Some vehicles require aftermarket kits to allow sufficient adjustment to compensate for accident damage or the change in alignment due to the installation of lowering springs. Not all vehicles are easily adjustable or fully adjustable. This procedure "squares" the vehicle like a thrust angle alignment, and also includes measuring and adjusting the rear axle angles as well as the front. On all vehicles with four-wheel independent suspensions, or front-wheel drive vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions, the appropriate alignment is a four-wheel alignment. If the thrust angle isn't zero on many solid rear axle vehicles, a trip to a frame straightening shop is required to return the rear axle to its original location. Thrust angle alignments also identify vehicles that would "dog track" going down the road with the rear end offset from the front. On a solid rear axle vehicle, this requires a thrust angle alignment that allows the technician to confirm that all four wheels are "square" with each other. Front-end alignments are fine for some vehicles featuring a solid rear axle, but confirming that the front tires are positioned directly in front of the rear tires is also important. During a front-end alignment, only the front axle's angles are measured and adjusted. The different types of alignments offered today are front-end, thrust angle, and four-wheel. ".alignment is an important suspension-tuning tool that greatly influences the operation of the vehicle's tires.Incorrect alignment settings will usually result in more rapid tire wear." Front-End, Thrust Angle and Four-Wheel Alignment Alignment should also be checked after the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard or curb. Therefore, alignment should be checked whenever new tires or suspension components are installed, and any time unusual tire wear patterns appear. Incorrect alignment settings will usually result in more rapid tire wear. They can also be the result of an impact with a pothole or curb, or a change in vehicle ride height (lowered or raised) on any vehicle regardless of age. Out-of-alignment conditions are most often caused by spring sag or suspension wear (ball joints, bushings, etc.) on an older vehicle. Out-of-alignment conditions occur when the suspension and steering systems are not operating at their desired angles. This makes an alignment an important suspension-tuning tool that greatly influences the operation of the vehicle's tires. While it's often referred to simply as an "alignment" or "wheel alignment," it's really complex suspension angles that are being measured and a variety of suspension components that are being adjusted. The vehicle in the chart is within specifications. If there is no negative sign preceding the number, it is assumed positive. It is read negative one quarter of an inch plus or minus one eighth of an inch. The specifications for toe are read in fractions of an inch. Notice the 45’ or forty-five minute reading for the RF. The thirty minutes reading equals one half a degree. The ( ‘ ) or minutes symbol is used to view or represent angles just like an actual clock. The camber angle is read one degree plus or minus 30 minutes. The vehicles actual caster angles are within specifications. The caster in this vehicle is read four degrees plus or minus one half degrees (.5°). There is no caster setting for the rear of a vehicle. The specifications in the chart are for the front of the vehicle.Ĭaster is a stability angle, measured in degrees. The chart contains different methods manufacturers use for displaying wheel alignment angles.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |