Wheel alignment angles of a car (Mazda 121 (3))

Optimal driving characteristics and minimal tire wear are only achieved when the wheels are installed correctly. If the tires wear excessively and unevenly, lack stability, poor directional stability when driving straight and poor steering when driving in a turn, you should visit a workshop and have the wheel installation checked optically.

Accurate measurements of wheel geometry cannot be made without the appropriate equipment. Therefore, the description in this chapter is limited to an explanation of the basic necessary concepts.

Toe/Camber/Steering Axis Tilt/Pitch

Toe-in is the lateral distance between the wheels. Positive toe-in means that the wheels, measured at the height of the midpoints, are spaced less apart in front than in the rear. Negative toe-in (discrepancy) means that the front of the wheels are slightly wider than the rear.



Toe-in and caster prevent road irregularities from being transmitted to the steering wheel and keep cornering friction as low as possible.

Camber is the angle at which the plane of the wheel deviates from the vertical. The front wheels are therefore at an angle, for example, with negative camber the lower points of the wheels are wider than the upper ones.



The transverse inclination of the steering axis is the angle between the steering axis of the steering knuckle and the vertical at the point where the wheel touches the ground, looking along the vehicle.

The longitudinal tilt of the steering axis is the angle between the steering axis of the steering knuckle and the vertical at the point where the wheel touches the ground, looking across the car. The longitudinal tilt angle significantly affects the stability of the front wheels. Too small an angle contributes to the deviation of the wheel from the direction of travel on bad roads or in a crosswind and, in addition, leads to the fact that after a turn the steering does not return well to the straight-ahead position.

[Content based on information from: MAZbook.ru]

Prerequisites for inspections

The steering is adjusted correctly.

There is no unacceptable play in the steering rods and suspension, the wheels and tires are in order.

The tire pressure is correct.

The car has an operational weight: the spare wheel and jack are in their designated places. Apart from this, there should be nothing else in the car.

The car was rocked a lot before this.