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Types of Alignment |
| Four wheel alignment: The definition of a four wheel alignment refers to setting the alignment angles (Caster, Camber & Toe) on all four wheels so that they are positioned straight ahead and the steering wheel centered. This type of alignment applies to most front wheel drive vehicles and select rear wheel drives. | |
| Thrust angle alignment: Sometimes called a two wheel alignment, a thrust angle alignment aligns the front wheels with the "rear thrust line" (signified by the thick red arrow) or driving direction of the rear wheels. This type of alignment applies to light trucks, vehicles without rear adjustments and most rear wheel drive cars. | |
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The main angles |
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| Positive Camber | Positive Caster | Positive Toe |
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The proper perspective here is that we are looking at the front of the vehicle & at the left front tire. We see the top of the tire leaning away from the vehicle. Negative Camber would be just the opposite, leaning in. As a note, if the Camber angle were perfectly straight up & down it would be even with the 0 mark shown above. |
The proper perspective here is that we are looking at the front left tire from the side view. If the top of the strut (or upper ball joint) is set back relative to the lower ball joint the Caster angle will be positive. If the top is ahead of the lower ball joint Caster is negative. Of course if the top is even with the lower it will be the 0 mark shown above. |
The proper perspective here is that we are looking down at the front of the car. The leading edges of both tires are turned in towards the vehicles center line (hashed line in center), this is positive Toe. If the leading edges were turned away it would be negative Toe. If both tires were perfectly parallel with the vehicle center line they would be at 0 Toe. |
| Well, what do these angles do anyhow? | ||
| When the Camber angle is out it can cause long term smooth tire wear on one side of the affected tire(s). Though rare, in some cases Camber can actually create a "pulling" or "drifting" effect like tire with radial pull or a Caster problem. | Caster has little to do with any form of tire wear. Its claim to fame however it its ability to cause a car to "pull" to one side. Many times however what most think is a caster problem is actually one of two tire issues, a separated tire (below illustration) or radial pull. | Toe is the Godzilla of alignment angles. If you have a toe problem you will see immediate signs of "feathered" tire wear patterns. Toe can actually ruin a new set of tires within days! Check your tires for wear each time you rotate them to stay ahead of possible Toe wear. |
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Alignment and (or) bad front end parts. This wear can include Toe angle wear and (or) Camber wear. **This type of wear can be easily missed when it is on the inside of the tire. |
Here is a separation in the tread itself. This will cause a wobble effect at lower speeds and a pull to one side. If not addressed, the tire can become a serious hazard. |
Feathered Toe angle wear is caused by misalignment. It can be easily felt by running your palm along the tread clockwise or counter clockwise. |
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The equipment |
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At Fairfield Tire Center, Inc. we utilize state of the art Bear alignment systems in our shops. Compared to previous alignment technologies, the Bear system is a quantum leap in dependability and accuracy. Along with Bear's hardware comes Bear's 4000 Align alignment software. Bear creates a diagnostic environment that lets your Fairfield Tire Center, Inc. alignment technician "see" your alignment with greater precision and depth, including the ability to spot possible trouble in the frame itself. Like Fairfield Tire Center, Inc., Bear engineering has striven to remain the leader in their field and we are proud to use their equipment. |
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The basic procedure |
| First, we test drive the vehicle to make sure there isn't something being missed by the customer's description of the problem. |
| Next, we will check the air pressure and tire quality of all four tires. Low air pressure and worn tires can cause serious pulling and handling problems. |
| After inspecting the vehicles for worn parts we mount and compensate the sensors of the alignment machine. Compensating the sensors shows the computer any bend or warp in a rim. Once the computer can see the warp it can mathematically compensate for the warp thereby bypassing any possible error in the final reading. |
| Finally, once the final reading is taken the car's needed adjustments are made. |
Fairfield Tire Center, Inc. has been specializing in Alignments for almost 31 years. We invest in the latest computerized alignment equipment to make sure you have the most accurate alignment possible on your vehicle. Stop by or call one of our locations today.
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FAIRFIELD TIRE CENTER, INC. |
AEGEAN TIRE CENTER |
