Wheel alignment: how does it work and why is it important?

Recently updated on March 12, 2024 at 06:54 am

By a Axis measurement (Wheel alignment / wheel alignment) not only the specific parameters of the car are checked, but also the Fall and Spur the mature adjustedto get a optimal functionality to ensure. For this reason, any damage to the chassis can be quickly identified and repaired by measuring the axles. A wheel alignment should be carried out if, for example, the dampers / springs / chassis have been replaced. But even if a rough bump with a curb or similar has occurred. At least when this contact massiv and maybe even destroyed the rim. Then you should get the affected components check and then a Wheel alignment have it carried out.

Do not underestimate the importance!

Should the wheels of your vehicle have a false fall or Tracking it can be significant Issues like an elevated one Treibstoffverbrauch, a faster one wear the tire or one worse Driving behavior of the vehicle. Incorrect axle alignment will only cause the tires to one-sided abgefahrenwhich makes a far higher Material abrasion and rolling resistance arises and the tires in the worst case one around 80 percent lower life expectancy to have.

This is what a measurement report looks like

But leave the wheel alignment on just one experienced mechanic perform and make sure that this has the required equipment disposes. Also make sure that before the actual measurement, the Tubes and Suspension Visual inspection be subjected to eventual Damage to be able to determine in advance. For the measurement itself, the mechanic should be over modern instruments which the wheels via laser beam measure and exact Results deliver.

When should an axis measurement be carried out?

Basically there are on the part of the automaker save concrete information on when an axis measurement should be carried out. However, certain signs on the vehicle itself may indicate a visit to the workshop advisable would. Some signs that indicate a visit to the workshop can be found:

1. The tire tread is irregular gone.
2. The steering wheel remains in a straight line not in a straight position
3. The vehicle shows a Tendency in a certain direction pull. 
4. The vehicle pulls during braking on a straight line into a certain direction.

How is wheel alignment carried out?

For the implementation of an axis measurement usually come electronic diagnostic tools for use. The mechanic assembles special Sensors on the wheels, which have all the necessary data to a computer system submit, which then determines the extent to which the Actual values by Setpoints differ. The setpoints are standardized valuesthat direct from manufacturer to provide. By making the system the exact deviations indicates, this can be fixed and put back on by the mechanic Manufacturer recommendation can be set. Axis measurement should therefore always after changes on the vehicle such as the installation of a Sports suspension or one Change of Tie Rods be performed. Because the lower body changes the Steering roll radius and the spread angle. Following the measurement, the mechanic should give you one test protocol passed, which details all values lists and as a proof is used for axis measurement.

What causes errors in the track?

There are many causes which can lead to a track shift. Most of the time, as already mentioned, minor damage is like a Parking bumpers or the collision with one curbstone the trigger for such a shift. However, trips can also be made rough roads to a Track shift to lead. Wheel alignment is also essential if you have driven or driven through a particularly deep pothole Accident had.

Wheel alignment / wheel alignment: The reasons, the process and the costs incurred in summary:

• An axle measurement is carried out in order to check the chassis geometry and to compare it with the values ​​specified by the manufacturer.
• The track adjustment following the wheel alignment makes it possible to correct the values ​​deviating from the optimum.
• If components are damaged or worn, they must be replaced.
• A normal wheel alignment including wheel alignment usually costs 50 to 200 euros.
• Wheel alignment, when does it have to be carried out?
  - if the car has changed driving characteristics
  - if the tire profile is uneven or worn heavily at the tire edges
  - if the car has a modified (partly "spongy") Shows driving behavior
  - if the steering wheel is crooked (can also indicate an adjustment of the rear wheels)
  - if the car pulls to the left or right while driving or braking
  - when the "left and right steering" in bends requires different levels of force
  - if the vehicle has had an accident or technical changes such as lowering the vehicle have been installed
  - when certain work has been carried out on the chassis, such as changing the tie rod end or the dome bearings
• the cost of wheel alignment

• the causes of a misaligned axle geometry
  - by driving against curbs (for example when parking)
  - by driving through potholes or driving over large bumps on the road
  - due to defects in various chassis components
• the consequences of a misaligned axle geometry
  - the vehicle shows a changed driving behavior (it may even be less controllable in dangerous situations)
  - one-sided / increased tire wear (a tire change of the entire axle may be necessary)
  - an increased rolling resistance (Fuel consumption increases)
  - more wear and tear on the chassis components (an early change may be necessary)
• the process of wheel alignment and wheel alignment
  - Check the condition of the chassis components beforehand
  - Any defects must be repaired beforehand
  - a modern wheel alignment system works with the help of camera-based data recording (3D wheel alignment systems use cameras (targets / point tables on the wheels))
  - All wheels must have the correct tire pressure
  - A wheel clamp is mounted on each wheel
  - The steering wheel is fixed in the straight ahead position
  - The further steps are prescribed for modern measuring systems that work with computer support and are processed by the mechatronics technician
  - The computer compares the measured values ​​with the manufacturer's specifications
  - Any deviations are corrected with appropriate adjustments
  - Basically the adjustment starts on the rear axle (if adjustable) / due to the specification of the direction of travel by the so-called travel axis angle
  - then the front wheels are corrected (more effort may be required if, for example, the screw connections on the tie rod end are corroded and the track cannot be adjusted as a result; an exchange is then usually necessary)

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