6.3.3 Wheel alignment
Wheel toe-in is the angle between the direction of movement and the plane of rotation of the wheel (Figure 6.29). It is measured in millimeters or degrees.
The wheel is suspended on the chassis elements on one side only. During movement on the surface (in case if this wheel is only steerable), forces and moments associated with rolling resistance act on it, which try to turn the wheel out. The wheels are toed-in in order to compensate for these forces.
Note
Ideally, the toe-in of the wheels should be changed as the loads on them increase, for example, as the speed increases. However, in practice, this is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to apply. Therefore, while lying in the geometric parameters of the chassis, the convergence is calculated relative to the cruising speed of the vehicle.
Note
Toe-in is mainly used for the wheels of passenger cars. But there is also a parameter, which is opposite to the toe-in – toe-out. It is used in sports cars where increased control sensitivity is required.
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