ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairEasy

A technician is performing a tire rotation on a front-wheel drive vehicle. The manufacturer's recommended rotation pattern is 'front-to-back, cross-to-front.' Which of the following describes the correct tire movement for this pattern?

  1. AFront tires move to the opposite rear position; rear tires move straight forward.
  2. BFront tires move straight back; rear tires move to the opposite front position.
  3. CFront tires move straight back; rear tires move straight forward.
  4. DFront tires move to the opposite rear position; rear tires move to the opposite front position.
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Front tires move straight back; rear tires move to the opposite front position.

The 'front-to-back, cross-to-front' pattern for FWD vehicles means the front tires go straight to the rear, and the rear tires move forward to the opposite side.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This incorrectly crosses the front tires to the rear and moves rears straight forward.
  • C. This describes a straight rotation for all tires, not a cross-to-front pattern for the rears.
  • D. This describes a 'cross-to-front, cross-to-rear' pattern, which is not the one specified.

FWD Tire Rotation Pattern

A common tire rotation strategy for front-wheel drive vehicles to promote even tire wear.

  • Front tires move straight back to the rear axle.
  • Rear tires move forward to the opposite side of the front axle.
  • Also known as 'modified X' or 'rear cross' pattern.

Memory trick: FWD: Fronts go Back, Rears Cross to Front.

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