Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide – QL411C
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©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
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Primary Wheel Alignment Angles
Wheel alignment geometry describes the positioning of the wheels, tires, and suspension components in relation to each other and to
the vehicle as a whole. Proper relationships between these elements are necessary for safe, responsive handling, and maximum tire life.
Camber
Listed below are the primary elements that comprise a vehicle’s wheel alignment geometry.
Caster
Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Camber Caster Toe Thrust Line &
Thrust Angle
The Effects of Alignment Geometry on Handling, Ride, Steering, and Tire Wear
Incorrect wheel alignment geometry can be the cause Alignment geometry may not be the most likely cause of
or a contributing factor to nearly every type of handling every type of handling complaint. Individual wheel alignment
complaint. Wheel alignment inspection reveals not only elements deserve particular attention because they influence
adjustment errors, but also verifies the condition of suspension handling, ride, steering and tire wear.
components and the relationship of the suspension and steering
components to the vehicle structure.
©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Camber
Camber describes the inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire compared to a vertical reference viewed from the front or rear.
The camber angle is the angle formed by a vertical line and the tire’s centerline. This value is measured in degrees.
Camber
Negative Camber Zero Camber Positive Camber
Top of tire tilts inward Tire does not tilt Top of tire tilts outward
Caster
Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Camber Is Measured With the Vehicle At Rest Diagnosing Pulling Complaints
Vehicle loading and suspension reactions to road irregularities Remember that camber values may be within specification and
result in a camber value that changes as the vehicle is in motion. still cause a pulling complaint from excessive camber spread.
A tire’s static camber value is specified to achieve a balance The diagnostic rule is:
between tire wear and handling performance when the vehicle • Camber Pulls Positive - The vehicle pulls in the direction of
is moving. the tire with the most positive camber value.
Camber Spread
Camber spread (or cross camber) is the difference in camber
values between the left and right side of the vehicle. This
difference is normally specified as a maximum of 30’ (0.5°) or
45’ (0.75°) depending upon the model.
©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Caster Ride Height Affect on Caster
Click the tabs at the top and side to view each section
Caster
Camber
Caster describes the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis compared to a vertical reference viewed from the side. The caster
angle is the angle formed by the intersection of the steering axis and a vertical line through the wheel’s centerline.
Positive Caster Negative Caster
Steering axis tilts rearward Steering axis tilts forward
Caster
Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Purpose of Caster Caster Spread
Caster is designed into the front suspension geometry of a Caster spread (or cross caster) is the difference in caster values
vehicle for two reasons: between the left and right side of the vehicle. Tweaked subframe
1. Directional control positioning may also affect cross caster.
2. Steering returnability Diagnosing Pulling Complaints
Steering Axis Remember that caster values may be within specification and
still cause a pulling complaint from excessive caster spread. The
The steering axis is an imaginary line that the spindle diagnostic rule is:
pivots around.
• Caster Pulls Negative - The vehicle pulls in the direction of
• The upper and lower ball joints define the steering axis on a the tire with the most negative caster value.
double wishbone suspended vehicle.
• The upper strut bearing and the lower ball joint define the
steering axis on a MacPherson strut suspended vehicle. ©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Caster Ride Height Affect on Caster
Ride Height Affect on Caster
Camber
A caster value deviating from specification may have several causes. Caster error at both front wheels can often be traced to the
relationship between caster and the attitude or level of the vehicle.
Caster
Toe
Normal Ride Height
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Front Raised or Rear Lowered Front Lowered or Rear Raised
Increases caster Decreases caster
• A change in the height of either the front or the rear of the Measuring Caster
vehicle alters the caster at a rate of approximately one Caster is typically calculated by measuring the amount
degree of caster for each one degree change in vehicle of camber change through a 40° turn of the wheels
attitude. and multiplying the result by a constant value. Electronic
• By lowering the rear of the vehicle (sagging springs measurement systems perform this function and determine the
or an overloaded condition) caster is moved positive. direction and degree of the turn.
• Large individual caster errors suggest possible If the vehicle being measured has excessive toe error, the
bent or worn suspension components or even toe value should be adjusted close to specification before
structural damage. measuring and adjusting caster.
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Toe Individual and Total Toe
Toe
Camber
Toe is the difference in distance between the front of the tires and the rear of the tires viewed from above. When measured as an angle,
toe describes the angle formed by the vehicle’s centerline and a line extended through the center of the tires.
Toe In Toe Out
(Positive Toe) Zero Toe (Negative Toe)
Caster
+ -
Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Purpose of Toe Toe Specifications
The primary purpose of a static toe angle is to keep the front Differences in suspension and powertrain design determine the
wheels operating at nearly zero toe when the vehicle is static toe specification.
in motion. • Most vehicles operate with a slight amount of toe-in.
• Toe provides compensation for the various forces acting on • Some front-wheel-drive designs may specify zero toe or
the steering linkage while the vehicle is moving. even slight toe-out.
©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Toe Individual and Total Toe
Individual Toe and Total Toe
Camber
Toe measurements can be total toe or individual toe. When measuring toe, both individual and total toe must be inspected.
• Total toe is the sum of individual toe values. • Both are measured with the wheels steered straight ahead and the
vehicle at its correct ride height.
Individual Toe Individual Toe
Caster
(Left) (Right)
Left Toe
Toe
+ Right Toe
= Total Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Effect of Toe on Steering Wheel Alignment Caster & Camber Effect on Toe
• Individual toe values determine the position of the steering Any changes in wheel or tire position (such as caster or camber
wheel. adjustments) change the toe value.
• When individual toe values are equal and the rear wheels are • For this reason, the front wheel toe is measured and adjusted
in proper alignment, the steering wheel is centered when the after all other alignment adjustments have been made.
vehicle is traveling straight down Steering Linkage Effect on Toe
the road.
Changes in the length of the steering linkage by either damage or
Ride Height Effect on Toe adjustment error, or a change in overall tire/wheel diameter can
The correct ride height is important since the toe values change also effect toe adjustment.
as the suspension travels through compression The Repair Manual specifies total toe and requires tie rod length
and rebound. to be equal from side to side.
• Bump steer is caused when the right and left steering • To accomplish equal individual toe, one-half the total toe
linkage and suspension travel in different paths or arcs. value is applied to each wheel. ©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
The thrust line is the average direction of the rear wheels. The thrust line divides or bisects the vehicle’s rear total toe value.
Camber
The intersection of the vehicle’s geometric centerline and the thrust line form the thrust angle. The geometric centerline is an
imaginary line extending through the midpoint of both the front and rear axles.
Thrust angle directly affects steering wheel position (steering wheel off center).
Negative Positive
Caster
Thrust Angle Thrust Thrust
Toe
Thrust Line & Thrust Angle
Thrust
Line
Geometric
Centerline
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Lexus Basic Alignment Geometry
Quick Training Guide QL411C
Primary Wheel Alignment Angles Sequence of Adjustments
Sequence of Adjustments
The process of correcting wheel alignment geometry is determined by the relationships between the individual alignment angles,
vehicle, and the type of alignment being performed.
Before setting the front wheel toe, make all other adjustments first because the positioning of each wheel influences the front toe value.
Specific details of the alignment sequence may be dictated by the electronic alignment equipment being used.
The actual adjustment process should generally occur in the following order:
This adjustment sequence is one of the final components of a
complete diagnostic process.
• Proper wheel alignment diagnosis and correction must
follow all of the diagnostic steps.
• Always ensure proper ride height and tire pressure.
• Simply adjusting the alignment geometry without proper
inspection of the suspension, steering, and other related
systems may not correct and could even mask the root
cause of the customer complaint.
©Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., September 11, 2012
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