ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringSuspension System Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A client complains their vehicle with a multi-link rear suspension exhibits excessive tire wear on the inner shoulder of the right rear tire. They also report that the vehicle feels 'unstable' when driving at highway speeds. A visual inspection reveals no obvious damage to suspension components. Which of the following alignment angles is MOST likely out of specification, causing these symptoms?
- AExcessive negative camber
- BExcessive positive camber
- CExcessive toe-in
- DExcessive toe-out
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Excessive negative camber
Excessive negative camber means the top of the wheel is tilted inward, causing the inner shoulder of the tire to bear more weight and wear prematurely. This can also reduce stability.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Excessive positive camber would cause wear on the outer shoulder, not the inner.
- C. Excessive toe-in causes feathering wear across the tire tread, and typically affects both inner and outer shoulders, not just the inner.
- D. Excessive toe-out causes feathering wear, primarily on the outer shoulder, and can also lead to instability but would not cause specific inner shoulder wear.
Camber Angle & Tire Wear
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Incorrect camber leads to uneven tire wear and can affect handling.
- Negative camber: top of wheel tilts inward.
- Positive camber: top of wheel tilts outward.
- Excessive negative camber causes inner shoulder wear.
- Excessive positive camber causes outer shoulder wear.
Memory trick: Cam-ber in or out, Toe-in or out, Caster forward or back.