Ref.: MEL-WA(3D HCV) - OM Ver.1.7
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5. WHEEL ALIGNMENT PARAMETERS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
refers to a set of wheel angles which are responsible to distribute the
weight of the automobile over the suspension system and the four wheels uniformly when the
vehicle is in motion. Proper distribution of the weight results in uniform tyre wear and effective
steering control. Every vehicle manufacturer furnishes the Wheel Alignment specification for
the vehicles manufactured by them.
The process of bringing and adjusting the vehicle's Geometric angles and common adjustable
parameters such as Caster, Camber and Toe to its original position as per the vehicle
manufacturer specification is called
Wheel alignment
.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT ANGLES
i)
CAMBER
ii)
TOE
iii)
CASTER
iv)
KINGPIN INCLINATION
v)
THRUST ANGLE
vi)
FRONT WHEEL SETBACK
vii)
REAR WHEEL SETBACK
viii)
WHEEL RUNOUT
ix)
INCLUDED ANGLE
x)
TRACK WIDTH DIFFERENCE
xi)
LOCK ANGLE
xii)
TOE OUT ON TURNS
Each wheel alignment angle has a specific purpose and function. If they are not set properly,
the effects will be uneven tyre wear, loss of steering control, pulling to one side while driving,
jerking on travel, etc.
It may not be possible to correct all the above angles in a vehicle. Depending upon the design
of suspension, some angles are adjustable at workshop level and some are not adjustable (Set
in Factory) which may require parts replacement to get the specified value.
The Parameters Wheel Runout, Set Back & Thrust Angle will affect the wheel angles ie.,
Camber & Toe. Therefore, it is very important to identify, measure and correct or
compensate these angles. Otherwise, proper Wheel alignment cannot be achieved.
System takes all the above factors into consideration in its design and offers total
solution by compensation in the respective parameters
5.1.
CAMBER
The
CAMBER
angle will affect the wear on the inner or outer edge of the tyre. Camber
is the inclination of the centerline of the wheel from the vertical as viewed from the front
of the vehicle. Camber angle is measured in positive or negative degrees.
POSITIVE CAMBER
is the outward tilt of the top of the tyre.
Fig. 2
Wheel angles
Steering axis angles
These are unwanted angles which
sometimes prevail in a vehicle
