ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and RepairMedium
A technician is performing an alignment on a vehicle. After setting all other angles, the technician notes that the front total toe is +0.20 degrees, and the specification is +0.05 to +0.15 degrees. The tie rod ends are adjusted by rotating a sleeve. To correct the total toe, what action should the technician take?
- AShorten the left tie rod and lengthen the right tie rod.
- BLengthen both tie rods equally.
- CLengthen the left tie rod and shorten the right tie rod.
- DShorten both tie rods equally.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Shorten both tie rods equally.
A positive total toe (+0.20 degrees) indicates excessive toe-in. To reduce toe-in (or move towards toe-out), both tie rods need to be shortened equally. Shortening the tie rods pulls the front of the wheels outward, reducing toe-in.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This action would increase toe-out, which is the opposite of correcting excessive toe-in.
- B. Lengthening both tie rods equally would increase toe-in, worsening the condition.
- C. Adjusting tie rods in opposite directions like this would change the steering wheel center and potentially the thrust angle, but not solely correct total toe while maintaining steering center.
Toe Adjustment via Tie Rods
Total toe is adjusted by shortening or lengthening both tie rods equally to move the front wheels in or out simultaneously, maintaining steering wheel center.
- Shortening tie rods reduces toe-in (increases toe-out).
- Lengthening tie rods increases toe-in (reduces toe-out).
- Equal adjustment keeps steering wheel centered.
Memory trick: Too much 'in' means shorten both out.