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Automotive Lvl 1 > Wheel Alignment > Flashcards

Wheel Alignment Flashcards

1
Q

What does wheel alignment involve?

A

Adjusting the angles of the wheels to be positioned correctly relative to the vehicle and the road.

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2
Q

What are the three main wheel alignment angles?

A
  • Camber
  • Caster
  • Toe
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3
Q

Define camber angle.

A

The tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle.

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4
Q

What is positive camber?

A

The top of the wheel tilts outward, away from the vehicle.

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5
Q

What is negative camber?

A

The top of the wheel tilts inward, toward the vehicle.

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6
Q

How does incorrect camber affect tire wear?

A

Can cause uneven tire wear; negative camber leads to wear on the inside, positive camber leads to wear on the outside.

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7
Q

What is the importance of proper camber in handling?

A

Ensures optimal contact with the road during cornering, improving stability and handling.

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8
Q

Define caster angle.

A

The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

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9
Q

What is positive caster?

A

The steering axis tilts backward, behind the vertical.

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10
Q

What is negative caster?

A

The steering axis tilts forward toward the direction of travel.

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11
Q

How does positive caster affect steering stability?

A

Improves straight-line stability and contributes to the returnability of the steering wheel after turns.

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12
Q

Define toe angle.

A

The direction that the tires point relative to the vehicle’s centerline when viewed from above.

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13
Q

What is toe-in?

A

The front of the tires is closer together than the rear.

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14
Q

What is toe-out?

A

The front of the tires is further apart than the rear.

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15
Q

How does incorrect toe alignment affect tire wear?

A

Leads to rapid tire wear, especially on the edges of the tires.

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16
Q

Why are precise wheel alignment angles important?

A
  • Tire Longevity
  • Fuel Efficiency
  • Vehicle Handling and Safety
  • Reduced Stress on Other Components
  • Optimized Performance
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17
Q

What is one function of camber concerning tire wear?

A

Ensures even tire wear by keeping the tire’s contact patch flat against the road.

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18
Q

What role does caster play in steering effort?

A

Affects the effort required to turn the steering wheel.

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19
Q

How does positive caster contribute to self-centering steering?

A

Ensures the steering wheel returns to the center after a turn.

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20
Q

What is Steering Axis Inclination (SAI)?

A

The angle formed between the vertical axis and the steering axis when viewed from the front.

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21
Q

List one key purpose of Steering Axis Inclination (SAI).

A
  • Improved Steering Stability
  • Self-Aligning Torque
  • Improved Steering Feel
  • Reduced Tire Wear
  • Helps with Camber
  • Effect on Cornering
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22
Q

Why is toe the most critical tire wear factor?

A

It causes direct impacts on tire scrubbing, increasing rolling resistance and leading to rapid tire wear.

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23
Q

What is tire scrubbing?

A

When tires drag across the road surface due to incorrect toe alignment.

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24
Q

How does misaligned toe affect rolling resistance?

A

Increases rolling resistance as the tires are not moving in a straight line.

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25
What is a consequence of unchecked toe misalignment?
Cumulative damage leading to pronounced wear patterns and premature tire replacements.
26
What does correct toe alignment ensure?
It ensures that the vehicle tracks straight and the tires meet the road at the proper angle, improving handling and driving safety. ## Footnote Proper toe alignment also helps in achieving smooth and even tire wear.
27
What is cumulative wear in the context of toe misalignment?
Cumulative wear refers to uneven tread wear on tires due to constant friction from toe misalignment, leading to premature tire replacements. ## Footnote Cumulative damage can result in higher costs over time.
28
Why is toe misalignment easy to detect and adjust?
Toe misalignment is easier to identify and adjust compared to camber, and small adjustments can significantly affect tire wear and handling. ## Footnote Cost-effective correction can extend tire life.
29
What can slight toe misalignments cause?
Slight toe misalignments can cause rapid, uneven tire wear and increased fuel consumption due to higher rolling resistance. ## Footnote They can also negatively impact vehicle handling and stability.
30
What is the turning radius?
Turning radius refers to the minimum radius a vehicle can turn, determined by steering wheel angle, vehicle length, and steering system geometry.
31
What is the purpose of a smaller turning radius?
A smaller turning radius improves maneuverability, particularly in urban driving, and enhances off-road capability. ## Footnote It is useful for parallel parking and navigating tight spaces.
32
What does toe-out refer to?
Toe-out refers to the condition where the front of the tires is set farther apart than the rear when viewed from above.
33
What are the effects of toe-out on vehicle handling?
Toe-out can improve turning response and steering sensitivity but may slightly increase the turning radius at higher speeds. ## Footnote Excessive toe-out can cause tire wear and affect high-speed stability.
34
What is tracking in vehicle alignment?
Tracking refers to the ability of a vehicle's wheels to follow in a straight line when moving forward.
35
What can improper tracking lead to?
Improper tracking can lead to pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, and increased driver effort.
36
What does thrust angle refer to?
Thrust angle refers to the angle of the rear axle in relation to the centerline of the vehicle.
37
How does thrust angle affect tracking?
An incorrect thrust angle can cause the vehicle to track poorly, affecting stability and increasing tire wear.
38
What are the steps to perform a pre-alignment inspection?
1. Check the vehicle’s ride height 2. Inspect the tires 3. Inspect the steering and suspension components 4. Check for frame or subframe damage 5. Inspect the alignment adjustment points 6. Inspect the wheel and tire mounting surfaces 7. Check the alignment machine and equipment 8. Test drive the vehicle (optional).
39
What is the purpose of checking the vehicle’s ride height?
Ride height affects suspension geometry and alignment angles; incorrect ride height leads to inaccurate alignment.
40
What should be inspected regarding the tires during pre-alignment?
Check for uneven tire wear patterns, proper inflation, tire damage, and consistent tire size on all wheels.
41
What is the purpose of inspecting steering and suspension components?
Worn or damaged components can cause alignment problems and affect the accuracy of the alignment process.
42
What does camber adjustment affect?
Camber adjustment affects tire wear and vehicle handling, especially during cornering.
43
How is camber adjusted in a strut-type suspension?
By adjusting the camber bolts or eccentric washers on the upper strut mount or lower control arm.
44
What is the role of caster in vehicle alignment?
Caster improves steering stability, straight-line tracking, and the returnability of the steering wheel after a turn.
45
How can caster be adjusted?
By modifying the position of the upper control arm or strut mount, or using caster shims.
46
What does toe refer to in vehicle alignment?
Toe refers to the alignment of the front and rear wheels when viewed from above.
47
What is caster angle?
The angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle ## Footnote Caster angle affects vehicle stability and steering response.
48
How can the caster angle be adjusted?
By shifting the upper control arm or strut mount, using caster shims, or shifting the subframe ## Footnote Caster shims add or remove shims between the control arm and the frame.
49
What does toe refer to in vehicle alignment?
The alignment of the front and rear wheels when viewed from above ## Footnote Toe-in means the front of the wheels points inward, while toe-out means they point outward.
50
What is the purpose of toe adjustment?
To minimize tire wear and improve handling ## Footnote Even small toe misalignment can cause significant tire wear.
51
How is toe adjustment typically made?
By altering the length of the tie rods connected to the steering rack ## Footnote Adjustable outer tie rod ends allow for finer adjustments.
52
What is thrust angle?
The alignment of the rear axle in relation to the vehicle’s centerline ## Footnote Ensures that the rear wheels are square to the front of the vehicle.
53
Why is correcting the thrust angle important?
To ensure the vehicle tracks straight and reduces steering instability and uneven tire wear ## Footnote A misaligned thrust angle can cause the vehicle to track in a skewed path.
54
What can affect alignment angles besides adjustments?
Adding wheel spacers, modifying wheel offset, and changing ride height ## Footnote Lowering or raising the vehicle can impact camber and toe.
55
What is the impact of misaligned rear wheels on tire wear?
Can cause uneven tire wear, reducing tire lifespan and increasing replacement costs ## Footnote Misalignment can lead to wear patterns like cupping and scuffing.
56
How does rear alignment affect handling?
Improves cornering performance and vehicle stability during turns ## Footnote Poor alignment can lead to oversteering or understeering.
57
What is the effect of misalignment on fuel efficiency?
Increases rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder ## Footnote Proper alignment reduces strain on components and improves fuel economy.
58
What triggers the need for steering sensor calibration?
Battery disconnection, wheel alignment, steering or suspension repairs, SAS replacement, airbag deployment ## Footnote Calibration is essential for systems like ESC and ACC.
59
What are the two types of steering angle sensor calibration?
Automatic (self-learning) calibration and manual calibration using a scan tool ## Footnote Automatic calibration occurs after driving a short distance at a set speed.
60
What tools are required for steering sensor calibration?
OEM diagnostic tools, aftermarket scan tools, wheel alignment equipment ## Footnote Manufacturer-specific software is often necessary for exact procedures.
61
What common issues may arise after calibration?
Steering warning light remains on, vehicle pulls to one side, ESC or ABS malfunctions ## Footnote Incorrect SAS data can cause traction and stability control issues.
62
What are best practices for successful steering sensor calibration?
Check for fault codes, ensure the vehicle is level, use a high-quality scan tool, perform a test drive ## Footnote If calibration fails, check wiring connections and SAS power supply.

Automotive Lvl 1 (11 decks)

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