32 00 ... General information and definitions

Toe angle difference 

a Toe angle difference

D Center point of operating circle

The toe angle difference is the angle adjustment of the inner cornering wheel relative to the outer cornering wheel when negotiating a curve. Steering is designed in such a way that angular position of wheels changes as steering lock progresses.

A correctly adjusted toe angle difference produces equal values for left and right lock with consideration of factory tolerances.

Toe angle difference provides information on corresponding operation of steering trapezoid for left or right steering lock from center position.

Fig 1: Identifying Toe Angle Difference

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Camber 

Inclination of the wheel from the perpendicular.

Fig 2: Identifying Camber

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Toe 

Reduction in distance of front of front wheels to rear of front wheels. The toe-in prevents the wheels from moving apart during driving and thus:

• the wheels from vibrating and grinding
• excessive tire wear
• excessive strain on the steering linkage and its links/joints
• heavy vehicle steering

Measurement is performed in "straight-ahead mode".

Caster 

Is the inclination of the kingpin in the direction of travel viewed from the side. The line through the center point of the spring strut support bearing and the control arm ball joint corresponds to the "kingpin".

Thanks to caster, wheels are pulled and not pushed. In a similar manner to king pin inclination, when driving in curves or around corners, returning forces are reproduced to help return wheels to straight-ahead position.

Fig 3: Identifying Toe

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.