b) Setting the alignment
This alignment (toe-in = figure "a", toe-out = figure "b") designates the
position of the wheel level to the driving direction.
While you are driving, the tyres are pushed apart in the front because
of rolling friction and this is why they are no longer precisely parallel to
the direction being driven. To balance this out, the tyres of the stationary
vehicle can be adjusted in a way so that they point slightly inwards.
This toe-in improves the lateral cornering of the tire and therewith gives
a more direct response to the steering.
If a milder response to steering is desired, this can be achieved
accordingly by adjusting a toe-out, i.e. the wheels of the stationary
vehicle point outward at the front. An alignment angle of 0° on the front
axle ensures the best driveability on almost any ground.
An alignment angle of more than 3° toe-in (a) or toe-out (b) leads to
handling problems and reduces speed.
The toe-in of the front wheels should not exceed 4°; the figures on the figure show a very excessive setting
which only serves to show the difference between toe-in and toe-out.
66
a
b
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