R = T ÷ 2 + L ÷ tan(δᵢ)δₒ = atan(L ÷ (R + T ÷ 2))- L
- Wheelbase
- T
- Pivot track
- δᵢ
- Inner angle
- δₒ
- Outer angle
Designs that need another method
- Four-wheel, rear-wheel, or multi-axle steering
- Mechanical linkages or suspension-glitch steering
- Tire, bumper, and body-clearance checks
Wheel angle calculator FAQ
What the geometry can solve—and what still needs an in-game test.
How do I change steering angle on a Level 5 Driver's Seat?
Connect the Level 5 Driver's Seat directly to both front steering bearings. Equip the Connect Tool, aim at one connected bearing, press E, and enter the left and right limits calculated for that physical wheel. Repeat on the other side and test both directions at low speed.
What is the best steering angle for a Scrap Mechanic car?
There is no universal best angle. The 27-degree preset is a practical starting input, but wheelbase and steering-bearing spacing determine the matching outside angle. Tire grip, vehicle speed, clearance, suspension, and weight distribution still need an in-game test.
Why does my Scrap Mechanic car slide or drift while turning?
Giving both front wheels the same angle can add tire scrub because they follow different circles. Separate inner and outer angles can reduce that conflict, but low friction, excess speed, poor weight distribution, suspension movement, wheel offset, and body contact can also cause sliding or drifting.
Why should the inner wheel turn farther than the outer wheel?
The inner wheel follows a smaller circle. Ackermann geometry aims both front wheels toward one shared turn center, reducing low-speed sideways tire scrub.
Does a Controller set these normal steering angles?
Not for this setup. Connect a Level 5 Driver's Seat directly to both front steering bearings, then enter the calculated left and right limits on each connected bearing.
Will 100% Ackermann guarantee perfect handling?
No. Tire friction, suspension movement, weight distribution, center of mass, power, speed, and body clearance still affect how the vehicle handles.
Can this calculator handle rear-wheel or four-wheel steering?
No. It models one fixed rear axle and one independently steered front axle. Multi-axle, rear-steer, linkage, skid-steer, and suspension-glitch designs need a different model.