Wheel Alignment Basics
Wheel alignment is the mechanics of keeping all interrelated parts which affect steering in proper adjustment. Correct vehicle alignment involves balancing all of the forces created by friction, gravity, centrifugal forces and momentum, while the vehicle is in motion and is essential for easy and efficient steering, fuel efficiency and to avoid premature or abnormal tire wear.
Even in the absense of an accident or mishap (one bad pothole or bang against the curb) front wheel alignment will change under normal everyday driving conditions. The first signs of something wrong will usually show up with a slight "pulling" to one side. If you notice abnormal, uneven tire wear, the cause is most likely due to misalignment of the suspension system over an extended period of time…the damage to you tires is already done.
Proper wheel alignment of all four wheels will make a vehicle run smoother, give better road-holding capabilities, give better steering control and will operate with more stability while running in a straight line and around curves. It also eliminates unnecessary road friction, which causes rapid and abnormal tire wear and poor fuel economy.
Briefly, the alignment story boils down to understanding how several operating angles of the suspension and steering system (consisting of many small and large parts fitted to narrow tolerances and adjusted to thousands of an inch) work together to provide four essential features: .... easy steering .... directional stability of the vehicle ….minimal rolling resistance and .... normal tire wear.
Wheel Alignment Factors
Proper steering, fuel efficiency and extended tire life result from front and rear suspension assemblies that have all the alignment factors (angles) set according to the manufacturer's specification and design. These angles are referred to as:
Caster – the forward or rearward tilt of the balljoints from a vertical position (i.e.) negative or positive. This keeps the vehicle on a straight course down the road and is also needed to assist in returning the front wheels to a straight-ahead position when coming out of a turn.
Camber – the inward or outward tilt of the wheels from the vertical position (i.e.) negative or positive. As the vehicle is being driven, the operating camber angle changes whenever the wheel moves up or down. This can be caused by potholes, cargo load, uneven surfaces, mis-matched tires, etc. The basic objective of camber is to keep maximum tire tread in contact with the road surface under all operating conditions. Camber is adjustable on the front and rear of most vehicles.
Wheel Toe – the distance apart between the front of the wheels and tires in relationship to the back of the same wheels and tires. Toe-in means that the front (or back) wheels and tires are closer together at the front than they are at the back. Toe-out means that the front wheels and tires are farther apart at the front. Correct toe compensates for changes in fore-and-aft wheel alignment caused by driving and braking forces. Toe settings are adjustable on the front and rear of most vehicles.
Toe-Out and Turns – this controls the tracking of the front wheels when the car is being driven in a right or left-hand turn in order to minimize side slipping and excessive wear. This is a non-adjustable feature with wheel alignment and is dependent upon condition of all parts.
Ball Joint Inclination – the angle made between the vertical and a centre line going through the front suspension ball joints. This helps the front wheels stay on a straight course and to return to the straight-ahead position when coming out of a turn.
Geometric Centreline – is a line through the midpoint between the front wheels and the midpoint between the rear wheels.
Thrust Line – is the line that divides the total toe angle of the rear wheels
Proper inspection of wheel alignment is recommended to be done at least twice a year for proper safety maintenance, tire life expectancy and maximum fuel economy.
Wheel Alignments Done Right
Accuracy is the key when it comes to wheel alignment and safety. Alignment work requires special knowledge, skills, tools and of course, the proper computerized equipment. You’ll find everything you need at J.C. Motors. Our highly skilled professional mechanics, after a thorough inspection of virtually every suspension and steering component, use the finest 4-wheel alignment equipment to ensure the proper alignment of your car, ensuring your vehicles safety and comfort. At the same time saving you money by maximizing the life of your tires and improving fuel economy.
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