ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and RepairMedium
A technician is performing a four-wheel alignment. After completing all pre-alignment checks and runout compensation, the alignment machine displays the current angles. The technician notices that the front total toe is -0.50 degrees, and the specification is +0.05 degrees +/- 0.05 degrees. Which of the following is the correct interpretation and adjustment?
- AThe front wheels have excessive toe-out; the tie rods should be lengthened equally.
- BThe front wheels have excessive toe-in; the tie rods should be lengthened equally.
- CThe front wheels have excessive toe-in; the tie rods should be shortened equally.
- DThe front wheels have excessive toe-out; the tie rods should be shortened equally.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The front wheels have excessive toe-out; the tie rods should be shortened equally.
A negative total toe value indicates toe-out (front of wheels pointing away from each other). The specification is positive toe-in or close to zero. To correct excessive toe-out and bring it closer to zero or slight toe-in, the tie rods need to be shortened equally to pull the front of the wheels inward.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lengthening tie rods would increase toe-out, worsening the condition.
- B. Negative toe is toe-out, not toe-in. Lengthening tie rods would increase toe-out.
- C. Negative toe is toe-out, not toe-in. Shortening tie rods is correct for toe-out, but the interpretation of 'toe-in' is wrong.
Toe Interpretation and Adjustment
Total toe refers to the combined toe angle of both wheels on an axle. Negative total toe indicates toe-out, and positive total toe indicates toe-in. Tie rod adjustments change toe.
- Negative total toe = toe-out (front of wheels apart).
- Positive total toe = toe-in (front of wheels closer).
- Shortening tie rods reduces toe-out or increases toe-in.
- Lengthening tie rods increases toe-out or reduces toe-in.
Memory trick: Toe's sign tells its tale, short's for out, long's for in, never fail.