Hombre XS Space Cab L4-2.2L CPC (1997)
Alignment: Description and Operation
Caster, Camber, and Toe-In
PROPER ALIGNMENT
Front wheel alignment refers to the angular relationship between the suspension attaching parts, the wheels, and the ground. Proper alignment is
considered essential for efficient steering, good directional stability, and to prevent abnormal tire wear. The most important factors of front wheel
alignment are caster, camber and toe-in.
CASTER
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis either forward or backward from the (1) vertical. It is measured in degrees. A rearward tilt is positive and
a forward tilt is negative (Figure 1) 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.
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.
TOE-IN
Linear sum toe-in exists when the distance between the front wheels is less at the front of the axle than at the rear of the axle. Angular toe-in is the
