26.1. Front wheel alignment parametersA-B = C (camber, in degrees); D = post angle, in degrees; E - discrepancy, in inches; G = toe (converted to degrees)
Since checking the correct installation of wheels requires both special measuring equipment and the ability to use it correctly, it is recommended that inspection and adjustment be performed at a service station. Below is information that gives an idea of the angles of the front wheels, familiarization with which will allow you to better understand the adjustment process, as well as substantively discuss with a specialist the scope of the necessary work.
The toe-in of the wheels is determined by their rotation in the vertical plane. Toe adjustment ensures parallel rotation of the front wheels. At zero toe, the distance between the symmetrical points on the leading edges of the wheels will be equal to the distance between the points on the trailing edges.
Normal toe values range from 2 to 12 mm. Adjustment is made by turning the steering rod adjusting tubes to increase or decrease their length. Incorrect toe adjustment leads to intense tire wear caused by increased friction with the road surface. Toe can be adjusted by turning the tie rod adjusting bushings an equal number of turns in one direction.
Camber is the angle between the plane of the wheel and the vertical drawn through the wheel axis and the center of the tire contact area with the supporting surface when viewing the car from the front or rear. Camber is considered positive if the top of the wheel is tilted outward relative to the vertical, and negative if it is tilted inward.
The degree of camber is determined by the angle from the vertical in degrees, which is sometimes called the camber angle of the front wheels. Correctly adjusting the camber angle affects the tightness of the tire tread to the road, and also ensures that the imbalance of forces that occurs when driving on uneven roads or entering a turn is balanced.
Strut angle is the angle between the axis of the suspension strut and a line drawn through the center of each wheel and the midpoint of the tire contact area when viewing the vehicle from the side. The caster angle is considered positive if the point of intersection of the suspension axis with the supporting surface is located in front of the point of intersection of the vertical line passing through the wheel axis with this surface, and negative if behind.
When adjusting, the strut angle is first adjusted, then the camber angle, and then the toe angle.