4 Wheel Geometry
You have heard of Wheel alignment, or tracking, which is the process of setting a vehicle’s wheels to the position outlined by the manufacturer’s specifications. You probably don’t give it much thought, especially in the context of performance. Why would you when horsepower has become so cheap and easy to access? Wheel alignments? Those are for keeping your tyres from wearing out, not adding performance, right?
Vehicle Geometry is, essentially, the same thing. But we prefer to use the term to describe something altogether different than what you can expect from your local Quickfit. Rather than using factory specifications, a geometry setup applies custom suspension settings designed to enhance your vehicle’s handling and performance characteristics.
Equipment
There’s a lot to be said for using string to carry out an alignment. Accurate and mobile, but also slow. These days, 3D camera alignment systems have caught up and provide equally accurate results more consistently and in less time.
We opted to put down the tape measure and invest in John Bean V2200 wheel alignment technology. The V2200 offers the latest, highly accurate camera system technology, which uses a series of high-definition imaging sensors and smaller, lighter XD targets that attach directly to the wheel to accurately measure all alignment angles on your vehicle. This new equipment has allowed us to provide a better service to our customers, giving us more time to focus on the geometry setup and getting it right.
High-definition imaging sensors measure 14 primary vehicle alignment angles.
Measurement options including, toe, camber, caster, steering angle, and toe curve
Universal wheel clamping up to 22in, suitable for ultra low vehicles.
Make live adjustments of suspension components without needing disturb the vehicle position.
4 Wheel Geometry
Four-wheel geometry ensures that the vehicle drives straight, does not pull to one side, and does not experience excessive tire wear. It also contributes to optimal handling and ride comfort. Having the equipment and expertise to accurately measure and adjust these angles is crucial, especially for performance cars where precision is key.
This is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the tire tilts inward, the camber is negative; if it tilts outward, the camber is positive. Camber affects tire wear and how well the vehicle corners.
This refers to the direction the tires are pointed, relative to the centerline of the vehicle, when viewed from above. If the fronts of the tires are closer together than the rears, the wheels have toe-in; if the fronts are further apart, they have toe-out. Toe affects tire wear, straight-line stability, and how quickly the vehicle responds to steering input.
This is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. If the steering axis tilts toward the driver, the caster is positive; if it tilts toward the front of the vehicle, it is negative. Caster affects straight-line stability and the self-centering characteristic of the steering.
This is the direction in which the rear wheels are pointed. The thrust angle is important for vehicles that do not have adjustable rear suspension. If the thrust angle is not correct, the vehicle may “dog track” (move sideways) and the steering wheel may not be centered.
This is the distance between the vehicle’s frame and the road. Ride height can affect the other alignment angles and should be checked and adjusted if necessary.