Form 1572-DIAG-VT, 11-11
Diagnostics Alignment
Angles
Training Supplement
Technician Reference Guide
© Copyright 20011 Hunter Engineering Company
Table of Contents
Diagnostic Process ................................................................................................................1
Basic Angles.......................................................................................................................1
Diagnostic Angles...............................................................................................................1
Steering Axis Inclination .................................................................................................1
Included angle ................................................................................................................2
Front wheel setback .......................................................................................................2
Maximum steering measurement ...................................................................................2
Turning angle .................................................................................................................2
Wheelbase .....................................................................................................................2
Steering Axis Inclination and Included Angle .........................................................................5
Measuring “SAI / IA Only”...................................................................................................6
Measuring Faster Caster (Caster and SAI/IA) ....................................................................6
S.A.I. Diagnosis ..................................................................................................................7
Included Angle....................................................................................................................7
Included angle diagnosis ....................................................................................................7
S.A.I. and I.A. Diagnostic Example ........................................................................................8
Check for a bent strut piston rod ....................................................................................9
Check for a bent strut housing .......................................................................................9
Check for a bent knuckle ..............................................................................................10
Check for bent ball joint stud ........................................................................................10
Setback ................................................................................................................................11
Front setback....................................................................................................................11
Setback diagnostic example.............................................................................................12
Rear setback ....................................................................................................................13
Turning angle .......................................................................................................................14
How turning angle works ..................................................................................................15
Turning Angle Measurement ............................................................................................15
Turning angle Diagnosis...................................................................................................17
Maximum Steering Angle .....................................................................................................19
Measurement ...................................................................................................................19
Maximum steering angle diagnosis: .............................................................................21
SAI / Included Angle Charts .................................................................................................22
Caster Diagnostic Chart .......................................................................................................23
Diagnostic Process
The first step in a diagnostic process is collecting information
Sources of Information
Customer interview
Diagnostic road testing
Vehicle inspection
Alignment Measurements
Basic Angles
The following angles should be made with every alignment:
Camber
Cross camber
Caster
Cross caster
Total toe front and rear
Individual toe front and rear
Thrust angle
Diagnostic Angles
Check these additional measurements when a vehicle has been involved in an accident,
exhibits unusual handling problems, or abnormal tire wear.
Steering Axis Inclination
Used to diagnose structural damage:
Control arms
Frame / Uni-body
Axle
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Included angle
Used to diagnose parts damage:
Steering knuckle
Spindle
Strut
Ball joint studs
Front wheel setback
Use to diagnosis damaged control arms and diamond frames. Low caster and high set back is
usually bent lower arm.
Maximum steering measurement (steering lock-to-lock)
Use to verify steering wheel-to-gear alignment. Checks for:
Jumped rack teeth
Bent pitman arm
Lateral movement of gearbox at frame mounting
Steering stop adjustment
Turning angle
Use to diagnose bent steering arms.
A bent steering arm may cause tire wear and drivability problems when turning.
Wheelbase
Useful in diagnosing excessive thrust angle problems.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
SAMPLE QUESTIONAIRE
Name: __________________________ Vehicle: __________________
Indicate the problem:
Pull Drift Tire wear Vibration Shimmy
Which way does the vehicle pull or drift? Left Right Doesn’t pull
Check the box or boxes which best describe the tire wear problem.
Center tread wear Inner and outer shoulder wear other
Outside shoulder wear Inside shoulder wear Diagonal tread wear
When does the vibration or pull problem occur?
When the vehicle is at highway speeds. When the vehicle is at lower speeds.
During cruising
During acceleration hard medium light
During braking hard medium light
During deceleration hard medium light
During or after turning the vehicle.
What speed does the problem occur? ________ to _______ mph doesn’t matter
What accessories are being used when the vibration occurs? A/C 4WD doesn’t matter
Does it occur in a certain gear? Yes No if yes, what gear? ________
Does the problem occur with certain loads? Number of people ____ Pounds in trunk _____
Road Conditions
Paved road (smooth) Paved roads (rough) 2-lane highways Bumps
How often does it occur?
Always Sometimes Rarely Just started Since new Only in morning
Has any mechanical work been done to the vehicle recently? Yes No
If yes, what was done? _____________________________________________
Have the tires been recently rotated or replaced? Yes No
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Diagnostic Measurements
A proper diagnosis requires gathering as much information as possible.
“Primary Alignment Measurements”
“Secondary Alignment Measurements”
“Body Measurements”
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Steering Axis Inclination and Included Angle
Steering Axis Inclination or SAI for short is the angle formed by a line drawn through the
upper and lower pivot points of the spindle and a vertical line drawn from the lower pivot point.
Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) SAI Spindle Arc
Steering Axis Inclination’s primary function is to:
Enhance directional stability
Spindle travels in an upside down arc causing vehicle weight to be lifted when
the knuckle is steered an either direction.
S.A.I. doesn’t need the opposing side to balance forces
S.A.I. is not known to cause a pull
Enhanced returnability is created because vehicle weight helps return the spindle to the
straight ahead position when steering wheel pressure is released.
Reduce the need for positive camber by moving weight inboard on the spindle.
S.A.I. and caster combine to supply high speed directional stability and returnability of the front
wheels back to equal front toe. S.A.I. and I.A. measurements are useful diagnostics tools.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Measuring S.A.I. and Included Angle
Press “Measure Caster” on the “Vehicle Measurements and Adjustments” primary screen. The
“Caster Measurement” popup screen will appear.
Press “Select Measurement,” to access “Measurement Selection”.
Measuring “SAI / IA Only”
This selection asks for the front wheels to be lifted, sensors to be locked and the brakes to be
locked. The measurement is complete once the vehicle is lowered.
Measuring Faster Caster (Caster and SAI/IA)
This selection asks for the front wheels to stay on the turn plates. Lock the front brakes using a
brake pedal depressor and level and lock sensors.
The SAI/IA measurement relies on the front brakes holding the wheel from rotating as they are
steered. Should the front brakes slip, the measurement will be falsified.
S.A.I. measurements are displayed on the “Primary Measurement” display.
Included Angle is displayed on the “Secondary Measurement” display.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
S.A.I. Diagnosis
Cross S.A.I. equal to or greater than 1.5º may
indicate a:
Bent control arm
Damaged strut tower
Damaged frame or sub-frame
Bent axle
Included Angle
Included angle, or I.A. for short, is the combination of S.A.I and camber.
SAI + Camber = Included Angle
Cross Included Angle = Left IA – Right IA
Included angle diagnosis
Cross Included Angle equal to or greater than 1.5º generally may indicate a:
Bent spindle
Bent knuckle
Bent ball joint stud
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
S.A.I. and I.A. Diagnostic Example
Left camber is within specifications.
Right camber is -1.8º low of specifications
Cross S.A.I is only 0.2º.
Cross Included Angle is 1.6°
Compare
damaged
Camber spec is 0.30° Left Right side to good
side
Camber 0.3° -1.8° Low
S.A.I. 12.0° 12.2° OK
Included Angle 12.3° 10.4° Low
Use the table below to find the combination of low camber, OK S.A.I. and low IA.
Camber SAI IA Check
High Low OK Bent lower control arm or frame.
Low High OK Strut tower in at top
High OK High Bent strut, knuckle, or ball joint
Low OK Low Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Bent lower control arm or frame
High Low High and
Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Strut tower in at top
Low High Low and
Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
S.A.I. / I.A. Diagnostic Chart for a Strut Suspension
More tests may be needed now that the damaged are is isolated.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Check for a bent strut piston rod
Loosen the strut piston rod nut. The strut piston rod is bent if camber changes as you rotate the
strut piston rod 360º.
Check for a bent strut housing
Place a straight edge against the strut housing. Check for distortion near the bottom of the
housing. Look for paint cracks where the strut tube enters the collar.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Check for a bent knuckle
Use a carpenter’s square to check for a bent knuckle.
Set the base against the brake rotor or hub and slide the ruler until it touches the top of the
knuckle. Compare one side to the other.
Be sure to check the bottom of the knuckle as well. Set the carpenter’s square’s base against
the bottom of the knuckle and slide the ruler until it touches the brake rotor. Compare one side
to the other.
Check for bent ball joint stud
Disconnect the outer tie rod end from the steering arm.
Steer the wheels left and right. Look for back and forth
movement between the ball joint and the steering knuckle.
If you find a bent stud, carefully inspect the knuckle. If the knuckle
hole is tapered to fit the stud, damage to the stud may have
distorted the hole, also. Industry standard is to replace both the stud
and the knuckle.
Note: Pinch bolt type knuckles are not machine fitted, so
generally damage to one doesn’t necessarily affect other.”
NOTES:
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Setback
Front setback
Front setback is an angle formed by a line drawn perpendicular to the centerline and a line
connecting the centers of the front wheels.
Positive setback indicates the right front wheel is behind the left front wheel.
ack
Negative setback indicates the left front wheel is behind the right front wheel.
Setback is measured as an angle but can be displayed in inches or millimeters if front track
width is available in the vehicle specifications.
The preferred setback measurement is assumed to be zero.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Setback may exist because of manufacturing tolerances, collision, frame repair or parts
installation.
Use setback to help determine the cause of side-to-side caster differences and turning radius
problems.
Cross caster measurements exceeding ±0.5º may be caused by a setback condition.
If a lower control arm has been moved rearward, caster is changed in a negative direction.
Low caster and high setback may indicate a bent lower control arm.
Compare the setback measurement to the caster measurement to determine if the lower control
arm may be moved to reduce cross caster and setback measurements.
Extreme setback conditions may affect turning angle due to the repositioning of the steering arm
when the lower control arm is moved forward or rearward.
Setback is not known to cause a vehicle to pull.
Setback diagnostic example
A FWD vehicle pulls left after the vehicle struck a curb. The caster specification is 3.3°. Right
front caster is -3.0º low of specification and front setback is -1.01°.
Left Right
Caster 0.3° 3.2°
Setback -1.01°
Low caster and high setback may indicate a bent control arm
Many technicians check for accident damage by comparing the distance between the front and
rear of the tire to the wheel opening.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Verify the left control arm is bent with a tape measure.
Rule of thumb for front setback:
0° ± 0.40° = damage unlikely, possible cradle/axle position problem
0.41° to 0.75° or -0.41° to -0.75° = damage likely or severe component shift
Above 0.75° or lower than -0.75° = frame rail, subframe or control arm damage
Rear setback
Rear setback is an angle formed by a line drawn perpendicular to the centerline and a line
connecting the centers of the rear wheels.
Positive rear setback - right rear wheel trails the left rear wheel
Negative rear setback -left rear wheel trails the right rear wheel
Rear setback is measured in degrees but can be displayed in inches or millimeters, if a rear
track width specification is available.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Rear setback may be useful when diagnosing rear thrust angle problems.
Left Right
Rear toe -0.85° 0.90°
Thrust angle -0.88°
Rear Setback -1.13°
The rear total toe on a rear fixed axle is 0.05°, which indicates the axle housing is not bent. The
negative setback and thrust angle indicate a shifted axle housing to the left.
Turning angle
Turning angle is the difference in the angles of the front wheels when turned. The angle
difference is determined by the steering arm design.
When turning a corner, the outside wheel must travel a greater distance and a wider turn than
the inside wheel.
The most common approach in turning angle design is where the difference in the turning
angles is symmetrical (equal).
Turning angle measurements outside manufacturer’s specifications may cause front tire
shoulder wear and improper handling.
Symmetrical example: Specification 20°/18° ±1.50º
When the left wheel is steered to the
left 20º, the right wheel should be at
18º ±1.50º. Left wheel as reference
When the right wheel is steered to
the right 20º, the left wheel should be
at 18º ±1.50º.
The non-symmetrical design
produces unequal turning angles. This 20°
design is found on various makes and
models of vehicles to assist in controlling
torque steer and various other problems. Right wheel as reference
Non-symmetrical example: 18°
Specification
Left turn: 20°/18° ±1.50º When the
left wheel is steered left 20º, the right wheel should be at 18º ±1.50º.
Right turn: 20°/20° ±1.50º
When the right wheel is steered right 20º, the left wheel should be at 20º ±1.50º.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Always use the manufacturer’s turning angle specifications if possible. If a specification is not
available, use the default spec of 20°/18° ±1.50º.
Turning angle measurements that vary more than 1.5° from specification generally indicate a
bent steering arm.
The steering arms of the vehicle are designed to predetermine the relationship between the left
and right front wheels when the vehicle is steered left or right.
The steering arm connects the outer tie rod to the steering knuckle. The steering arm on most
vehicles is an integral part of the steering knuckle.
How turning angle works
The steering arm moves equal distance laterally as the rack moves back and forth. The steering
arm must move farther up its curve when the wheel is steered left than when the wheel is
steered right.
In this example, the rack moves laterally 4” in each direction and
the steer arm is behind the spindle on the driver’s-side knuckle.
The left wheel turns left 33º outward as the arm climbs the arc.
The left wheel turns right only 25º as the arm move slightly
down and across the arc.
Turning Angle Measurement
The aligner can measure toe-out-on-turns (“turning angle
difference”) if the alignment system is equipped with electronic turn plates, encoders and elastic
lines, or DSP 300, 400, 500 or 600 sensors.
A mechanical method is available by using turn plates with turning angle scales.
A specification must be available on the secondary specification display for the measurement
process to work properly when measuring electronically.
In many cases the specification must be added to the existing factory specification.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
With turning angle spec Without turning angle spec
If turning angle specs are not available, it is recommended to use the default specification of 20°
/ 18° ± 2°.
WinAlign® secondary specification screen should be filled in as follows:
Front total toe must be within specified tolerances before measuring turning angle.
Locate the “Make Additional Measurements” soft key. Locate and select “Toe-Out-On-Turns”
from the list of measurements.
Steer the wheels as directed by the bar graphs. The “Steer this wheel” bar graph and the
graphics above the bar graphs indicate which way to steer. Note: Do not pause for more than 2
seconds once the wheels are steered beyond 10 degrees.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Turning angle Diagnosis
Problem
A 2002 Acura 3.2CL hit a guard rail with the left front wheel and fender. A local body shop
replaced the damaged sheet metal. The car drives straight and the steering wheel is level;
however, when making a left “U-turn” the tires squeal excessively and the car shudders.
Inspect the steering linkage. Normally, the exposed tie rod threads on each tie rod should be
virtually equal. Note the lack of exposed threads on the left tie rod assembly.
The left tie rod no exposed tie rod threads.
The specification calls for the reference wheel to be steered 31.05°. The opposing wheel should
have a steer angle of 31.05° - 7.48° or 23.57° ± 1°
Turning angle was measured with the mechanical turning angle gauges first by steering the left
wheel to the left 31°. The right wheel measured 23.5°.
The right wheel was then steered to the right 31°. The left wheel measured 29º.
This is outside the allowable range of 23.57° ± 1°.
Turning angle specifications
Acura’s specifications states the difference in turning angle should be 7.48° with an allowable
tolerance of 6.48° to 8.48°.
This chart shows the “turning angle difference” for a left and right turn.
Left Wheel Right Wheel Turning Angle Difference
Reference
Left Turn 23.00° 7.00° OK
31.00°
Reference
Right Turn 29.00° 4.00° Not OK
31.00°
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
The test using the left front wheel as the reference was within specifications as the right wheel
was within 23.53° ± 1°.
The test using the right front wheel as the reference was not within tolerances as the left wheel
measured 29°, well beyond the 23.53° ± 1°specifications.
On symmetrical steering systems, use your fingers to verify the distance from the steering arm
to the wheel is equal side-to-side.
Note: On this Acura, the left steering arm is bent slightly causing the -4.00º out of specification
measurement.
Left side Right side
A “T square” may also be used to check for a bent steering arm.
Compare one side to the other.
A nonsymmetrical steering system was used on a few vehicles. (e.g.
1986 Ford Escort)
The length and angle of these steering arms may vary side-to-side.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Maximum Steering Angle
Maximum steering angle is the angle of the front wheels when turned to the inward and outward
lock position.
In some cases, the steering limit may be adjusted. Most vehicles use a mechanical limit such as
control arms or steering gear stops.
A wheel that turns beyond the maximum steering angle may create hazardous conditions when
driving and cause premature tire wear.
Measurement
Maximum steering angle may be measured using the following methods:
– Standard front turn plate with scale and pointer
– Electronic turn plates
– DSP sensor with TOOT option
– Sensors using camera technology.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
A specification must be available on the secondary specification display for the measurement
process to work properly when using electronic measuring equipment. In many cases, the
specification must be added manually.
With Max Steer spec Without Max Steer spec
WinAlign’s® secondary specification should be filled in as follows:
Front
total
toe
must
be
within specified tolerances before measuring turning angle.
Locate the “Make Additional Measurements” soft key. Locate and select “Maximum Steering
Angle” from the list of measurements.
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Steer the wheels as directed by the bar graph display.
Maximum steering angle diagnosis:
Look for symmetrical negative numbers on each side.
Large differences side to side (over 2 degrees) may indicate:
Steering stops out of adjustment
Steering wheel is not centered on the steering column when the rack or center-
link is centered
Steering column to gear mismatch at the steering coupler
Damaged steering linkage
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
SAI / Included Angle Charts
Short Long Arm & Double Wishbone
Camber SAI IA Check
Positive Negative OK Bent lower control arm or frame
Positive OK Positive Bent knuckle or ball joint
Bent lower control arm or frame
Positive Negative Positive and
Bent knuckle or ball joint
Negative Positive OK Bent upper control arm or frame
Negative OK Negative Bent knuckle or ball joint
Bent upper control arm or frame
Negative Positive Negative and
Bent knuckle or ball joint
Strut
Camber SAI IA Check
Positive Negative OK Bent lower control arm or frame
Positive OK Positive Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Bent lower control arm or frame
Positive Negative Positive and
Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Negative Positive OK Strut tower in at top
Negative OK Negative Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Strut tower in at top
Negative Positive Negative and
Bent strut, knuckle or ball joint
Camber SAI IA Check
Positive Negative OK Bent Axle
Positive OK Positive Bent knuckle or ball joint
Positive Negative Positive Bent axle, knuckle or ball joint
Negative Positive OK Bent Axle
Negative OK Negative Bent knuckle or ball joint
Negative Positive Negative Bent axle, knuckle or ball joint
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
Caster Diagnostic Chart
Short-Long Arm Driver side
Caster Setback Check
Negative Negative Lower control arm too far back
Negative Positive Upper control arm too far forward
Positive Negative Upper control arm too far back
Positive Positive Lower control arm too far forward
Short-Long Arm Passenger side
Caster Setback Check
Negative Positive Lower control arm too far back
Negative Negative Upper control arm too far forward
Positive Negative Lower control arm too far forward
Positive Positive Upper control arm too far back
Strut Driver side
Caster Setback Check
Negative Negative Lower control arm too far back
Negative Positive Strut tower too far forward
Positive Negative Strut tower too far back
Positive Positive Lower control arm too far forward
Strut Passenger side
Caster Setback Check
Negative Positive Lower control arm too far back
Negative Negative Strut tower too far forward
Positive Negative Lower control arm too far forward
Positive Positive Strut tower too far back
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Diagnostic Alignment Angles
