a If a fault is present in the steering
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system of a vehicle, e.g. wheels are not properly tracked, would the fitting of radial ply tyres cause this fault to be more noticeable at the steering wheel than when cross ply tyres are fitted?
AA lot depends on the nature of the
"fault". Too much "toe in" will result in misalignment wear on both types of tyre. But if the "toe in" is, say lin. instead of lin., this would be kin. excess "toe in" on cross ply tyres, but would be +in. on radial tyres, since the general alignment recommendation for radial is parallel. Thus, in this example, the misalignment can be more noticeable on radial tyres. It is unlikely, however, that the driver would feel any effects of such alignment at the steering Wheel.
The same principle applies to excessive "toe Out". It is possible in this case that there might be some influence on steering reaction with radial tyres—probably not enough to affect stability—but would not be present on cross ply tyres. This is only a possibility since a lot depends on the type of vehicle and its mechanical condition.
The effect of variations in camber angles, and castor angles may be more discernible on radial tyres, i.e. if the variations are such as to produce "effects". On modern suspensions and steering, it is possible to have distances in specific angles offside and nearside without the driver being aware of them on cross ply or radial tyres.
These "differences" can affect cross ply tyres, but it is in the form of unequal tread distortion offside to nearside leading to unequal tread wear, something the driver may not be aware of, until it becomes apparent in tread wear. Because tread distortion is more controlled on radial tyres, the differences in angles offside to nearside could produce some slight steering effect.