Front wheel alignment
becomes necessary when the automobile refuses to move in a straight
line. Read the article and learn in detail about re-aligning and also
how much does it cost.
Wheel alignment in a automobile refers to adjusting the
wheel angles in such a manner that they are perpendicular to the ground
and parallel to each other. These adjustments are carried out to be
positive that tires last long and the automobile moves ahead in a
straight line while driving on a straight and leveled road. Whenever
there is unexpected wear and tear of tiers or the automobile drifts away
to side or vibration at the steering while driving very quick, it is a
sign that wheels require to be aligned properly.
Basic Wheel Alignment Terms Explained
It is always better to get an alignment job done from a
automobile shop or a tire specialist. Though the method is not very
hard, there is positive amount of basic knowledge necessary for aligning
automobile wheels back to their ideal position. Wheel alignment
requires measurements – toe, camber and caster. All these are explained
in detail below.
Caster
Caster is defined as the tilting of the topmost point on
the axis of the automobile steering. The tilting is either backward or
forward when seen from the sides of the automobile. A forward tilt is
denoted by a negative (-) sign, while a backward tilt is denoted by a
positive (+) sign. Wearing of the tiers is not affected by caster, but
it surely does affect the steering’s direction control. The automobile
body has to be kept at its predetermined height as it’s a bearing on the
caster. A positive caster is a result of the automobile rear-side being
lower than the normal height. In case the rear-side of the automobile
is higher than the normal height, the front suspension shows a less
positive caster. If there is a difference between caster values of
wheels, the wheel starts pulling towards the car’s middle. This makes
the vehicle drift towards the side which has a lower caster value.
Camber
The angling of the wheels from the vertical when seen
from the front of the automobile is named camber. If the wheels angle
inwards from the top the camber value is negative (-), while the worth
is positive (+) when the wheels angle outwards from the top. Directional
control as well as wearing of the tires is affected by camber settings.
If the camber is a much on the positive side, tires then suspension
parts will wear off quickly. High negative camber will wear the tiers as
well as suspension parts on the inside. In case the difference in
camber value for tires which are side-by-side is over one degree, it
will lead to the automobile being pulled to the side which has a higher
positive camber.
Toe
Toe measurement defines how much front wheels have
turned on the inside or outside from a straight position. If the wheels
have turned on the outside, the toe value is negative (-) & when the
wheels have turned on the inside, the toe value is positive (+).
Usually, the worth of toe is only a fraction of a degree. The toe makes
sure that the wheels run parallel to each other when the automobile is
moving. Steering imbalance & speedy wearing of tires are feasible
results of a defective toe manipulation.
How to Re-Align the Front Wheel
It is always recommended to get a re-alignment job done
from a professional as it requires some amount of technical knowledge
& sure specific equipment as well. However, the method given below
can be used to re-adjust front wheels to a sure extent. It ought to be
tried only by people having basic knowledge about cars.
1. To start with, arrange for PU type plastic bags & laser pointer.
Park the automobile on a flat surface & place plastic bag behind each front wheel.
2. The plastic bag helps in keeping the wheel at a maximum frictional position for alignment purposes.
3. Reverse the automobile a small bit to get both front
wheels on the plastic bags. Change the automobile steering to its
original straight position.
4. Using a laser pointer, change the beam from the
tire’s front edge to the rear edge in a small bit downward position, so
that the beam falls on the ground & forms an angle.
5. Repeat the method for the other wheel to get its total toe angle.
There will be a manipulation screw under the automobile
wheel which needs to be loosened. Change the rod as per requirements to
either increase or decrease the toe angle.
For cars with a back wheel drive, the ideal angle is 0,
but the angle for front wheel drive cars need to be calculated &
adjusted accordingly.
tags: wheel aligner
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