Brake Systems & Suspension Flashcards

Which alignment angle, when out of specification, most commonly causes a feathered (saw-tooth) tire wear pattern?

Answer: Toe

Incorrect toe drags the tire sideways as it rolls, wearing a feathered edge across the tread.

What is the main benefit of positive caster?

Answer: Directional stability and steering wheel returnability

Positive caster places the steering axis ahead of the tire contact patch, helping the wheels track straight and self-center.

Excessive positive camber on a front wheel typically causes wear on which part of the tire?

Answer: Outside edge

Positive camber tilts the top of the tire outward, loading and wearing the outer shoulder.

During an alignment check, the included angle (SAI plus camber) is out of specification. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: A bent spindle or strut

The included angle is built into the spindle or strut, so if it is wrong, that part is bent.

A toe-out-on-turns (turning radius) reading is out of specification on one side. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: A bent steering arm

Toe-out on turns depends on steering arm geometry, so a bent steering arm throws it out of spec.

Thrust angle is determined mainly by which measurement?

Answer: Rear wheel toe

Thrust angle is the direction the rear axle points, which comes from rear toe relative to the vehicle centerline.

After turning, the vehicle tends to keep pulling in the direction of the last turn (memory steer). What is a likely cause?

Answer: A binding upper strut mount or ball joint

A binding pivot point keeps the steering from returning to center, so the vehicle follows the last turn.