Monte Carlo V6-3.4L VIN E (2000)
ensure parallel rolling of the wheels. Toe also serves to offset the small deflections of the wheel support system which occur whenever the vehicle is
rolling forward. Even when the wheels are set to toe-in or toe-out, the wheels tend to roll parallel on the road when the vehicle is moving.
Thrust Angle Description
The front wheels aim or steer the vehicle. The rear wheels control tracking. This tracking action relates to the thrust angle. The thrust angle is the path
that the rear wheels take. Ideally, the thrust angle is geometrically aligned with the body centerline (2).
In the illustration, toe-in is shown on the left rear wheel, moving the thrust line off center. The resulting deviation (3) from the centerline is the thrust
angle (1).
Frame Misalignment Description
The frame is a rubber isolated sub-frame in the front of the vehicle. The frame supports the engine and the transaxle. The frame provides the mounting
point for the front suspension lower control arms. The frame in the upper illustration is normal. Any misalignment of the frame, as shown, causes a
misalignment of the front wheels. Movement of the frame usually causes an increase in caster on one side of the vehicle and a decrease in caster on the
other side of the vehicle. This can cause the following conditions:
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Cause the exhaust system to bind up
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Cause problems with the control cables
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Cause unacceptable noises and/or sounds
Check the frame for any obvious damage. In the illustration, the frame (1) is moved toward the rear. The left lower control arm and the left ball joint
are moved toward the rear, changing the caster on the left side only. The top of the strut cannot move because the strut is mounted to the strut tower in
the body.
General Description
Wheel alignment refers to the angular relationship between the following:
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The wheels
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The suspension attaching parts
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The ground
Four Wheel Alignment
Perform a complete wheel alignment check whenever a service check is deemed necessary. This check includes the measurement of all four wheels.
The fuel economy and the tire life increases when the vehicle is geometrically aligned. Additionally, the steering and the performance maximize.
Lead/Pull Description
Lead is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road, without hand pressure on the steering wheel. Lead is usually the result of one
of the following conditions:
1. Tire construction. Refer to Vibration Diagnosis and Correction under Steering and Suspension Testing and Inspection. Refer also to General
