Wheel alignment

Optimum driving characteristics and the least possible tire wear can only be guaranteed if the wheels are correctly positioned. With increased and uneven tire wear, as well as insufficient road holding - with poor stabilization of straight-line movement and poor cornering control - it is necessary to contact a service station for an optical check of the alignment of the steered wheels. Wheel alignment cannot be checked without proper equipment. Therefore, only a description of the basic concepts is given here.

Track / camber / kingpin lateral angle / kingpin caster angle

Track - the distance between the wheels of one axle. Toe-in is the difference in the distance between the steered wheels, measured at the height of the middle of the wheel in front and behind, when the distance between the wheels in front is slightly less than in the rear. Negative toe - when the distance measured in front of the wheels is slightly greater than behind.

Convergence:

• Control value: from 0.5 to - 3.5 mm
• Setting value: - 2±3 mm

Correct camber and kingpin angles prevent transmission of shocks from the road to the steering and provide the least rolling resistance when cornering.

Camber is the angle of deviation of the wheel plane from the vertical. Thus, the wheels are mounted obliquely, with negative camber, for example, the distance between the wheels at the bottom is greater than at the top. The kingpin rake angle is the angle between the steering axis of the steering knuckle and the vertical, as viewed along the axis of the vehicle. The kingpin caster angle is the angle between the steering axis of the steering knuckle and the vertical as viewed from the side of the vehicle. The angle of the longitudinal inclination of the kingpin determines mainly the stabilization of the rectilinear movement. Too little caster angle causes the vehicle to steer when driving on bad roads and in crosswinds, and also returns the wheels to the center position after a turn with insufficient force.

Conditions for checking wheel alignment

The steering is adjusted correctly.

There is no unacceptable clearance in the steering rod joints and in the ball bearings, the wheels are not damaged.

Tires are inflated to the prescribed pressure.

The car is not loaded: the spare wheel and the jack are in their places, otherwise unload the car.

Rock the car hard before checking.