E 450 V8-5.4L (2009)
Incorrect Thrust Angle (Dogtracking)
Drift/Pull
Wheel Alignment Angles
The vehicle 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.
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 such as wind or road camber.
Nibble
Wheel Alignment Angles
The vehicle 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
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. For wheel and tire diagnosis, refer to Wheels and Tires. See: Wheels and Tires/Testing and Inspection
Poor Groove Feel
Wheel Alignment Angles
The vehicle 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.
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 steering problem, it is important to understand the difference between wander and poor groove feel.
