Alignment
Steering
Suspension
General
Terms
100

is the angle between the vertical axis of a wheel and the vertical axis of a vehicle.

What is Camber?

100

one or more narrow, arc-shaped, thin plates that are attached to the axle and chassis in a way that allows the it to flex vertically in response to irregularities in the road surface.

What is a leaf spring?

100

load carrying component of a suspension system. Consisting of a rubber bellows of various designs and a metal or plastic end cap they replace or are fitted in addition to the original vehicles metal springs.

What is an air bag/spring?

100

that allows the driver to connect a cargo attachment to the back of a large vehicle, like a tractor or truck.

What is a 5th wheel?

100

to move joltingly or roughly up and down;
bounce.

What is jounce?

200

 refers to all the elements that make your car go straight. It involves three main measurements: caster, camber, and toe.

What is a wheel alignment?

200

 a centrifugal vane type hydraulic pump that pressurizes steering fluid through high speed rotations in order to create a pressure differential that translates into “power assist”

What is a power steering pump?

200

 hydraulic pump like devices that help control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension

What is a shock?

200

 is used to store power steering fluid. This fluid helps the power steering system function properly by providing lubrication and cooling.

What is a Power Steering Reservoir?

200

Distance from the center of a vehicle's front wheel to the center of its rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle.

What is wheel base?

300

is the amount by which one front wheel is farther back from the front of the vehicle than the other. It is also the angle formed by a line perpendicular to the axle centerline with respect to the vehicle's centerline.

What is setback?

300

 is a slender structural unit used as a tie and (in most applications) capable of carrying tensile loads only. It is any rod or bar-shaped structural member designed to prevent the separation of two parts, as in a vehicle.

What is a tie rod?

300

Used to maintain vehicle height on an air suspended chassis. Made of durable (EGP) Engineering Grade Plastic.

What is a leveling valve?

300

They allow wheels to turn with minimal friction. Though they are low-maintenance parts, they are important safety components of a vehicle’s braking, steering, and suspension systems.

What are wheel bearings?

300

A measurement of force (in pounds) required to compress a spring a given distance (in inches).

What is spring rate?

400

is the slant measured from the top of steering axis to the bottom of the wheel when the former is attached to the latter. This angle evaluates the back and forth incline of the axis.

What is caster?

400

is a relatively simple device that is located on a semi truck and used to absorb shock and vibration from the road. It is designed to help reduce wear and tear on the truck’s suspension system, as well as improve driver comfort.

What is a torsion bar?

400

The purpose of the KPI is to produce vertical displacement of the vehicle in during steering in an upward direction. The larger the KPI, the larger the effect. This lifting effect produces a self centering torque similar to that of caster. The KPI also generates scrub radius.

What is King Pin Inclination?

400

a cast or machined metal part, found between the vehicle’s suspension and the wheel. It connect the axle to the wheel and allow the wheel to spin smoothly with the help of a bearing.

What is the Hub?

400

 is the distance between a specified point on the chassis, suspension, or body and the ground.

What is ride height?

500

 the sum of the camber and steering axis inclination (SAI) angles in a front suspension. This angle is measured indirectly and is used primarily to diagnose bent suspension parts such as spindles and struts.

What is the Included Angle?

500

 allows the driver to control the direction of the vehicle either left or right and to balance the vehicle on the road. There is a Lever mechanism that enables a large force exerted on the road wheels and that with a minimum of driver’s effort.

What is a gear box?

500

 is an essential component of the vehicle’s suspension system. It helps to control the direction of the truck and keep it in line when it makes turns. This axle also helps to absorb shock from bumps and potholes on the road, making for a more comfortable ride for both passengers and cargo.

What is the steer Axle?

500

 is an essential part of a truck's suspension system. It is a component that connects the steering knuckle to the control arm, allowing the wheel to turn and move up and down in response to the road.

What is a spindle?

500

when a vehicle darts or wanders, especially when operated on a less than ideal driving surface; the tires "steer" themselves without any input from the steering wheel.

What is Bump-Steer?