ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairSuspension and SteeringHard
A technician is performing a wheel alignment on a vehicle with non-adjustable rear suspension. After adjusting the front, they find that the total toe is within specification, but individual rear toe is out on one side. What is the MOST likely cause?
- AAn overinflated front tire.
- BA worn front control arm bushing.
- CA bent rear trailing arm or control arm.
- DA faulty power steering rack.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. A bent rear trailing arm or control arm.
In a non-adjustable rear suspension, individual toe being out of specification indicates a bent or damaged component, most commonly a control arm or trailing arm. Since the rear toe isn't adjustable, physical damage is the only explanation for it being incorrect.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An overinflated front tire would primarily affect front alignment and ride, not rear toe.
- B. Worn front control arm bushings would affect front alignment, not a non-adjustable rear toe.
- D. A faulty power steering rack affects front steering and toe, not a non-adjustable rear toe.
Non-Adjustable Suspension Faults
When an alignment angle is out of specification on a non-adjustable suspension, it almost always indicates a bent, worn, or damaged component requiring replacement.
- Rear suspension often has non-adjustable components.
- Out-of-spec angles imply physical damage, not just adjustment need.
- Requires thorough inspection for bent arms, worn bushings, or damaged mounting points.
Memory trick: No adjustment means damage, not just a tweak.