A method according to one embodiment includes generating a y-position estimate based on a servo readback signal, and determining a nonlinearity-correction value corresponding to the y-position estimate. The method further includes adjusting the y-position estimate using the nonlinearity-correction value. A computer program product for compensating for nonlinearity in a timing based servo pattern according to another embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith. The program instructions are readable and/or executable by a controller to cause the controller to perform the foregoing method. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a controller configured to perform the foregoing method.