Wheel Alignments Gold Coast

4 Major Components Of A Complete Wheel Alignment

Whether you have a high-performance track car or an on-road vehicle, our experienced technicians and state of the art workshop are more than capable of providing outstanding wheel alignment services. We specialise in all four components necessary to ensure your wheels remain aligned according to make and model specific requirements, helping you gain peak performance no matter where you travel!

Wheel Camber

Incorrect camber can cause the tyre to wear unevenly, with the inside or outside edge wearing more quickly than the rest of the tyre. It can also cause problems with handling, as the tyre may not make full contact with the road surface. This can result in reduced traction and braking performance, as well as a bumpy ride. In extreme cases, it can even cause the tyre to overheat and fail. Adjusting the camber involves tilting the tyre in or out from the vertical axis to the desired angle. This can be done by changing the length or position of the suspension components, such as the strut or the control arm. By properly adjusting the camber, a mechanic can ensure the tyres are aligned correctly, and the vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently.

Wheel Toe

Toe angle has a significant impact on the performance and safety of a vehicle. Incorrect toe can cause the tyre to wear unevenly, as well as reduce fuel efficiency and traction when braking or cornering. To ensure optimal performance, mechanics adjust the toe angle by tilting the tyres inward or outward from each other. This is typically done by changing the length or position of the suspension components, such as the tie rods. Toe is typically set to be slightly inward, meaning the fronts of the tyres point toward each other, as this can help improve tyre wear and fuel efficiency. However, the exact toe angle will depend on the specific vehicle and its intended use.

Wheel Caster

Adjusting the caster of a vehicle is important for safety, handling and performance. This involves tilting the steering axis forward or backward relative to its mounting point on the suspension components, such as the upper and lower control arms. A slightly positive caster angle, meaning that the top of the steering axis tilts toward the rear of the vehicle, can help improve stability and reduce steering effort. However, if the caster angle is set too high, it can make the steering feel heavy and difficult to manoeuvre at low speeds. On the other hand, if the caster angle is set too low, it can reduce stability and cause the vehicle to wander or feel unstable, especially at high speeds. An incorrect caster angle can also affect road grip and handling, leading to reduced traction and braking performance. 

Thrust Angle

Properly adjusting the thrust angle is important for the smooth and safe operation of a vehicle. This involves aligning the rear wheels with the centreline of the vehicle using changes in the rear suspension components, such as the trailing arms or the lateral links. An incorrect thrust angle can cause the vehicle to pull to one side or the other, which can be frustrating and potentially dangerous for the driver. It can also cause uneven tyre wear, as the rear tyres will be subjected to additional stress as they try to compensate for the misalignment. This can result in premature tyre failure, as well as reduced traction and braking performance. In addition, an incorrect thrust angle can affect the handling and stability of the vehicle, especially at high speeds. By allowing an experienced mechanic to properly adjust the thrust angle, you can ensure that the rear wheels are aligned correctly, and the vehicle is running smoothly and safely.