Can thrust angle be adjusted?
The thrust angle is the angle between where the rear are directed and the centerline of the vehicle. The only way to adjust the thrust angle is through adjustable rear CAs.
What happens if thrust angle is misaligned?
A misaligned thrust angle may also cause diagonal wear on the rear tires and increase the chance the vehicle pulls or drifts to one direction. To eliminate the thrust angle, realigning the rear axle or rear toe is necessary. If bent or damaged parts are responsible, these must be replaced.
What is meant by term thrust angle?
The thrust angle is an imaginary line that is drawn perpendicular from the centerline of the rear axle, down the centerline of the vehicle. The purpose of the thrust angle is to determine if the rear axle is lined up with the center of the vehicle, as well as the front axle.
Can thrust angle cause a pull?
A positive thrust angle will try to steer the vehicle to the left, while a negative thrust angle will try to steer the vehicle to the right. This will cause the driver to pull the steering wheel right or left to compensate.
What causes bad thrust angle?
An incorrect thrust angle is often caused by an out-of-position axle or incorrect toe settings. So in addition to the handling quirks that are the result of incorrect toe settings, thrust angles can also cause the vehicle to handle differently when turning one direction vs. the other.
What causes positive thrust angle?
Positive thrust angle. On a vehicle with an independent front suspension and a rear live-axle, the shifted rails will cause the front suspension to have an increased setback and thrust angle. This is caused by the mounting points of the suspension moving.
How much does a thrust alignment cost?
A thrust-angle alignment can cost between $49 and $79, and a four-wheel alignment from $89 up. It takes a lot to knock your car out of alignment; your average run-of-the-mill pothole won’t do it.
Which angle is called the thrust angle?
Thrust Angle, also referred to as Thrust Line, is the angle of the centre line in relation to the rear axle or the theoretical rear axle. The centre line should be 90 degrees from the rear axle, which in turn means there is 0 degree thrust angle.
How does thrust angle affect steering?
The thrust angle can determine the straight-ahead position of the front wheels. It can result in a crooked steering wheel as the front wheels steer to align themselves with the rear wheels. Also, a miss-aligned thrust angle can cause the vehicle to handle differently when turning one direction versus the other.
What causes the thrust line to shift?
What causes changes in thrust angle? In the case of a vehicle with a solid rear axle, a thrust angle is most likely to have been caused by an impact or collision. The rear axle and associated componentry were jarred by an impact that created the angle.
When do I need to check my thrust angle?
Check this angle if the vehicle has been in a collision. There’s a difference in repair procedures depending on the vehicle’s suspension system. A solid axle is checked for axle offset. Independent suspensions are adjustable and require rear toe adjustments to correct an incorrect thrust angle.
Is there a way to remove thrust angle?
Basic changes to alignment factors like camber and caster are DIY automotive projects for some enthusiasts, but the elimination of a thrust angle is likely to require both the advanced capabilities of an alignment system, as well as the learned capabilities of a skilled alignment technician.
What does a greater than normal thrust angle mean?
If the rear live axle vehicle has a greater than normal, thrust angle is an indication that the axle has shifted or the mounting points on the frame have shifted. To get a better picture of the damage, look at the setback of the front wheels.
How is the thrust angle of a car generated?
First, the thrust angle could be generated by the angle of the axle or a misaligned rear suspension cradle that can change the toe angles. Also, a thrust angle can be generated by rear toe settings that are independent of the axle angle or implied axle angle.
