Camber is the tilt of the wheels in a vertical plane relative to the centerline 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 wear of the front tires. If the camber of one wheel is positive and the other is negative, the car will pull to one side when driving straight. The Ford Escort has a negative camber angle.
Toe-in is the lateral distance between the wheels. Positive toe-in means the front wheels are closer together than the rear wheels when measured at the wheel's midpoint height. Negative toe-in means the front wheels are further apart than the rear wheels. The Ford Escort is equipped with negative toe-in.
The lateral inclination of the steering axis of the wheel is the angle between the inclination axis of the steering knuckle and the vertical drawn through the wheel mounting point, looking in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
Due to the camber angles and the transverse tilt of the steering axis, the points of contact of the wheels with the road are located closer to the axis of the steering knuckle. This maintains the so-called rolling shoulder. The smaller the rolling shoulder, the easier it is to control the car. Also, impacts from uneven road surfaces are less transmitted to the steering.
Angle of longitudinal tilt of the turning axis. The axis relative to which the wheel turns is placed in space so that its lower part is tilted forward. Such an angle of longitudinal tilt is called positive. With a positive value of the angle, the self-return of the wheel to the middle position after turning is improved.
Conditions for checking wheel alignment angles
The tire pressure must be correct. The car must be parked on a flat horizontal surface.
The car must be empty with the fuel tank half full.
Before checking the wheel alignment angles, shake the car body. 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.
Adjusting the toe-in
Loosen the tie rod end locknuts on both tie rods.
Loosen the outer clamps securing the steering gear protective boots. Turn the steering rods at the same angle and in the same direction. Check the toe-in value using a measuring device. Tighten the locknuts securing the steering rod ends. Secure the outer parts of the steering gear protective boots with clamps.