Vehicles are designed to have zero or minimum toe change and side scuff
when:
1. The vehicle is at correct ride height statically
and dynamically.
2. All related parts are operating within normal
wear tolerances, and
3. The steering and suspension
components can operate at the proper alignment angles.
Countless books and service guides have been produced to show how to check all mechanical components and ride height quickly and accurately, so there Is no need to go Into that here. But, If you don't know how to read all the angles accurately, and consistently correct (and that goes for S.A.I. (Steering Axis Inclination) and turning radius). touch base with your alignment equipment service training representative because that's their job. And if they say: "Don't worry about S.A.I. and turning radius because they are both non-adjustable angles and you can't adjust them anyway." It's because they either don't know how to get consistent accurate reading, or simply don't know how to read them. Either way, get someone who can, because both readings are critical to proper diagnosis and solving the type of tire wear we are talking about.
Once you've read and recorded all the alignment angles and the riding
height, then check all the steering and suspension parts for wear and damage.
Also inspect the frame cross members and body for signs of damage, both
present or repaired. Incorrectly repaired damage Is a common cause
of various handling and tire wear problems on today's cars because
even though the adjustable angles may be
okay statically, they may not operate at the proper angle dynamically and
this Is where S.A.I. and turning radius come In to the picture. If
these two angles are not correct, there Is almost always a bent component
involved.
For example: control arms, spindle and support, ball joint
stud, MacPherson Strut shock rod, strut tower and mounting supports, frame
or cross member, steering arm, pitman arm and steering box support. Idler
arm and frame support, rack and pinion housing support. You've really
got to take a close look at these components when checking for damage.
Often, the only way is to compare from side to side and/or make measurements
from the component to the floor, to the wheel, to the mainframe.
The main clue to a problem here Is that physical damage will usually result
In unequal S.A.I. and turning radius from side to side. Even though
you may not have the specs (and unfortunately some leading manufacturers
do not give us
this Information), check them anyway because they should normally be
within one degree of each other side to side. And since It's unlikely
both sides of the vehicle will suffer equal and similar damage, a
difference means a problem If the readings are equal, there is not
likely a problem!