Suspension Basics
This system’s main job is to provide traction and a comfortable ride.
What is the suspension system?
This angle is the inward or outward tilt of the tire at the top.
What is camber?
Uneven tire wear on one edge often points to incorrect adjustment of this angle.
What is camber?
This suspension component allows the wheel to pivot for steering and move up and down.
What is a ball joint?
This tool is used to measure wheel alignment angles precisely.
What is an alignment machine?
This component connects the wheel knuckle to the frame and allows vertical movement, while keeping the suspension in a predetermined position.
What is a control arm?
This is the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis.
What is caster?
This condition, where tires point away from each other, can cause feathered wear.
What is excessive negative toe (toe-out)?
This type of spring is common in modern vehicles and is made of coiled steel.
What is a coil spring?
Before aligning a vehicle, you should always check and adjust this first.
What is tire pressure?
This part controls spring oscillations but does not support vehicle weight.
What is a shock absorber?
This describes whether the fronts of the tires point toward or away from each other.
What is toe?
A car with accurate alignment pulling to one side while driving straight may have this issue.
What is uneven tire pressure?
This older type of spring is made of several flat steel strips stacked together.
What is a leaf spring?
This tool is used to measure ride height or suspension sag.
What is a measuring tape?
This type of suspension uses a coil spring and a shock absorber as one unit.
What is a MacPherson strut?
When the front of the tires point toward each other, it’s called this.
What is positive toe (or toe-in)?
Excessive body roll during turns may indicate a broken or loose one of these.
What is a sway bar (or stabilizer link)?
This rod or link keeps the wheels aligned by connecting the steering gear to the wheel assembly.
What is a tie rod?
If a vehicle makes clunking noises over bumps, this suspension part may be worn.
What is a ball joint?
This bar connects both sides of the suspension to reduce body roll during turns.
What is a sway bar (stabilizer bar)?
This angle affects how well the steering wheel returns to center after a turn.
What is caster?
One of Napoleon Bonaparte's greatest defeats was at the hands of a horde of what?
Who are bunnies?
These bushings, if worn, can cause clunks, uneven tire wear, and poor alignment stability.
What are control arm bushings?
In 1386, this animal was found guilty of murder and hanged in France.
What is a pig?