Econoline E150 1/2 Ton V8-4.6L SOHC VIN W (2001)
Dogtracking
Dog tracking is the condition in which the rear axle is not square to the chassis. Heavily crowned roads can give the illusion of dog tracking.
Drift/Pull
Drift/Pull
Pull is a tugging sensation, felt by the hands on the steering wheel, that must be overcome to keep the vehicle going straight.
Drift describes what a vehicle with this condition does with hands off the steering wheel.
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A vehicle-related drift/pull, on a flat road, will cause a consistent deviation from the straight-ahead path and require constant steering input in the
opposite direction to counteract the effect.
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Drift/pull may be induced by conditions external to the vehicle (i.e., wind, road camber).
General Information
Wheel Alignment Angles
Econoline caster and camber correction requirements are factory-determined. Adjusters are available to correct a caster/camber measurement that does
not meet specification. Before changing the production caster/camber adjuster, thoroughly inspect the suspension system to locate worn or damaged
components that may have caused the setting to change.
Nibble
Nibble
Sometimes confused with shimmy, nibble is a condition resulting from tire and wheel imbalance. It is observed by the driver as small rotational
oscillations of the steering wheel.
Poor Groove Feel
Poor Groove Feel
Poor groove feel is characterized by little or no buildup of turning effort felt in the steering wheel as the wheel is rocked slowly left and right within
very small turns around center or straight-ahead (under 20 degrees of steering wheel turn). Efforts may be said to be "light or low on center."
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In the diagnosis of a roadability problem, it is important to understand the difference between wander and poor groove feel.
Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
Poor Returnability/Sticky Steering
Poor returnability and sticky steering is used to described the poor return of the steering wheel to center after a turn or the steering correction is
completed.
Shimmy
Shimmy
Shimmy, as observed by the driver, is large, consistent, rotational oscillations of the steering wheel resulting from large, side-to-side (lateral)
tire/wheel movements.
Shimmy is usually experienced near 64 km/h (40 mph), and can begin or be amplified when the tire contacts pot holes or irregularities in the road
surface.
Toe
Toe
