Handling: Tracking and Alignment
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, proper suspension set-up is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable driving experience. One important aspect of suspension set-up is vehicle tracking and alignment. In this article, we will explain what vehicle tracking and alignment are, the different types of vehicle alignments available, and how they play a part with the suspension set-up.
What is Vehicle Tracking?
Vehicle tracking, also known as wheel alignment, is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper vehicle tracking helps to ensure even tire wear, improve fuel efficiency, and maintain the stability and handling of the vehicle.
What is Alignment?
Alignment refers to the adjustment of various suspension angles that impact the orientation of the wheels in relation to the vehicle and the road surface. The three main angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment are camber, caster, and toe. Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel when viewed from the front. Caster refers to the angle of the steering pivot, while toe refers to the angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle.
What is camber, caster and toe?
To ensure proper vehicle tracking and alignment, it is important to understand the three main angles that are adjusted during a wheel alignment: toe, caster, and camber. In this article, we will explain what toe, caster, and camber are in relation to a vehicle's alignment.
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Toe
Toe is the angle of the wheels in relation to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from above. When the wheels are angled inward towards each other, this is called "toe-in". When the wheels are angled outward away from each other, this is called "toe-out". Proper toe alignment helps to ensure even tire wear and improve the handling of the vehicle. Toe-in can help with maintaining straight line speed by reducing "tramlining" and helps reduce overall wander of the vehicle. This is simply because the wheels are pointing inwards to each other by a small degree, pushing the vehicle center. -
Caster
Caster is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A positive caster angle means that the steering pivot is angled towards the rear of the vehicle, while a negative caster angle means that the steering pivot is angled towards the front of the vehicle. Proper caster alignment helps to improve stability and steering response. -
Camber
Camber is the angle of the wheels in relation to the ground when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. A positive camber angle means that the top of the wheel is angled outward away from the vehicle, while a negative camber angle means that the top of the wheel is angled inward towards the vehicle. Proper camber alignment helps to ensure even tire wear and improve the handling of the vehicle, however for general race application vehicles run with negative camber, either on the front, rear or both. Negative camber on the rear of a front wheeled drive vehicle as an example can aid with cornering grip, as it ensures one wheel has 100% contact with the driving surface during hard cornering.
Different Types of Vehicle Alignments
There are three main types of vehicle alignments, including front-end alignment, thrust angle alignment, and four-wheel alignment. Each type of alignment has its own unique benefits and is recommended for different situations.
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Front-end Alignment
A front-end alignment is a common type of alignment that adjusts the camber and toe angles of the front wheels only. This type of alignment is recommended for vehicles with a solid rear axle, as the rear wheels are assumed to be properly aligned. -
Thrust Angle Alignment
A thrust angle alignment is a type of alignment that adjusts the rear wheels to ensure they are parallel to the front wheels. This type of alignment is recommended for vehicles with a solid rear axle that are experiencing issues with the vehicle pulling to one side or the other. -
Four-wheel Alignment
A four-wheel alignment is a type of alignment that adjusts all four wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This type of alignment is recommended for vehicles with independent suspension, as all four wheels can be adjusted separately.
Suspension Set-up and Alignment
Proper suspension set-up is crucial for ensuring proper vehicle tracking and alignment. A suspension system that is worn or damaged can cause the wheels to become misaligned, resulting in uneven tire wear, poor handling, and decreased fuel efficiency. It is important to have your suspension system checked regularly to ensure it is functioning properly.
In addition, certain suspension modifications, such as lowering or lifting a vehicle, can impact the alignment settings. When making any suspension modifications, it is important to have the vehicle realigned to ensure the suspension angles are properly adjusted.
Conclusion
Proper vehicle tracking and alignment are crucial for maintaining the safety and performance of your vehicle. The different types of vehicle alignments available are designed to meet different needs, and each plays an important role in ensuring proper suspension set-up. Regular maintenance and checks of the suspension system are key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and safely.