ASE Steering & Wheel Alignment Flashcards

Which alignment angle describes the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel as viewed from the front of the vehicle?

Answer: Camber

Camber is the vertical tilt of the wheel measured in degrees; positive camber tilts the top outward, negative camber tilts it inward.

What alignment angle has the GREATEST effect on straight-line stability and steering returnability?

Answer: Caster

Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis; positive caster promotes straight-line stability and self-centering of the steering wheel.

Which type of steering gear converts rotary motion of the steering wheel into linear motion at the tie rods?

Answer: Rack and pinion

A rack and pinion gear uses a circular pinion gear that meshes directly with a linear rack, translating rotation into side-to-side movement.

A vehicle pulls consistently to the left during braking. Which component is the MOST likely cause?

Answer: Sticking right front brake caliper

A sticking caliper on the right front applies braking force only on that side during deceleration, pulling the vehicle toward the left.

What is the thrust angle on a four-wheel alignment?

Answer: The angle between the rear axle thrust line and the vehicle centerline

Thrust angle is the direction the rear axle pushes the vehicle relative to its centerline; a non-zero thrust angle causes the vehicle to dog-track.

What does toe-in mean in wheel alignment?

Answer: The front of the tires are closer together than the rear when viewed from above

Toe-in means the leading edges of the tires point slightly toward each other, which compensates for suspension flex under driving loads.