A well-tuned wheel makes steering cues easier to read and quick corrections more predictable. PXN SimRacing's rotation, force feedback, and mechanical settings each shape a different part of that response. This guide explains what the parameters do and how to test a starting setup in your favorite sim.
PXN SimRacing Settings at a Glance
Here's a quick reference to the parameters covered in this guide.
| Setting group | Parameter | What it changes |
| Steering Response | Lock Angle | Sets the steering rotation range used to align the physical wheel with the in-game wheel. |
| Max Rotation Speed | Sets the maximum rotation speed of the wheel base. | |
| Force Feedback | Limit Strength | Controls resistance as the wheel reaches full steering lock. |
| Force Feedback | Sets the force feedback strength applied by the wheel base. | |
| Mechanical Effects | Mechanical Max Torque | Sets the maximum mechanical torque level. |
| Mechanical Inertia | Simulates rotational mass, increasing the force needed to start turning the wheel. | |
| Mechanical Friction | Adds steady resistance throughout the steering range. | |
| Mechanical Damping | Adds resistance as the wheel rotates faster. | |
| Advanced settings | D-Input Parameters | Mirror core parameters in games that support DirectInput. |
| Filter Level | Controls the filtering applied to feedback vibrations. | |
| Feedback Detail | Controls how strongly details such as curbs, ABS, and road texture come through. | |
| Mechanical Centering | Applies a centering force that returns the wheel toward center. |
Before You Adjust Your Wheel Base
Check the connection. Open PXN SimRacing and confirm your wheel base is connected and recognized before changing its parameters. Note the current values or take a screenshot so you can return to your starting setup if an adjustment makes the wheel feel worse.
Know which settings you're changing. PXN SimRacing lets you adjust the wheel base parameters, while your game may have its own steering and force feedback settings. Keep track of where you make each change.
Test one change at a time. Make a small adjustment, then try it in a familiar car and track or stage. That way, you can judge its effect before deciding what to adjust next.
Set Steering Rotation and Response
Lock Angle
Lock Angle sets the wheel's rotation range and helps synchronize your physical wheel with the in-game steering wheel. Use these examples as starting points, then check that the in-game wheel stays in sync with your physical wheel.
| Game or category | Lock Angle guidance |
| iRacing and Assetto Corsa Competizione | Start at 900°. The game may automatically match its in-game steering wheel to the PXN SimRacing setting. |
| Rally games, such as DiRT Rally 2.0 and EA WRC | In cockpit view, note how far the in-game wheel turns from center to full lock. Set Lock Angle to twice that amount. For example, 270° in-game → 540° in PXN SimRacing. |
| Forza Horizon | Try 1,080°, even though the in-game wheel animation shows about 90° of rotation. |
Some competitive drivers prefer lower rotation values, such as 540° for rally and 630°–720° for GT. They may also switch to the hood camera for better control. Treat these as individual preferences, then adjust based on what feels manageable in your setup.
Max Rotation Speed
Max Rotation Speed controls how quickly the wheel base can rotate. Start at 100%, which is suitable for most setups. If you try a different value, change it gradually and check how the wheel responds in-game.
Set Up Force Feedback
On racing sim wheels, force feedback controls how strongly you feel the game's driving forces. Start with the PXN SimRacing settings, then tune the in-game strength to keep the feedback clear and manageable.
Limit Strength
Limit Strength controls how much resistance you feel as the wheel reaches full steering lock. For most drivers, keep Limit Strength on the softer side. If the wheel feels too heavy near full steering lock, lower it and test again.
Force Feedback
Set Force Feedback to 100% in PXN SimRacing, then adjust its strength in your game if that option is available. If the game has no force feedback strength setting, adjust the Force Feedback value in PXN SimRacing instead.
On direct drive wheel bases, an in-game force feedback setting above 80% may cause clipping, though the threshold varies by game and wheel base. Clipping flattens strong force peaks, which can make details such as tire slip and weight transfer harder to feel.
Tune Mechanical Effects
Use these cues to balance wheel stability with quick response.
Mechanical Max Torque
Keep the default at 100%. It works well in nearly all situations.
Mechanical Inertia
- Increase it slightly if the wheel wobbles at high speed.
- Reduce it if feedback feels delayed during slides or it's harder to catch a spin.
Mechanical Friction
- Increase it slightly for more steering weight and stability.
- Reduce it if precise corrections feel difficult or slow. For example, if a slide calls for a 30° correction but resistance means you can make only 20° quickly, recovery may take longer.
Mechanical Damping
- Increase it for more stability mid-corner and to help limit over-rotation.
- Reduce it if an understeering car needs help rotating. Some drivers adjust damping for each car.
Balance Stability and Responsiveness
Some competitive drivers minimize mechanical effects for a quicker response, accepting more wheel oscillation. Moderate settings can provide a steadier, more immersive feel.
Rally drivers may increase friction and damping to slow the wheel's return, which can help them control drifts that need little countersteer. It matters in four-wheel-drive rally cars, where too much countersteer can break drift momentum and cause mid-corner understeer.
Adjust Advanced Settings
Advanced parameters affect specific feedback features or game compatibility. Leave them at their recommended baseline unless you notice a particular issue you want to address.
D-Input Parameters
Leave D-Input parameters at 100% for most setups. They apply only in games that support DirectInput and largely mirror the core settings, so most players won't need to adjust them separately.
Filter Level and Feedback Detail
These settings shape how clearly you feel effects such as curbs, ABS, and road texture. If vibrations feel too harsh, increase filtering and reduce road detail. If feedback feels numb, reduce filtering or add detail.
Mechanical Centering
Mechanical Centering generates force that returns the wheel toward center. It's useful in games without force feedback. In a force feedback sim, set it to 0 because the added centering force can interfere with drifting and precise corrections.
Test and Fine-Tune Your Settings
Once you have a starting setup, try it in a car and on a track or stage you know well. Keep the car and route consistent between runs so you can judge how each PXN wheel base setting affects the feel.
Check the response in a few areas:
- Steering alignment: Does the physical wheel turn in step with the in-game steering? If not, revisit Lock Angle.
- Force feedback detail: Can you feel cues such as tire slip and weight transfer? If feedback feels harsh or numb, adjust the in-game force feedback, Filter Level, or Feedback Detail.
- Stability and corrections: Notice whether the wheel wobbles at speed or feels slow when you catch a slide. Use the mechanical settings to balance stability with quick response.
- Check another title or car: Once the setup feels good in your test run, try it in another game or car you use often. If the response changes, make a game- or car-specific adjustment.
Final Thoughts
PXN SimRacing's parameters let you tune how the wheel base turns, delivers force feedback, and responds to mechanical effects. Start with the recommended baselines, then adjust the relevant settings for your game and car. Share your PXN wheel base, game, and parameter values so other users can compare their setups.
FAQs
What steering angle should I use for sim racing?
It depends on the game: Start at 900° in iRacing or Assetto Corsa Competizione, where the game may automatically match the in-game steering animation to your wheel's rotation setting. For rally games, check how far the in-game wheel turns from center to full lock in cockpit view, then set PXN SimRacing's Lock Angle to twice that amount.
How strong should force feedback be in a sim racing game?
Set Force Feedback to 100% in PXN SimRacing, then adjust the strength in-game. The setup guidance warns that force feedback above 80% can cause clipping on direct drive bases, so treat 80% as a caution.
What is force feedback clipping?
Clipping is the saturation of a force feedback signal when the game demands more force than the wheel base can deliver. Once the base reaches its output limit, stronger peaks are flattened, obscuring finer details.
How can I reduce wheel wobble?
A modest increase in Mechanical Inertia can help reduce high-speed wobble on direct drive sim wheels. Keep the setting moderate, since too much inertia can delay feedback during slides and make it harder to catch a spin.
Should I use the same wheel base settings for every game?
Even with the same racing sim gear, settings may need to vary by game or car. Use a common PXN SimRacing setup as your baseline, then adjust steering rotation, in-game force feedback, D-Input parameters for compatible games, and damping for individual cars.