Topic 3

Checking And Adjusting Of Steering Geometry

Unit 1
Checking And Adjusting Of Steering Geometry

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Steering Geometry Of An Automotive
Vehicle
Ackerman's Angle/Toe-out on turns

 Inner wheel must turn short radius

than outer wheel
 Control arms are bend slightly
towards the centre on the car
 Allow for more sharp turning

Tracking Of Wheels

 Position of front wheels in relation

to the rear wheels
 Rear wheels needs to follow the
tracks of front wheels when driving
straight ahead

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 Oversteer

Oversteer
 Sharp turn
 Rear of car break away
Causes of Oversteer
 Cornering speed to high
 Low tyre pressure
 Using different tyres(radial vs
cross-ply)

Understeer

 Excessive turning around corner

 Angle to sharp for rear wheels to
follow

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 Unusual Tyre Wear

Correct Tyre Rotation

4
Wheel Alignment
Angles

Toe In and Toe Out

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5
 Camber Angles

Reason For Camber Angles

 Prevent tyre wear

 Makes steering effortless

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Caster

Positive Caster
Effort to turn ex. Bicycle

Negative Caster
Easy to turn (imperfection, wheels go
any where)ex. Shopping trolley

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6
 Kingpin or Steering Axis Inclination

 Determine toe in or toe out

 Provide steering
 Reduce steering effort
 Reduce tyre wear
Included angle determine the
centre-line of the wheel and
steering axis

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Pre Check before Wheel Alignment Can

Be Done
 Check Steering and Suspension Parts
 Check wheel bearings for play
 Check curb height(free height)
 Check tyre pressures
 Check vehicle frame(chassis) for bends, twists
 Sagging or cut springs
 Tyre wear
 Spin wheels and check for bent, buckle rims

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