Camber is the tilt of the wheels in a vertical plane relative to the center line of the car. It can be positive. if the wheels are tilted outward, and negative if the wheels are tilted inward. The camber angle mainly affects the uniformity of front tire wear. If the camber of one wheel is positive and the other is negative, then the car will pull to the side when driving in a straight line. The Ford Escort has a negative camber.
Convergence - the lateral distance between the wheels. Positive toe means the wheels are closer together at the front than at the rear when measured at wheel midpoint height. Negative toe means the wheels are further apart at the front than at the rear. Negative toe is set on the Ford Escort.
The lateral inclination of the axis of rotation of the wheel is the angle between the axis of inclination of the steering knuckle and the vertical drawn through the wheel attachment point, looking in the longitudinal direction of the car.
Due to the camber angles and the transverse inclination of the axis of rotation, the points of contact of the wheels with the road are located closer to the axis of the steering knuckle. This supports the so-called running-in shoulder. The smaller the break-in shoulder, the easier it is to drive the car. Also, bumps from uneven road surfaces are less transmitted to the steering.
The angle of the longitudinal inclination of the axis of rotation. The axis about which the wheel turns is placed in space so that its lower part is tilted forward. Such an angle of longitudinal inclination is called positive. With a positive value of the angle, the self-return of the wheel to the middle position after the turn is improved.
Conditions for checking wheel alignment
Tire pressure must be correct. The vehicle must be parked on a level, level surface.
The vehicle must be empty with the fuel tank half full.
Shake the vehicle body before checking the wheel alignment. The steering must be in good condition and properly adjusted. There must be no play in the steering rods. There must be no play in the wheel suspension.
Toe adjustment
Loosen the tie rod lock nuts on both tie rods.
Loosen the outer clamps securing the protective covers of the steering mechanism. Rotate the tie rods to the same angle and in the same direction. Check the toe value using a measuring device. Tighten the locknuts securing the tie rod ends. Secure the outer parts of the protective covers of the steering mechanism with clamps.
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