Chapters 65 & 67
Steering &Wheel
Alignment
Fundamentals

Introduction to Wheel Alignment
• Toe
• Camber
• Caster
• Steering Axis Inclination (SAI)
• Turning Radius
ALIGNMENT ANGLES

Toe is a comparison of the distances between
the front and the rear of a pair of tires.
(As seen from the top)

Camber is the inward or
outward tilt of a tire as seen
from the top.
Camber is a tire wearing
angle. Positive camber
causes outside wear,
negative causes inside
wear.
Camber is often times
an adjustable angle.

Caster is the
forward or rearward
tilt of the spindle
support arm. (As
seen from the side)
Caster is not a tire
wearing angle.
Caster is often times
an adjustable angle.
Unequal caster side
to side will cause a
steering “pull”.

Steering axis inclination (SAI), AKA as BJI or KPI, is an
imaginary line drawn through the upper and lower pivot
points.
NOT ADJUSTABLE
NOT A TIRE
WEARING ANGLE
DRIRECTIONAL
CONTROL ANGLE:
after a turn SAI helps
return to wheels to
straight ahead

Turning Radius, also known as toe out on turns, is the
angle created by a common point to both front wheels.

Before proceeding with
any adjustment to the
alignment angles, the
steering and suspension
components must be
checked for excessive
wear.

Turning the tie rod adjusting sleeves that connect the inner
and outer tie rods will change the toe angle.

Springs will get tired and sag over a period of time. This
will also change alignment angles. The springs are
responsible for correct ride height.