After repairing any suspension or steering components, be sure to check the wheel alignment. It is possible to qualitatively check and adjust the wheel alignment angles only in the conditions of a service company that has a special stand for. performing adjustment work.
The following wheel alignment angles are controlled:
The camber angle of the front wheels is the angle of inclination of the plane of rotation of the wheel relative to the vertical. Uneven camber angles cause the car to pull to the side when driving in a straight line. Large positive camber (when the top of the wheel sticks out) leads to accelerated wear of the outer part of the tread of the tire, and a large negative camber - to the inner part of the tread (see «Rims, tires and hubs - checking the technical condition»). The camber angle of the front wheels is set constructively and is not adjustable. According to the camber angle, it is possible to diagnose the state of the front suspension. If the camber angle is out of range, the suspension components need to be repaired.
The convergence of the front wheels is the angle between the plane of rotation of the wheel and the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the car in the position of rectilinear movement. Violation of the convergence of the wheels worsens the handling and directional stability of the car, and leads to intensive tire wear. The convergence of the front wheels is regulated by changing the length of the steering rods, by screwing into or out of the tips.
1 - tie rod end;
2 - locknut;
3 - steering rod
Comment. The values of the angles of installation of the front wheels are indicated at the beginning of the section (see «Reference data»).
Pitch is the angle between the front axle of the front wheel and the vertical in a plane parallel to the center line of the vehicle. Violation of the correct angle of inclination of the axis of rotation of the front wheels causes a deterioration in the controllability of the car. With a large angle of longitudinal inclination, the resistance to rotation of the steering wheel increases, with a small angle, the stabilization of the front wheels in the direction of movement straight ahead worsens.
The inclination of the axis of rotation of the wheel is set constructively and is not adjustable. If the angle of the longitudinal inclination of the axis of rotation is beyond the permissible limits, it is necessary to repair the suspension elements.
The camber angle of the rear wheels is the angle of inclination of the plane of rotation of the wheel relative to the vertical. Uneven camber angles cause the car to pull to the side when driving in a straight line. Large positive camber (when the top of the wheel sticks out) leads to accelerated wear of the outer part of the tread of the tire, and a large negative camber - to the inner part of the tread (see «Rims, tires and hubs - checking the technical condition»). The camber angle of the rear wheels is set constructively and is not adjustable. According to the camber angle, it is possible to diagnose the condition of the rear suspension.
The convergence of the rear wheels is the angle between the plane of rotation of the wheel and the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the car in the position of rectilinear movement. Violation of the convergence of the wheels worsens the handling and directional stability of the car, and leads to intensive tire wear. The angle of convergence of the rear wheels is set constructively and is not adjustable. According to the angle of convergence, it is possible to diagnose the condition of the rear suspension.
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