ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and RepairEasy
A technician is performing a four-wheel alignment on a vehicle and observes that the front right camber is +1.5 degrees, while the specification is 0.0 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees. The vehicle has an adjustable lower control arm. Which adjustment should the technician make to correct this condition?
- AAdjust the eccentric cam on the lower control arm to move the bottom of the wheel inward.
- BShorten the tie rod on the right side.
- CAdjust the eccentric cam on the lower control arm to move the bottom of the wheel outward.
- DLengthen the tie rod on the right side.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Adjust the eccentric cam on the lower control arm to move the bottom of the wheel inward.
Positive camber means the top of the wheel is tilted outward. To correct this, the bottom of the wheel needs to move inward, which is achieved by adjusting the lower control arm eccentric cam. Lengthening or shortening the tie rod affects toe, not camber.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Shortening the tie rod primarily affects toe, not camber.
- C. Moving the bottom of the wheel outward would increase positive camber, worsening the condition.
- D. Lengthening the tie rod primarily affects toe, not camber.
Camber Adjustment
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. It is adjusted to ensure proper tire contact and handling.
- Positive camber: top of wheel tilts outward.
- Negative camber: top of wheel tilts inward.
- Adjustment methods vary by suspension design (e.g., eccentric cams, shims, slotted mounts).
Memory trick: Camber's tilt, adjust it right, for tire's perfect bite.