Most people care more about your engine and transmission problems on the alignment of your vehicle. However, consider the fact that alignment problems may compromise vehicle traction and even the driver’s ability to drive safely and avoid accidents. There are three basic alignment angles to address these issues. Since the purpose of a wheel alignment is to ensure proper connection between the wheels themselves and the wheels on the vehicle and the road, it follows that a vehicle moves faster, the more critical are these settings.
Toe
Toe alignment can best be explained by a vision of the wheels above. When both front wheels are exactly parallel to each other, with the distance between the front and back of each wheel is the same, which is known as “toe zero” and ideal in theory. As a vehicle is driven, normal playback in the steering and suspension links can change this alignment, depending on whether the vehicle is turning, braking or acceleration. It is for this reason that a mild degree “toe” or “toe out” is often used to compensate both rolling resistance and wear on suspension components. “Toe In” excessive or “toe out” uneven tire wear, because the edges of the rim scour surface and a direction to pull to one side or the other in certain circumstances occur.
Camber
Camber refers to the position of the wheels as seen from the front of the vehicle. “Camber zero” would be the position in which the front wheels were exactly perpendicular to the road. “Negative camber” is when the top of the wheels are inclined towards each other and “positive camber” is when the top of the wheels pointing outwards. Uneven surfaces such as bumps and dips, as well as the movement of the suspension will cause changes in the degree of curvature. Depending on the design of the vehicle suspension, alignment specifications may allow an additional degree of negative or positive slope to compensate for this, like when it comes to the alignment of the toe. Both excessive tire wear and steering drive are often the result of improper alignment camber.
Caster
Caster alignment is best understood by viewing the angle of forward or backward tilt of the steering shaft from the side. “Positive caster” would be in the back and “negative caster” would be in the front. Caster is often ignored due to the fact that it has the least effect on tire wear. It has more to do with the stability of the management effort required to steer the wheel and return to the center position. Positive caster is generally preferred for ease of return of steering and stability. It is worth noting, however, that a higher average degree wheel from side to side can make difference to drive a vehicle to the side with the least caster. Wear and ride height are two factors that can affect the launcher and crown road can often be corrected by slightly more positive on the left wheel.
Additional Factors
Note that anything that creates uneven resistance or friction can cause both uneven tire wear and twisted direction. A good example of this are underinflated tires, which may protrude on the sides, causing these two diseases. A frozen caliper on one side can also cause a pull to that side. Address loose parts or worn like rack mounts direction, or parts of the suspension, as bar ends can also contribute to similar conditions. Remember that the control of all these things first to make sure they are in good working order will prevent further problems in the future.