ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheels and Tires Diagnosis and RepairMedium
A customer reports that after hitting a large pothole, their vehicle now pulls sharply to the left. Upon inspection, the technician notices that the top of the left front tire is visibly leaning outward. Which alignment angle has MOST likely been affected?
- APositive camber
- BNegative camber
- CInsufficient caster
- DExcessive toe-in
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Positive camber
When the top of the tire leans outward, this indicates positive camber. Impact with a pothole can bend suspension components, forcing the wheel into a positive camber condition, which would cause a pull to the side with the most positive camber (in this case, the left).
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Negative camber would involve the top of the tire leaning inward and would cause a pull to the right if present on the left wheel.
- C. Insufficient caster primarily affects steering returnability and stability, not typically causing a visible tire lean or a sharp pull in this manner after an impact.
- D. Excessive toe-in would cause feathering wear and possibly a pull, but not a visible outward lean of the tire top.
Camber Change After Impact
A severe impact (e.g., pothole) can bend suspension components, altering camber. Positive camber (top of wheel leaning out) on one side can cause the vehicle to pull towards that side.
- Impacts can bend control arms, struts, or spindle.
- Visible lean of the tire indicates significant camber change.
- Positive camber on a wheel causes a pull to that side.
- Requires inspection and replacement of bent components, followed by alignment.
Memory trick: Pothole hit, top out, pull that way, positive doubt!