WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Camber
Caster
Toe
Steering axis inclination
Turning radius

CAMBER

Inward or outward
tilt of the wheel at
the top when
viewed from the
front of the car.
It is measured in
degrees of a circle.
#2 Pull rule
#2 Tire wear

Positive Camber
When camber is
positive the tire
leans out away
from the vehicle
at the top.
On both front
and rear wheels
camber is
important.

Negative Camber

When camber is
negative the tire
leans in toward the
car at the top.

Camber Tire Wear

Camber Pull

When the camber

is more than
degree different
from one side to
the other, the car
will pull or drift.

CASTER

Forward or rearward
tilt of the steering
knuckle at the top
Measured in degrees
of a circle
Provides straight line
driving and steering
wheel return
#1 Pull rule.
Does NOT effect tire
wear

Measuring Caster

Caster is measured in degrees of a circle from true

vertical.
If the steering knuckle leans toward the rear of the
car at the top that is positive caster.
If the steering knuckle leans toward the front of the
car at the top that is negative caster.

How Caster Works

There are two

points of
importance:
The point of
contact.
The point of lead.
The vehicle will
always follow the
point of lead.

Effects of Caster

If the difference in the caster angle

is more than degree from side to
side, the car will pull to the side of
the most negative caster.

Caster has no
effect on tire wear.

TOE-IN TOE-OUT

Toe is the difference

in distance between
the front and rear of
the front wheels.
Measured in inches,
millimeters or
degrees.
#1 Tire wearing
angle.
Does not effect
handling.

Measuring Toe

Toe is typically
measured in
inches. (fractions
of inches)
If it is off, the tires
will wear feather
edged. Also the
steering wheel
spoke is usually
crooked.

STEERING AXIS
INCLINATION

Gives directional
stability much like
caster
Non-adjustable
Only changes
when parts are
bent
Very important to
check in collision
work

TURNING RADIUS
or TOE-OUT ON TURNS

Changes radius for inboard and outboard

wheel while turning
Non-adjustable
Important to check if doing collision work

Vehicle Thrust Line

The rear wheels

determine the path
of the vehicle. Not
the front wheels as
commonly
thought.

Setting Up the Car

Car suspension & steering must be
checked out prior to alignment and
repaired.
Pull car on the rack correctly.
Set rack on alignment stands.
Connect alignment wheel reflectors.
Punch in alignment specifications.

Rolling Compensation

This runs out the

wheel clamp and
measures camber,
toe, thrust line and
set back.

Checking Caster and

S.A.I.

The wheel must be

turned to reveal
caster and SAI.

Interpreting the results.

On the rear, adjust

camber the then
toe.
On the front adjust
camber, caster and
then toe.