iRacing Wheel Settings Guide

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Correct wheel and pedal configuration improves car feel and consistency. iRacing's default settings work for most users, but a few adjustments—especially for direct drive wheels and load cell pedals—can make a big difference.

Force Feedback

Access wheel settings via Options → Controls. Enable Force Feedback and set Wheel Force to match your wheelbase's maximum design force (Nm). Max Force controls intensity—start at 0.5 and adjust up or down. The goal is to feel subtle tyre feedback without clipping at high force levels. Use the in-sim FFB meter (F9) to check for clipping; avoid sustained red.

Linear Mode

Enable Linear Mode for direct drive wheels. It provides a 1:1 mapping between sim forces and wheel output. Leave it off for gear-driven wheels (e.g. Logitech G29/G920)—those benefit from the boosted small forces that non-linear mode provides.

Damping & Smoothing

Start with Damping at 0. Direct drive wheels can feel sharp; add damping gradually if the feedback feels too harsh or oscillatory. Smoothing reduces high-frequency noise. Use sparingly—too much dulls detail. Reduce Force When Parked is recommended to avoid unnecessary strain when stationary.

Brake Pedal Calibration

Options → Controls → Calibrate. For load cell pedals (Fanatec Clubsport, Heusinkveld, Thrustmaster T-LCM, Logitech G Pro), set Brake Force Factor to 0.00. For potentiometer pedals, use 1.60–2.00. Do a zero calibration with no pressure on the pedals—this prevents false input from pedal weight. Set 100% at the maximum force you can comfortably and repeatably apply, not your absolute max.

Throttle & Clutch

Calibrate throttle and clutch so they reach 100% at full travel. Add a small deadzone (2–4%) if the pedal reads input at rest. Avoid excessive deadzone—it reduces resolution.

Recalibration

iRacing stores calibration per USB port. If you move pedals or the wheel to a different port, recalibrate. Controller settings are saved per car; you can copy a setup to other cars if needed.

Tip: Start with defaults. Change one setting at a time and test. Wheel feel is subjective—find what works for you.

Next: Force Feedback Guide for deeper FFB tuning, FOV Calculator Guide for correct field of view, or Setup Basics for car tuning.