Session 6: Steering System Adjustment
Module: 4 Suspension System
Textual Question-Answers
Check Your Progress
Fill in the blanks
1. Wheel balancing helps to eliminate ……….. and preventpremature wear of various vehicle components.
Ans: vibration.
2. The first sign of possible wheel imbalance is when the steeringwheel starts to …………. at certain speeds.
Ans: vibrate.
3. Wheel alignment consists of adjusting the angles of the wheels toreduce tyre wear and ensure …………. travel.
Ans: straight.
4. Caster angle influences vehicle stability at …………… speedsand affects tyre lean during cornering.
Ans: high.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What is the purpose of wheel balancing?
a) To increase tyre wear
b) To eliminate vibration and premature wear
c) To make steering harder
d) To increase vehicle weight
Ans: b) To eliminate vibration and premature wear
2. What is the primary purpose of adjusting wheel alignment?a) Increase fuel efficiency
b) Improve suspension performance
c) Reduce tyre wear and ensure straight travel
d) Enhance engine power
Ans: c) Reduce tyre wear and ensure straight travel
3. Which type of wheel imbalance causes a vibration that can be feltat the steering wheel?
a) Rear wheel imbalance
b) Front wheel imbalance
c) Left wheel imbalance
d) Right wheel imbalance
Ans: b) Front wheel imbalance
4. Toe-in adjustment is responsible for ensuring:
a) Wheels roll parallel
b) Wheels rotate in opposite directions
c) Wheels tilt inward at the top
d) Wheels are balanced
Ans: a) Wheels roll parallel
Answer the following questions
1. What is the use of castor plate?
Ans: Castor plate is used to adjust and set the correct castor angle of thewheel to improve straight-line stability and steering control.
2. Write the turning radius of two small cars?
Ans: The turning radius of two small cars is approximately 4.5 metres to5.0 metres.
3. Explain wheel balancing and wheel alignment.
Ans: Wheel balancing is the process of evenly distributing the weight ofthe wheel and tyre assembly to prevent vibration, while wheel alignment isthe adjustment of wheel angles so that wheels are parallel to each other andperpendicular to the road surface.
4. Why wheel balancing is required in a vehicle?
Ans: Wheel balancing is required to avoid vibration, improve drivingcomfort, increase tyre life, and prevent damage to suspension and steeringcomponents.
5. How dynamic balancing of wheel is carried out with the help ofbalancing machine?
Ans: In dynamic balancing, the wheel is mounted on a balancing machine, rotated at high speed, imbalance is detected electronically, and correctiveweights are fixed on the rim to balance the wheel.
6. Write the symptoms of imbalanced wheel in the vehicle?
Ans: Steering wheel vibration, uneven tyre wear, noise at high speed, poorhandling, and discomfort while driving.
7. What are the ill-effects, if wheels are not properly balanced in acar?
Ans: Increased tyre wear, damage to suspension parts, steering vibration, reduced driving comfort, and reduced vehicle safety.
8. What do you understand by toe-in and toe-out?
Ans: Toe-in is when the front edges of the wheels are closer than the rearedges, while toe-out is when the front edges of the wheels are farther apart than the rear edges.
9. What is castor angle and how does it affect steering system?
Ans: Castor angle is the angle between the steering axis and vertical line; it helps in self-centering of steering and improves high-speed stability.
10. What is camber angle and how does it affect steering system?
Ans: Camber angle is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel at the top; it affects tyre contact with the road and influences tyre wear and steering stability.
Activity
1. Make a list of preliminary procedure for wheel alignment
Ans:
S. No. Procedure
1. Check tyre pressure and condition
2. Inspect suspension and steering components
3. Check wheel bearings for play
4. Load the vehicle as per manufacturer recommendation
2. Make a list of adjustment which can be done in steering gearAns:
S. No. Adjustment
1. Steering gear backlash adjustment
2. Tie rod length adjustment
3. Rack preload adjustment
4. Steering wheel free play adjustment.
