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Service Manual Steering System
Service Manual Steering System
Sector:
AUTOMOTIVE
Qualification:
Automotive Servicing NC II
Unit of Competency:
12. Provide work skill instructions 12. Providing work skill instructions ALT311209
13. Identify and select original Identifying and selecting original ALT723210
automotive parts and products automotive parts and products
8. Service Differential and Front Axle Servicing Differential and Front ALT723311
Axle
9. Service steering system Servicing Steering system ALT723312
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a particular
outcome, you don't have to do the same training again.
Talk to your trainer about having them formally recognized. If you have a
qualification or Certificate of Competence from previous training, show it to you r
trainer. If the skills you acquired are still current and relevant to the unit/s of
competency they may become part of the evidence you can present for RPL. If you
are not sure about the currency of your skills, discuss this with your trainer.
After completing this module ask your trainer to assess your competency.
Result of your assessment will be recorded in your competency profile. All the
learning activities are designed for you to complete at your own pace.
Inside this learner's guide you will find the activities for you to complete and at
the back are the relevant information sheets for each learning outcome. Each
learning outcome may have more than one learning activities.
At the back of this learner's guide is a Learner Diary. Use this diary to record
important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace events that will assist you in
providing further details to your trainer or an assessor. A Record of Achievement is
also provided for your trainer to complete once you complete the module.
This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency, in Servicing
Manual Steering System. This will be the source of information for you to acquire
knowledge and skills in this particular trade, with minimum supervision or help from your
technical/tool subjects instructor with the aid of this material you will acquire the
competency independently and at your own place.
Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the training of this
unit. Read through the learning guide carefully. It is divided into section, which
cover all the skills, and knowledge you need to successfully complete this module.
Work through all the information and complete these activities in each section.
Read information sheet and complete the self-check. Suggested the references
are included to supplement the materials provide in this module.
Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager. He/she is
there to support you and show you the correct way to do things. Ask for help.
Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to consider when you
are completing activities and its important that you listen and take notes.
You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice on the job.
Make sure you practice your new skills during regular work shifts. This way you
will improve both your speed and memory and also your confidence.
Use the self-check question at the end of each section to test you own progress.
When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the activity outline in
the learning guide.
As you work through activity, ask for written feedback on your progress. Your
trainer keeps feedback/pre-assessment reports for this reason. When you have a
successfully completed each element, ask your trainer to mark on the reports that
you are ready for assessment.
When you have completed this module (or several module), feel confidence that
you have had sufficient practice; your trainer will arrange an appointment withy
registered assessor to assess you. The results of your assessment will be
recorded in your competency Achievement Record.
QUALIFICATION : Automotive Servicing NC II
INTRODUCTION:
You need to complete this module before you can service and repair electronic
drive management systems. Practices in this module will help you in servicing manual
steering system.
This module consist of four learning outcomes, each outcome contains learning
activities for both knowledge and skills, supported with information sheets, self check,
and job/ operation sheets, gathered from different sources. Before you perform the
manual exercises, read the information/ operation sheet and answer the self-check
provided to confirm to yourself and to your instructor that you are equipped with
knowledge necessary to perform the skill portion of the particular learning outcome.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
4.1 Steering and suspension component conditions are accurately checked prior
alignment.
4.2 Wheel alignment equipment is positioned/installed as per manual instruction.
4.3 Equipment reading is interpreted accurately and required adjustment done as per
manufacturer specification.
4.4 Wheel alignment is adjusted.
PRE-REQUISITE:
• Before you tackle this module you must complete the basic and common modules
first.
Qualification : Automotive Servicing NC II
Assessment Criteria :
Resources :
Code No.
Servicing Manual Steering System
ALT723312
LEARNING EXPERIENCES
Learning Outcome # 1: Analyze front-end geometry failure
At the end of these learning activities you should be able to visually inspect tire
wear/steering system, setup wheel alignment equipment, inspect and adjust camber,
caster and toe-angle of a vehicle.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES:
Do you know the working components of the steering system and their
functions?
Figure 1 Front wheel drive car with MacPherson-strut front suspension and strut-type independent
rear suspension. (Saturn Corporation)
4.2.1.1
The steering wheel and steering shaft
that transmit the driver’s movement to
the steering gear.
4.2.1.2
The steering gear that increases the
mechanical advantage while changing
the rotary motion of the steering wheel
to linear motion.
4.2.1.3
The steering linkage that carries the
linear motion to the steering arms.
Most smaller and down-sized vehicles use a rack-and-pinion steering gear. It has a
pinion gear on the end of the steering shaft that meshes with a flat rack of gear teeth.
Tie rods connect the ends of the rack to the steering arms. As the steering wheel turns,
the pinion gear moves the rack to the right or left. This moves the tie rods and steering
arms which turn the steering knuckles and wheels inward or outward.
Figure 5 Manual rack-and-pinion steering gear. (Chrysler Corporation)
The inner ends of the tie rods have balls which fit into ball sockets on the ends of the
rack. This allows the outer ends of the tie rods to move up and down with the steering
knuckles and wheels. Flexible rubber boots or bellows protect the steering gear from
dust and water.
Many steering systems have an intermediate steering shaft between the steering column
and the steering gear. The intermediate shaft has a universal joint at the upper end and
a flexible coupling at the lower end. These help prevent road shock and noise from
passing up through the steering column to the driver.
SELF-CHECK LO1-1
1. What part of the system connects the steering wheel to the steerable wheels and
tires?
a. suspension
b. linkage
c. power steering
d. electric motor
2. Which type of steering system uses only the driver’s force to steer the vehicle?
a. manual steering
b. power steering
c. electronic steering
d. hydraulic steering
3. Which component of the steering system converts the rotary motion of the
steering wheel into straightline or linear motion?
a. steering arm
b. steering wheel
c. steering gear
d. steering knuckles
1. B
1. A
2. C
3. D
4. B
Information Sheet LO1-2
ANALYZING POWER STEERING FAILURE
Most steering and suspension troubles fall into one of four groups. These are hard
steering, handling problems, noise and leaks. Refer to Table 1 Steering and Suspension
Trouble-Diagnosis Chart.
Trouble-diagnosis charts and procedures for specific vehicles are in the vehicle service
manual.
RAPID
RAPID WEAR WEAR ON ONE FEATHERED SCALLOPED
CONDITION WEAR AT BALD SPOTS
AT CENTER SIDE EDGE WEAR
SHOULDERS
EFFECT
2. Inspect each tire for wear. Refer to table 1 and 2 of Information Sheet LO1-2.
3. Record findings in a piece of paper starting from the left front tire (driver’s side) and
so on.
Your recording may look like this. You may also add tire brand and size.
Pre-Alignment Inspection
Four-Wheel Alignment
To prevent rear-wheel misalignment causing a drift or pull after alignment of the front
wheels, many vehicles should have a four-wheel alignment. This is the aligning of the
rear wheels and then the front tires so the vehicle has a common vehicle centerline,
geometric centerline and thrust line.
Four wheel alignment is usually recommended for 1980 and later model vehicles, and
vehicles with front-wheel drive or independent rear suspension. Always align the rear
wheels first when performing a four-wheel alignment.
Operation Sheet LO1-2
Align Front-Wheels
2. Measuring Caster:
a. Checking caster requires placing the tires on turning radius gauges (figure 6).
b. Watch the scale on the turning-radius gauge and turn each wheel in 20 degrees.
c. Adjust the gauge until the caster bubble reads zero.
d. Turn the wheel until it is pointing out 20 degrees,
e. Read the caster measurement from the positive or negative side of the caster
scale.
f. Repeat the procedure on the other wheel.
5. Measuring Toe.
a. Toe can be measured with a mechanical toe gauge (see figure 9).
b. Measure the distance between the centers at the back of the tires.
c. The difference is total toe.
d. Wheel aligners with gauges or sensors on both wheels measure the indicated toe
of each wheel.
When wheel alignment angles must be
adjusted, make the adjustments in the specified
order. This is usually caster, camber and toe.
Adjust caster first if it is adjustable. Then adjust
camber (if adjustable). Adjust toe last.
There are several methods for adjusting caster and camber on short-arm/long arm
(SALA) suspensions which have unequal-length control arms.
These include installing or removing shims, adjusting the cam bolts in the control
arms, shifting the control-arm inner shaft, and changing the length of the strut rod.
1. Shim Adjustment.
a. The shims are located at the upper-
control-arm shafts, either outside or
inside the frame or frame bracket.
When the shims are inside the
frame bracket, adding shims moves
the upper control arm outward. This
increases positive camber.
b. Adding shims at one bolt and
removing shims from the other
moves the outer end of the upper- Figure 10 Caster and camber adjustments on some
control arm forward or backward. vehicles using shims. (Chevrolet Division of General
This decreases caster. Motors Corporation)
Many front-wheel-drive vehicles have stub axles or spindles on which the rear hubs and
wheels mount. Rear-wheel camber and toe may be adjustable.
Rear-wheel caster is usually set to zero
and is not adjustable. Various methods of
adjusting rear-wheel camber and toe are
described below. Refer to vehicle service
manual for rear-wheel alignment
procedures on specific vehicles.
1. Adjusting Rear-Wheel Camber
a. In some vehicles, camber is
adjusted by turning a cam bolt in
the inner end of the lower-control
Figure 19 Adjusting rear-wheel camber by turning a
arm or spindle-support rod (figure cam bolt in the inner end of the lower-control arm, or
19). spindle-support rod. (Chevrolet Division of General
Motors Corporation)
b. On other vehicles, shims placed
between the spindle and the
mounting plate provides the camber
adjustment (figure 20A).
One side of the tire is slightly larger in diameter than the other side. The result is that
the tire rolls slightly to one side, as does a cone. The condition is more noticeable when
the affected tire is mounted on a front wheel.
To locate and correct a tire-conicity problem (or a tire with a different circumference),
inflate all tires to the same air pressure. Swap the front wheels and road test the vehicle.
If it now pulls in the opposite direction, swap the left-front and left-rear tires. If the pull is
gone, the tire now on the left-rear is defective. If the pull still exists, swap the right-front
and right-rear tires. If the pull is gone, the tire now on the right-rear is defective. If the
vehicle still pulls, the tires are not causing the problem.
Qualification : Automotive Servicing NC II
Assessment Criteria :
Resources :
th
• Automotive Mechanics 10 edition
William H. Crouse and Donald L. Anglin pp. 675-690
• List down the correct procedure in For more information about serving system
servicing steering system. read reference listed below:
5. Check tire wear
5.1 Read • Automotive mechanics
a. types of tire wear Anglin & Crouse
th
b. causes of tire wear 10 edition
Pp 675 – 690
After reading a and b from the • Nissan Diesel Chassis repair manual
attach learning resources, answer Model; CK 20 – TK 20 series Vol. 2
the self-check.
Refer to the vehicle service manual for diagnosis and service procedures on electronic
steering and electronic suspension systems. Also refer to the vehicle service manual for
diagnosis, service and wheel alignment procedures on vehicles with four-wheel steering.
The fasteners in the steering and suspension systems are vital parts. They affect the
proper operation and safety of the vehicle. A fastener failure can cause damage and
injury. Reinstall a fastener in the same location from which it was removed. Some
fasteners should not be reused. If a fastener seems to be replaced, use the specified
replacements. It should have the same part number, or be of equal size or stronger than
the original. Use thread-locking compound where specified. Tighten all fasteners to the
specified torque or torque angle.
Hard Steering
A vehicle has hard steering when the driver must exert excessive steering effort to turn
the steering wheel. This may be caused by too little clearance in the steering gear and
excessive friction in the steering linkage or ball joints. Other causes include uneven tire
pressure and spring sag. Excessive positive caster makes the vehicle hard to steer and
causes the steering wheel to turn too fast.
Start the engine on vehicles with power steering. If the steering wheel turns easily, the
steering is not at fault.
Excessive Play
Excessive play means there is excessive movement of the steering wheel without
corresponding movement of the front wheels. A small amount of freeplay makes steering
easier. Too much freeplay reduces the driver’s ability to steer accurately and control the
vehicle.
Check the amount of freeplay in the steering by placing the steering wheel in the straight-
ahead position. Measure the free movement of the steering wheel at the rim. The
specification for maximum allowable freeplay is in the vehicle service manual. On the
steering system, maximum freeplay should not exceed 3/8 inch (9.5 mm). if the steering
column or shaft joints, steering gear, steering linkage, or suspension.
Wander
Wander is the tendency of a vehicle to drift from one side of the road to the other. The
driver must continually fight the steering wheel to keep the vehicle traveling in the
desired direction. This condition usually results from lost motion somewhere between the
steering wheel and the road wheels. In addition to loose steering or suspension, other
causes include tire problems, an unevenly loaded or overloaded vehicle, and excessive
toe-out.
Shimmy
Shimmy is the rapid in-and-out movement or wobble of a front wheel on its steering axis.
This causes the front end of the vehicle to shake from side to side. It can result from
worn or damaged parts, excessive side-to-side caster difference, and wheel and tire
imbalance or runout. With rack-and-pinion steering, possible causes include worn
steering-gear mounting bushings and loose rack ball sockets or tie-rod ends.
Tramp
Tram is the hopping up-and-down of a wheel at higher speeds. This is usually due to
wheel and tire imbalance or mount, or a defective strut or shock absorber.
Steering Kickback
Steering kickback is the sharp and rapid movement of the steering wheel that results
when the front tires meet holes or bumps in the road. Some kickback is normal. If it is
excessive , check for uneven tire pressure, sagging springs, defective shock absorbers,
and loose steering gear or linkage.
Poor Returnability
Returnability is the tendency of the front wheels to return freely to the straight-ahead
position when the driver releases the steering wheel after a turn. Excessive friction or
binding in the steering or suspension causes poor returnability. Then the steering wheel
returns slowly or the driver may have to return the steering wheel to center. Other causes
include the tires and wheel alignment.
Any running toe (in or out) increases tire wear. This scrapes off rubber and leaves a
feathered edge on the tread. Excessive toe-in wears a feathered edge on the inside of
the tire tread. Too much toe-out causes a feathered edge along the outside of the tread.
If only one front tire has a feathered edge, check for a bent steering arm. If both front
tires have a feathered edge, the front-end has improper toe.
Spring Breakage
A leaf spring can break from overloads, a loose U bolt, or a tight spring shackle. A coil
spring or torsion bar can break because of a defective shock absorber. An air spring may
fail to hold air.
Leaks
Lubricant will leak from around the rotating shafts in the steering gear if the seals are
worn or damaged. Leaks from the power-steering pump may be caused by overfilling the
reservoir, a missing reservoir cap, or failure of the shaft seal. Other causes of power-
steering fluid breakage include loose or damaged lines (tube or hose) and fittings,
damaged or missing O-rings, and leaking rack seals.
Steering Ratio
Mechanical advantage is the ratio of the
output force to the input force applied to
a mechanical device. With mechanical
advantage, a small input force can
produce a large output force. In the
steering system, the driver applies a
relatively small force to the steering
wheel. This results in a much larger
steering force at the wheels. For
example, a 10-pound (44.5-N) force
applied to the steering wheel may
produce up to 270 pounds (1201 N) or
higher at the wheels. This increase is
due to the mechanical advantage or
steering ratio at the steering gear.
Figure 26 Steering ratio. Turning the steering wheel
17.5 degrees is required to pivot the front wheel 1
degree.
Variable-Ratio Steering
Many steering gears provide variable-
ratio steering. The steering ratio varies
as the steering wheel moves away
from the straight ahead. A typical
change would be from 16:1 to 13:1.
For the first 40 degrees of steering
wheel movement in either direction,
the steering ratio is constant. This
faster ratio provides good steering
control for highway driving. The
steering ratio decreases when the
steering wheel turns more than 40
degrees. The lower steering ratio Figure 7 The relationship or ratio between steering-wheel
helps in city driving during cornering or turns and movement of the front wheels in right and left
parking. turns.
It reduces the amount the steering
wheel must turn fro these maneuvers.
The variable ratio is produced by the
shape of the gear teeth. In a
recirculating-ball steering gear, the
center teeth on the sector gear are
larger than the outer teeth. When the
ball nut has moved far enough to bring
the outer teeth into mesh, the effective
leverage changes. Further ball nut Figure 27 Left, shape of teeth on ball nut and sector gear
movement then produces a greater for constant-ratio steering. Right, shape of teeth for
movement of the sector gear. variable-ratio steering. (Chrysler Corporation)
In a rack-and-pinion steering gear, the shape of the rack teeth can provide variable-ratio
steering.
Code No. Date: Developed Date: Revised Page #
Servicing Manual Steering System
ALT723312 Nov. 28, 2003 June 26, 2007 33
Steering Linkage
Power-Steering-System Components
The hoses and fittings provide the fluid path between the power-steering pump and
the control valve. They are made to take high pressure and flexing. The hoses also
help reduce noise from pump pulsations.
Applying
hydraulic
pressure at either
end of the piston
assists nut and
sector-gear
movement.
Figure 35 Oil flow in
a recirculating-ball
power-steering gear
during a right turn.
Arrows show the oil
flow and the
direction of oil
pressure on the
piston. (Pontiac
Division of General
Motors Corporation)
Below about 20 mph (32 kmph), the solenoid valve allows full fluid-flow. This provides
full power assist at low speed so only a light steering effort is required for parking. As
vehicle speed increases, the solenoid valve reduces fluid-flow to the steering gear.
This increases the steering effort and improves road feel. Full assist returns with sudden
movement of the steering wheel.
Figure 36 shows the solenoid valve on the steering gear. Other systems have the
solenoid valve in the power steering pump. On some cars, setting a switch on the
Code No. Date: Developed Date: Revised Page #
Servicing Manual Steering System
ALT723312 Nov. 28, 2003 June 26, 2007 38
controller increases or decreases steering effort by 10 percent. These cars also have a
diagnostic connection from the power-steering controller. An analog voltmeter can
receive trouble codes through the connector. The trouble codes indicate faults in the
system.
Another speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power-steering system is shown in Figure 33.
The vehicle-speed sensor regulates the fluid pressure according to vehicle speed. A
steering angle sensor is not used. Many rack-and-pinion and recirculating-ball power-
steering systems have variable assist.
Some cars have an electronic rack-and-pinion power steering gear. A fast-acting electric
motor inside the rack housing supplies the power assist. The pinion meshes with helical
grooves which serve as the rack teeth. A magnet and magnetic sensor on the pinion
shaft act as a torque sensor. It signals the electronic control module how much torque is
being applied and in which direction.
As torque is applied by turning the steering wheel, the magnet moves. The greater the
torque and the farther the magnet moves, the stronger the signal to the ECM. The ECM
then sends a varying current to the electric motor. The motor is splined to the ball nut.
When the motor runs, the ball nut rotates. The rotation causes balls to run through the
grooves in the rack. This applies a force against one end of the rack. The result is that
most of the steering effort is supplied by the electric motor.
Electronic power steering does not require a hydraulic pump, hoses, a hydraulic pinion
on the rack, or a sealed rack housing. In addition, if the driver prefers more or less power
assist, it can be changed by resetting a selector switch.
A variety of military and off-road vehicles have had four-wheel steering (4WS) for years.
When the front wheels pivot for steering, the rear wheels also pivot and steer the rear
end of the vehicle. This improves handling and allows tighter turns.
1. A right front-wheel has too much negative caster. The result will be
a. a feathered edge on the inside of the tire tread
b. a feathered edge on the outside of the tire tread
c. pulling to the right
d. pulling to the left
2. A car has no brake problem but pulls to one side during braking. Technician A says
the most likely cause is improper toe. Technician B says the most likely cause is worn
bushings in a lower-control arm. (Who is right?
a. A only
b. B. only
c. both A and B
d. neither A nor B
3. A car with rack-and-pinion steering has a shimmy. Technician A says improper rack-
yoke clearance could be the cause. Technician B says loose rack ball sockets or tie-
rod ends could be the cause. Who is right?
a. A only
b. B. only
c. both A and B
d. neither A nor B
4. A feathered edge on the inside tread of only one front tire may be caused by
a. excessive toe-in or a bent steering arm
b. too much toe-out
c. a loose wheel bearing
d. excessive caster
6. A car with power steering has a buzzing noise at fast idle when the wheels are
straight ahead. Turning the steering wheel causes the noise to stop. The cause could
be
a. a defective power steering pump
b. worn steering-gear mounting bushings
c. excessive steering-wheel freeplay
d. a sticking pressure control valve
10. Methods of adjusting camber on MacPherson struts include all the following
except a. adding or removing shims
b. turning a cam bolt
c. moving the upper strut mount inward or outward
d. enlarging the strut bolt holes with a file.
ANSWER KEY LO2-1
1. A
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. D
7. D
8. B
9. D
10. A
The Next activity will require you to • Nissan Diesel Chassis Repair Manual
know the procedure in pull – outing Model CK 20 – TK 20 series vol. 2
steering. Pp. 2 - 8
2. Perform dismounting of steering as per • The Automotive Drive trains and Chassis
manufacturer manual. Unit
2.1 Read on correct procedure in Felizardo Y. Francisco
dismounting steering system. Pp. 125 - 134
2.2 Actual application on dismounting
of steering system
The ignition lock on the steering column locks both the ignition switch and the steering
wheel. When the ignition key is inserted and turned ON, the steering wheel is freed so the
vehicle can be steered. Turning the key to LOCK allows a plunger to enter a notched disk
that is splined to the steering shaft. This locks the shaft and prevents movements of the
steering wheel.
Suspension Height
Camber
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of a wheel from the vertical when viewed from the
front of the vehicle. A wheel that tilts out at the top has positive (+) camber. If it tilts in, it
has negative (-) camber. The amount of tilt or camber angle is measured in degrees.
On many vehicles, the wheel suspension is adjusted to give a slight outward tilt (positive
camber). Then when the vehicle is loaded and rolling along the road, the wheels should
run straight up and down with zero camber. This puts the full width of the tire tread on
the road surface. However, average running camber of zero seldom occurs. The
camber goes negative when the tire hits a bump and moves up. It goes positive when
the tire drops into a hole in the road. This action is caused by the unequal-length control
arms of the suspension system.
As long as the vehicle rolls on a level road, ideally both front wheels should have the
same camber. However, many roads are slightly higher in the center or crowned.
Because of the crowns, the right wheel runs slightly lower than the left. This adds a slight
amount of positive camber.to the right wheel. Also, the vehicle often has only the driver
in it. The driver’s weight tends to reduce the positive camber. The vehicle will drift or pull
in the direction of the wheel with the most positive camber.
Scrub Radius
Scrub radius or steering offset is the distance between the steering axis and the tire
contact-area centerline at their intersections with the road surface. If the steering axis
intersects the road surface inside the tire centerline, scrub radius is positive. If the point
is outside, scrub radius is negative. A zero scrub radius means the steering axis and tire
centerline intersect at the road surface.
Scrub radius is not an alignment angle and usually cannot be directly measured.
However, it affects steering effort, stability, and returnability. Rear-drive vehicles with
unequal-length front-suspension control arms often have positive scrub radius. Front-
drive vehicles with MacPherson-strut front suspension usually have negative scrub
radius. This tends to turn the front wheels inward as the vehicle moves forward. It
also helps maintain directional stability is a tire blows out, and helps maintain straight-
line braking if a front-wheel brake grabs or fails. Any unequal forces applied to the
steering act inboard of the steering axis.
Included Angle
Toe is the measurement of how much the wheels point in or out from the straight-
ahead position. The measurement is made in inches, millimeters or degrees. Ideal
running toe
is zero. This means the wheels are parallel while rolling straight ahead. When the
wheels point in, toe is positive (+). The amount the wheels point inward is toe-in. If the
wheels point out, toe is negative (-). The amount the wheels point out is toe-out. Zero toe
means the wheels run parallel. They are the same distance apart at the front as they are
at the rear.
Toe is set with the vehicle standing still. Typically, the front wheels of a rear-drive
vehicle are given a slight toe-in of about 1/8 inch (3mm). When the vehicle moves
forward, road resistance usually causes the front tires to spread apart or toe out. This
compresses the steering linkage and takes up any play. As a result the tires become
parallel and roll straight ahead with zero toe. On some front-drive vehicles, the front tires
tend to pull in
as the vehicle moves forward. These vehicles are often given a small amount of toe-out.
A tire has to move in the direction the vehicle is traveling. Any toe-in or toe-out drags the
tire sideways as it rolls. The greater the toe or toe angle, the faster the tire wears. Zero
toe allows the tires to roll straight ahead, with neither toe-in nor toe-out.
Turning Radius
Turning radius is the difference in the
angles of the front wheels in a turn. It is
also called toe-out on turns and turning
angle. During a turn, the two front wheels
travel on concentric circles which have a
common center. The inner wheel turns
through a greater angle and follows a
smaller radius than the outer wheel. This
is because the outer wheel must travel a
greater distance and make a wider turn
than the inner wheel.
In figure 50, when the inner wheel turns at
an angle of 20 degrees, the outer wheel
turns 8 degrees. The inner wheel toes out
more to reduce tire scrub (scuffing) and Figure 50 Turning radius, or toe-out-on-turns. (Hunter
wear. Engineering Company)
This difference in toe-out on turns is achieved by the proper relationship among the
steering arms, tie rods and steering gear. The inner- and outer-wheel angles should not
vary more than 1.5 degrees from specifications. If turning radius is not within
specifications, check for a bent steering arm or tie rod.
It usually indicates bent parts. Excessive setback also causes the center point of the
steering gear to be off. Correct any problem with excessive setback before performing a
wheel alignment.
Thrust Angle
When all four wheels are properly aligned
and the steering wheel is centered, the
vehicle should travel forward in a straight
line. However, if a rear wheel has improper
alignment or setback. When the vehicle
moves forward it may not move straight
ahead. The direction of travel is determined
by three lines that run the length of the
vehicle. These are the vehicle centerline,
the geometric centerline that connects the
midpoints of the front wheels and rear
wheels. The thrust line is a line from the
midpoint between the two rear wheels. It
determines the direction the vehicle will
travel if unaffected by the front wheels.
If the thrust line makes a 90-degree angle
with the rear-axle centerline, the thrust line
falls on or coincides with the vehicle Figure 52 Thrust angle on a vehicle with (A) a live
centerline. rear axle and (B) independent rear suspension.
(Ford Motor Company)
The vehicle will travel straight ahead. If the thrust line does not coincide with the vehicle
centerline, a thrust angle is formed between the centerline and the thrust line. The
thrust line then represents the path the vehicle will try to take. This condition is also
called tracking.
The thrust angle affects handling by causing a pull in the direction away from the
thrust line. In a rear-drive vehicle, this may be caused by chassis damage or improper
positioning of the rear axle. Also, independent rear suspensions can have unequal toe
adjustments on the rear wheels. The result can be tire wear similar in appearance to
wear caused by improper toe.
Code No. Date: Developed Date: Revised Page #
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INSPECTING STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
INSPECTING STEERING LINKAGE
Looseness in the
steering linkage can
cause wheel shimmy,
uneven braking
problems, and
excessive tire wear. To
check fro loose
steering linkage, turn
off the air-suspension
switch (trunk switch) on
vehicle with air springs.
Figure 53 An air suspension system with air springs at all four wheels.
(Chrysler Corporation)
Raise the vehicle until the front tires clear the floor. Start the engine if the vehicle has
power steering. [Use a brake-pedal depressor or have an assistant apply the foot or
service brakes. This eliminates any play caused by loose wheel bearings.
With the engine off and the steering wheel unlocked, watch the various connecting parts
when the steering wheel is moved. Movement between the tie-rod end and the steering
arm indicates a worn tapered-hole in the steering arm or loose ball-stud in the tie-rod
end. Check each tie-rod end and other wear points for excessive looseness, binding and
roughness.
When there is excessive looseness in the steering, find out if the looseness is in the
steering gear. Sometimes a steering-gear adjustment eliminates the looseness.
However, an adjustment cannot correct for defective bearing or excessive wear.
Various methods are used to check ball joints. Some have built-in wear indicators. In
others, the amount of wear is measured. Replace any ball joint that has a torn boot.
One test of shock absorbers and strut dampers is the bounce test. Bounce the vehicle at
each corner by pushing down and releasing it. The vehicle should return to its original
height and stay there. If it continues to bounce up and down, the shock absorber or strut
damper is probably defective and should be replaced. Check the shock absorber or strut
for wetness and leaking fluid. A shock absorber or strut damper that has lost fluid will not
work properly and should be replaced. The units are sealed and fluid cannot be added.
After inspecting the steering and suspension, correct any defects found before starting a
wheel alignment. Follow the procedures in the vehicle service manual. Servicing the
steering and suspension includes:
Assessment Criteria :
Resources :
• What are the equipment used in wheel • For more information about balancing the
balancing wheel read references listed below
Assessment Criteria :
Tire Tread
Tire tread is part of the tire that meets
the road. It has a raised pattern molded
into it. There are many designs,
depending on the intended use of the
tire. Many passenger vehicles use mud-
and-snow tires. These can be identified
by M+S or M&S molded into the
sidewall. They provide quiet running with
Figure 65 The difference in the amount of tread a bias
good traction in mud and snow. tire and a radial tire put on the road during a turn.
Mud and snow tires are used on four-wheel-drive pickup trucks. Its tread pattern is
deeper and wider or "more aggressive" than normal tread designs. This provides better
mud-and-snow traction with acceptable wear on paved surfaces. The tread compound is
also designed to resist tearing and chunking.
The treads shown are symmetric and nondirectional. "Nondirectional" means the tire can
run equally well in either direction. The tire can be installed with either sidewall facing
out. The tire must be installed for forward rotation in the direction of an arrow on the
sidewall.
Directional and asymetric sports car tread are used as the rear of the Chevrolet Corvette.
"Asymetric" means the inside half of the tread is not the same as the outside half. The
tire is installed on the side of the car marked on the sidewall, and with the specified
direction of forward rotation. This tire provides better braking and handling characteristics
than a comparable symmetric, nondirectional tire. Different size tires are used at the front
and rear of the Corvette. As a result, each tire is position specific. It can run only in a
specified wheel-position on the car. Other tires are classified as snow tires, studded tires,
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and off-road tires. Snow tires have large rubber cleats that cut through snow to improve
traction. Studded tires have steel studs that stick out above the tread. These improve
traction on ice and snow. However, many states regulate or ban studded tires because of
possible damage to the road surface. A variety of off-road tires are available. These
often have tread patterns using knobs or cleats. Off-road tires usually make noise and
wear prematurely when driven on the highway.
Some tires use two different compounds in the tread. Con compound is softer than the
other for improved traction. In general, the softer the compound, the better the traction.
The harder the compound, the longer the tread life.
Tire Valve
Air is put into the tire or tube trough a spring-loaded tire valve or Schrader valve. On tube
tires, the valve is on the inner tube and sticks out through a hole in the rim. Tubeless
tires use a separate tire valve mounted in a hole in the rim.
Spring force and air pressure hold the tire valve in its normally-closed position. A cap is
usually threaded over the valve stem end to protect it from dirt. The cap also keeps
guard against air leaks. Some tire valves have a non-movable valve core. The core is
three-pronged white plastic. A special deflator is required to let air out of the tube.
.
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The tire-pressure sensors are peizoelectric devices and do not need batteries. In a
piezoelectric device, a small voltage appears across a crystal when a pressure is
applied. In the tire-pressure sensors, the vibration produced by the rolling tire generate
the voltage. Therefore, the system works only when the vehicle is moving or the tire is
being vibrated.
TIRE INSPECTION
Cautions for Servicing Tires
Several cautions must be followed to avoid personal injury and to prevent damage to the
wheel and tire.
5. Protecting your eyes Wear eye protection (safety glasses, safety goggles, or a face
shield) when demounting and mounting tires. When deflating a tire, avoid the air
stream from the tire valve. The air comes out at high speed and can blow dirt or
debris into your eyes.
Tire Inspection
The purpose of inspecting tires is to determine if they are safe for further use. When
defects or improper wear patterns are found, inform the driver. Recommend the services
that will correct the cause of the abnormal wear.
Tires have tread-wear indicators or wear bars. These are filled-in sections of the tread
grooves that will show when the tread has worn down to 1/16 inch (1.6 mm). A tire with a
wear bar showing is worn out and should be replaced. Too little tread remains for
continued safe driving. A tread-depth gauge can be inserted into the tread grooves to
measure tread depth of at least 1/32 inch (0.8 mm) in any two adjacent grooves at any
location on the tire.
Check for bulges in the sidewalls. Bulges mean plies have separated and the tire could
fail at any time. Tires with separated or broken plies should be replaced.
Procedure :
One system of measurement a complete revolution is divided into 360 equal parts,
each of which is called a degree of rotation or simply a degree. If the rotation is
counterclockwise, the measure is ordinarily taken as positive. If the rotation is clockwise,
the measure is negative.
Y
mla = -40
mla = 320
B
O
a
Degrees can be divided into decimal degrees. Each
+320 degree can be divided into 60 equal parts called
minutes (denoted by ’) and each minute can de divided
into 60 equal parts called seconds (denoted by “ ).
Thus,
0
1 = 60’ and 1’ = 60”
Step one: Find the degree measure of an angle formed by rotation of:
Step two:
0
a) 1 ¾ (-360 ) = - 630
0 0 0
b) 17 / 32 (360 ) = 191.25 , or 191 15’