Why Alignment Angles Change

Why Alignment Angles Change

An alignment angle doesn’t change randomly. There is a cause-and-effect relationship between external and ­internal forces that can alter the geometry of a vehicle’s suspension. Having the alignment reading for only one angle on one corner is just like having the outside temperature without knowing if there is a tornado outside.

Just making an adjustment and not asking why the adjustment was needed can lead to a comeback. Knowing why the adjustment is required is critical to performing the total alignment.

Loads

Loads in the rear of the vehicle can cause changes to caster and camber. The camber and caster will become positive in the front, and if the vehicle has an independent rear suspension, the camber will become negative and it will be toed out. This could lead to outside edge wear in the front and inside edge wear in the rear.

alignment angles
Ford Taurus with broken rear springs. An alignment will not go well.

Worn Springs

As a suspension compresses and rebounds, the alignment angles change. Engineers tune alignment angles for a specific ride height to maximize handling and tire wear. If a spring can no longer support the vehicle, the alignment angles will suffer.

Springs are made of metal that is heat treated, but can still fatigue. This includes leaf, coil and torsion bar springs. Even under normal conditions on a smooth road, a spring can cycle an average of 1,750 times for every mile traveled. If you see a vehicle that needs considerable adjustments for camber on both wheels of the same axle, inspect the springs.

Bushings

Rubber bushings are designed to insulate the chassis against road vibration and noise. Ozone, extreme temperatures and other atmospheric issues tend to harden rubber bushings and cause them to transmit noise and vibration. Even worse, worn suspension bushings can cause excessive tire wear because they can’t maintain accurate toe angles during braking and acceleration.

Many late-model vehicles include hydraulic bushings on the control arms, with chambers passing fluid at different rates depending on the movement of the suspension. Some bushings will leak when they fail, while others won’t leak as the damage will be internal. Symptoms of a damaged bushing include rattle noise coming from the front of the vehicle while driving at slow speeds.

bent chassisBent Components

A bent control arm will change toe and camber alignment. Misalignment of these angles can scrub the rubber off a set of tires as fast as any lead-footed teenager with an attitude. Only 1/8 inch of toe misalignment can produce scrub equivalent to dragging the tire sideways 28 feet for every mile that’s traveled! So, if you see a feathered wear pattern on the tires or what looks like camber wear on the inside or outside shoulders of both front tires (radials primarily), the toe is probably out of alignment.

Cradle Shift

More and more automakers are offering all-wheel-drive on an increasing number of vehicles from small SUVs to compact sedans. The differential and suspension components of these vehicles are mounted on a cradle that may only connect to the uni-body in four to six locations.

When aligning these types of vehicles, pay attention to wheel setback and thrust angle. These diagnostic angles can help you determine if the cradle or suspension components are damaged.

Most thrust angle problems on these suspensions can be resolved with toe adjustments, but if the cradle has shifted, you may quickly run out of adjustment on the toe links.

rear suspension
1999 Chrysler 300M Rear Suspension.

Advanced Diagnostics

Have you ever noticed a vehicle with one wheel that has a build up of brake dust? It could be the thrust angle. This can occur on all vehicles with stability control, no matter the type of suspension design.

The thrust angle is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the rear axle’s centerline. This measurement compares the direction that the rear axle is aimed with the centerline of the vehicle. It also confirms if the rear axle is parallel to its front axle, and that the wheelbase on both sides is the same.

To the customer, an off thrust angle will mean an off-center steering wheel. To a stability control system, the increased steering angle and changes in yaw sensor readings could be seen as understeer. To correct the imaginary push, the ESC system will pulse the brakes for one wheel.

The customer may notice a momentary pull. You may notice a buildup of brake dust.

You May Also Like

Chassis Parts and Alignment Angles

Knowing why the adjustment is required is critical to performing the total alignment.

An alignment angle doesn’t change randomly. There is a cause-and-effect relationship between external and internal forces that can alter the geometry of a vehicle’s suspension. Having the alignment reading for only one angle on one corner is just like knowing the temperature without knowing if there is a tornado outside.

Suspension Upgrades – Selling Shocks and Struts

The question customers fail to ask is, what is “best” for their vehicle?

Air Ride Suspension Diagnostics

The key to understanding the logic of air ride systems is using service information.

Steering Angle Sensor Operations

It is important for the ABS/ESC module to receive two signals to verify the steering wheel’s position.

Chassis Alignment

The source of the complaint can be the angles, electronics or tires.

Other Posts

Audi MLB Alignment

The alignment of these vehicles can be straightforward mechanically

AWD and ABS Services

AWD is always engaged and with the ABS brake modulator, can perform like systems with limited-slip differentials.

Laying Out Your Shop for ADAS/EV Repairs

With so many vehicles equipped with some form of ADAS, rethinking your electronics layout or plan might be in order.

Broken Springs

What is the cause for the failure? Why does it occur with specific vehicles?