Alignment

Wheel Alignment  Power point

 

Why do we need an alignment?

– just replaced steering and suspension parts (inner/outer tie rods, macpherson strut)

– unusual tire wear (feathering, one side of tire worn out)

– pulling to one side or chirping of the tires

 

Toe angle adjustment:

After loosening the clamps, a tie rod adjusting sleeve can be turned to lengthen or shorten the outer tie rod which adjust the toe in or toe out depending on which way the sleeve is turned.  Once the toe angle is set, tighten the clamps back to proper torque specifications.

 

Camber angle adjustment:

Most vehicles with a Macpherson strut set up will have the ability to adjust the camber by adjusting the upper adjuster bolt at the bottom of the strut where it attaches to the steering knuckle.  The upper bolt will have a cam eccentric that when turned, forces the steering knuckle in or out depending on the location of the cam lobe on the bolt.

Other versions of a double wishbone suspension may have a square bolt that drives a round washer with an offset square hole.

As you turn the offset washer, it moves the pivot point of the upper control arm which adjusts the camber of the wheel.

 

A lot of new cars do not have the ability to adjust the camber and caster angle unless an aftermarket set up has been installed.  Here is one example of this modification.

 

Adjusting toe angle good enough to get the car to an alignment shop.