Steering Systems
This component connects the steering gear to the steering knuckle and is the primary adjustment point for toe.
What is the Tie-Rod End?
This suspension component uses a nitrogen gas charge to prevent the hydraulic fluid from foaming.
What is a Gas-Charged Shock Absorber (or Strut)?
This alignment angle is the most common cause of tire wear and describes whether the tires are pointed inward or outward.
What is Toe?
This term describes the difference between the actual rim center and the true center of rotation.
What is Radial Runout?
his sensor measures how far the driver has turned the steering wheel and in what direction.
What is the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS)?
In a Rack and Pinion system, this protective rubber part keeps dirt out of the inner tie-rod joints.
What is the Bellows Boot?
This bar connects the left and right suspension members to reduce body roll during cornering.
What is the Stabilizer Bar (Sway Bar)?
This angle is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire when viewed from the front.
What is Camber?
This type of tire wear is caused by worn-out shocks, resulting in "hills and valleys" across the tread.
What is Cupping?
This type of TPMS system uses the ABS wheel speed sensors rather than pressure sensors inside the tire.
What is Indirect TPMS?
If a vehicle has a "hard steering" complaint only in one direction, the fault likely lies within this steering gear component.
What is the Rotary Control Valve?
Unlike coil springs, this type of spring uses a long steel rod that twists to support the vehicle's weight.
What is a Torsion Bar?
his angle describes the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis; it provides directional stability but does not cause tire wear.
What is Caster?
This number on the tire sidewall indicates the tire's ability to resist heat at high speeds.
What is the Temperature Grade?
hen a vehicle is equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), this sensor detects if the car is "spinning out" or sliding.
What is the Yaw Rate Sensor?
This is the process of ensuring the steering wheel is centered while the front wheels are straight.
What is Setting the Steering Wheel Clock?
When testing ball joints, "unloaded" means the technician must do this to the suspension member.
What is Jacking under the control arm (to relieve spring tension)?
If a vehicle pulls to the right, it will pull toward the side with the most positive __________ or the least positive __________.
What is Camber (most) and Caster (least)?
A vibration felt in the steering wheel at highway speeds usually indicates a problem with the ___________ balance.
What is Dynamic Balance?
Many modern Electric Power Steering (EPS) systems eliminate the need for these two traditional items.
What are the Power Steering Pump and Hydraulic Hoses?
A "memory steer" condition (where the car doesn't return to center) is often caused by these being seized.
What are the Upper Strut Mounts or Ball Joints?
A "jounce" test is used to check the health of these components.
What are Shocks or Struts?
This "hidden" angle, if incorrect, usually indicates a bent steering arm or spindle rather than an adjustment issue.
What is SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) or Included Angle?
Static imbalance (up and down motion) causes this specific type of ride quality issue.
What is Wheel Tramp?
This must be performed on the Steering Angle Sensor after an alignment is completed on most modern vehicles.
Answer: What is a Calibration (or Zero-Point Reset)?