Toe, camber, caster, steering axis inclination, and turning radius are the key alignment angles. Toe is the distance between the front and rear of the tires. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the tire. Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the spindle support arm. Steering axis inclination is an imaginary line through the upper and lower pivot points. Turning radius is the angle created by a common point to both front wheels. Adjustments should not be made before inspecting steering and suspension components for wear.
3. Toe is a comparison of the distances between
the front and the rear of a pair of tires.
(As seen from the top)
4. Camber is the inward or
outward tilt of a tire as seen
from the top.
Camber is a tire wearing
angle. Positive camber
causes outside wear,
negative causes inside
wear.
Camber is often times
an adjustable angle.
5. Caster is the
forward or rearward
tilt of the spindle
support arm. (As
seen from the side)
Caster is not a tire
wearing angle.
Caster is often times
an adjustable angle.
Unequal caster side
to side will cause a
steering “pull”.
7. Steering axis inclination (SAI), AKA as BJI or KPI, is an
imaginary line drawn through the upper and lower pivot
points.
NOT ADJUSTABLE
NOT A TIRE
WEARING ANGLE
DRIRECTIONAL
CONTROL ANGLE:
after a turn SAI helps
return to wheels to
straight ahead
8. Turning Radius, also known as toe out on turns, is the
angle created by a common point to both front wheels.
9. Before proceeding with
any adjustment to the
alignment angles, the
steering and suspension
components must be
checked for excessive
wear.
10. Turning the tie rod adjusting sleeves that connect the inner
and outer tie rods will change the toe angle.
11. Springs will get tired and sag over a period of time. This
will also change alignment angles. The springs are
responsible for correct ride height.