S10/T10 P/U 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W (1997)
Alignment: Description and Operation
Definition of Terms
Camber
Camber is the inward or outward tilting of the front wheel from the vertical. When the wheels tilt outward at the top, the camber is positive. When the
wheels tilt inward at the top, the camber is negative. The amount of tilt measured in degrees from the vertical is called the (1) camber angle.
If the camber is extreme or unequal between the wheels, improper steering and excessive tire wear will result. Negative camber causes wear on the
inboard side of the tire, while positive camber causes wear to the outboard side.
Caster
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis either forward or rearward from the (1) vertical. It is measured in degrees. A rearward tilt is positive and a
forward tilt is negative. On the short and long arm type suspension you cannot see a caster angle without a special instrument. However if you look
straight down from the top of the upper control arm to the ground, the ball joints do not line up (fore and aft) when a caster angle other than 0 degrees is
present. With a positive angle, the lower ball joint would be slightly ahead (toward the front of the vehicle) of the upper ball joint center line.
Incorrect caster may result from damaged control arms and other related front suspension parts.
Toe-In
