Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you! We love to help answer questions and race together.


Iracing Wheel Feels Delayed

iRacing drivers: iracing wheel feels delayed? Learn why it happens and follow quick steps to remove input lag, tune FFB, and fix the issue fast for sharper steering.

If you’re dealing with iracing wheel feels delayed, the fix is usually turning off VSync, stabilizing frame rate, and reducing force feedback filters. You’re in the right place—follow these quick steps to get instant, precise steering.

Quick Answer: iracing wheel feels delayed

Most delay comes from display and frame-time lag (VSync, unstable FPS) and heavy force feedback filtering. Turn off VSync, lock a steady high FPS, and lower damping/smoothing in your wheel driver and iRacing settings.

What’s Really Going On

When inputs feel late, it’s usually not your internet. It’s latency between your hands, the game, and the screen. VSync adds a frame or two of delay. Low or spiky FPS makes the wheel respond unevenly. Extra filters in your wheelbase or iRacing (smoothing, damping) also slow the force feedback (FFB—the pushback in the wheel).

Fix those three and the car will feel connected again.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. Kill display lag
  • In iRacing: Options > Graphics > turn VSync Off.
  • If you use G-Sync/FreeSync, keep it on at the driver level. Set the iRacing Frame Rate Limit to a few below your monitor refresh (e.g., 141 for 144 Hz).

  1. Stabilize FPS
    Lower heavy settings: shadows, reflections, crowds, AA. Use Fullscreen. Aim for a flat frame time and FPS that stays above 120 (or at least above 90).

  2. Update and set your wheel driver
    Update firmware. Set 900–1080° rotation and 1000 Hz polling if available. Turn off extra filters: damping, smoothing, interpolation.

  • Logitech G Hub: Sensitivity 100, Centering Spring 0, 900°.
  • Fanatec: SEN Auto, FF 100, NDP ≤ 10, NFR/NIN low or off.
  • Thrustmaster: 900°, no auto-centering.

  1. Calibrate and set FFB in iRacing
    Options > Controls: Recalibrate wheel/pedals. Set Wheel Force to your wheel’s real value. Set Max Force so the F9 FFB bar just peaks in big corners. FFB Smoothing 0–2. Linear Mode: ON for direct-drive; OFF for most gear/belt wheels.

  2. Fix USB and background issues
    Plug the wheel directly into the motherboard (no hub). Disable USB power saving (Windows Power Options). Close overlays/recorders. In Steam, disable Steam Input for iRacing.

  3. Test quickly
    In a Test Drive, wiggle the wheel in the pits. Toggle VSync off/on to feel the difference. If it still lags, lower damping/smoothing another step.

Extra Tips / Checklist

  • Nvidia: Set Low Latency Mode to On. AMD: enable Anti-Lag.
  • Cap FPS 2–3 below refresh for the smoothest G-Sync/FreeSync feel.
  • Turn off motion blur; it hides latency but doesn’t fix it.
  • Triple screens: match refresh rates and use the same sync method on all.
  • If your wheel has “natural damper,” keep in-game damping near 0 and use the wheel’s low damper instead.

FAQs

Q: Is this a network/ping issue?
A: No. Ping affects other cars, not your steering feel. This is local input/display and FFB latency.

Q: Does higher FFB strength add delay?
A: Strength alone doesn’t. Damping/smoothing filters do. Keep filters low.

Q: What FPS should I target?
A: As high and stable as you can. 120+ feels great; 90+ is workable if frame time is steady.

Q: Should I use VSync with G-Sync/FreeSync?
A: In-game VSync Off. Use G-Sync/FreeSync, and cap FPS a few below refresh for minimal latency.

Short Wrap-Up

If your wheel feels late, remove display lag (VSync off), get steady high FPS, and cut FFB filters. Recalibrate, set Max Force correctly, and keep damping low. Do a quick test drive and iterate one change at a time.