Serious problems can result from wheels that are out of alignment. To begin with, when wheels are misaligned, it causes the tyres to wear out quickly. This leads to unnecessary expenses on tyre replacement that can be avoided by simply making sure that the wheels are properly aligned. Additionally, misaligned wheels cause problems with the stability of the automobile.
When the alignment is out on a vehicle, it tends to pull to the right or left. In addition to stability issues, misaligned wheels cause problems with steering and maneuvering. All these issues make wheel alignment important to not only the functioning of the vehicle, but also to the safety of the passengers in it.Â
Wheels or tyres that need replacing can cause serious functionality and safety issues for cars. Moreover, even wheels that do not require replacing can still cause issues if they are not serviced when necessary. There are several measures that drivers must take to regularly maintain their wheels and tyres, but keeping them properly aligned is at the top of the list.Â
Many people confuse wheel alignment with wheel balancing, but the two are very different. Wheel balancing has to do with ensuring that the weight of the wheels is evenly distributed to ensure proper spin. Wheel alignment, on the other hand, involves making sure the angles of the wheels are properly adjusted so that the wheels sit perpendicularly to the surface of the road. It is important that both balancing and alignment are performed regularly.
What exactly is alignment?
Alignment is a combination of all of the vehicle’s components that are used to make the car or truck go straight. If even one of these components is in need of adjustment or repair, the vehicle becomes unsafe to drive and leads to further problems down the road. More specifically, proper wheel alignment is when three distinct measurements are in line. These measurements are called caster, camber and toe. On some of the more modern cars, however, caster and camber have been eliminated by a McPherson strut, and the toe is all that must be adjusted.
What is caster?
Caster is the measurement beginning at the steering axis and ending at the opposite axis, when viewed from the side of the car. In other words, it is whether the vehicle is at its proper height at both the front and rear of the vehicle. Because the vehicle’s height is ultimately what impacts caster, worn springs can lead to caster problems, as can modifying a vehicle with a lift kit. When caster is out, the vehicle can pull to the right or left.
What is camber?
Camber is the degree to which the vehicle’s wheels are angled when viewed from the front end of the car or truck. While there is always a certain degree of camber, it is important that there is not an unequal camber between tyres. When the camber is unequal, the vehicle will pull to the side with the most camber. Camber issues can lead to uneven or premature tyre wear. It can also cause problems with the vehicle’s suspension.
What is toe?
Toe measures the degree to which the vehicle’s wheels are pointed in or out. Generally, every single vehicle has a slight toe to ensure the wheels rotate parallel. When toe is off even slightly, drivers will experience vibrations while driving. Toe problems will also lead to issues with tyres such as premature or uneven wear.
Every time a driver replaces the wheels or tyres on his or her car, a wheel alignment should be done. This only makes sense, as who wants to invest money in new wheels only to install them in such a manner to maximise wear and tear? To ensure the wheels are properly aligned, drivers need to have their wheels installed by a technician with expertise.Â
New tyres are never cheap, and at the very least, neglecting alignment issues will pretty much ensure that drivers will have to replace them more frequently. Moreover, minor alignment issues that are left unresolved can lead to major suspension issues. In short, it makes simple economic sense to remedy alignment issues before they lead to something more costly and labour intensive.Â
Wheel alignment is one of the most important maintenance steps that people should take with their cars.Â
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written by Air Rift, August 07, 2010
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written by Vic, August 12, 2010
I feel I have to add my voice to elaborate and correct the above extract from the above column. All cars whose height has been raised or lowered by half an inch MUST be adjusted for camber-otherwise, serious instability.
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written by Vic, August 12, 2010
Most struts have the hub mounting bracket with larger bolt holes that the bolts that secure the hub to the struts. This should give enough allowance to adjust for camber. If this is not effective, specially manufactured "camber bolts" can be purchased and installed.
As for caster, adjustment-well if it is way off mark, take the car for chassis realignment .
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written by Wendy, August 12, 2010
I‘m very agree this,it is really important for our cars.
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