Wheel alignment "Grants": what it is, what it affects and how to adjust

Adjusting the front wheel alignment angles

Figure 10 — Adjusting the toe-in of the front wheels of LADA LARGUS R90 and F90 cars:
1 — wheel toe adjustment locknut; 2 - steering linkage coupling

Table 1

table 2

Table 3

1. On LADA R90 and F90 vehicles, the longitudinal inclination of the steering axis and the camber of the front wheels are built into the design of the vehicle and are not subject to adjustment; the values ​​of the angles for reference are given in Table 2. If the values ​​of the parameters given in the table deviate, check the front suspension parts and places where the suspension is attached to the body. If necessary, replace damaged parts of the front suspension and eliminate deviations in body geometry.

2. Adjust the toe-in of the front wheels of LADA R90 and F90 cars.

2.1. Set the steering wheel to the straight-ahead position.

2.2. Loosen the tightening of lock nuts 1, Figure 10, holding the tie rod couplings 2 with a wrench (wrenches 13, 21).

2.3. By turning couplings 2, set the lengths of the steering rods at which the toe-in of the front wheels will correspond to the parameters given in Table 2. After adjusting the lengths of the steering rods, the steering wheel should be in a position corresponding to straight-line movement (wrench 13).

2.4. Tighten the locknuts 1 of the steering linkages. The tightening torque of the locknuts is 50 N m (5.0 kgf m) (spanners 13, 21, torque wrench and replaceable insert type 819B21 f. USAG).

2.5. Check the alignment angles of the front wheels. The values ​​of the front wheel alignment angles are given in Table 2. When checking under load, the applied load should be: - 320 ± 5 kgf. Carry out the check in accordance with the operating instructions for the device. If the values ​​of the parameters given in Table 2 deviate, adjust them.

How to adjust wheel alignment for a non-professional: the usual old-fashioned way

The wheel alignment properties ensure a tight contact patch between the road surface and the tire, and the stability of the car when making turns. The intensity of tire wear depends on them. Due to incorrect adjustment of these characteristics, fuel consumption will increase.

When driving, the driver must constantly make efforts to hold the steering wheel. As the speed increases, the decrease in durability takes on a terrible character. Adjusting wheel alignment yourself is not an impossible task. Following the usual instructions, even an ordinary car enthusiast can create this.

Increasing the castor angle on the Lada Granta: characteristics, models, photos

The Grant comes from the factory with racks with a slight inclination relative to the axis. How it actually helps with handling. Even compared to the Priora, Granta makes turns much more successfully. Sometimes it seems to me that the suspension is tuned a little in a sporty way. Probably AvtoVAZ engineers really embodied their achievements and experience in it. In fact, the suspension differs only in that the rod mount for the stand is shifted towards the cup.

And here begins the scope for an inquisitive mind. After all, if you remove a couple of washers, the so-called distance ones, or depending on what angle we want to get.

As a result, I decided to change the castor angle by about 1 degree.

They installed it and immediately checked it on the wheel alignment stand.

We record the result and try to ride. I didn't expect this! The suspension copes with various unevenness even better; cornering is not far from the sport-tuned suspension. Now, despite the height, the car rolls significantly less and leaves the trajectory on a slippery road.

This is how I proved that such a banal and simple modification as increasing the castor angle on the Lada Granta greatly increases the level of safe driving on the Granta. Previously, I saw such a collapse mainly on Audi and BMW. And now he himself is driving a Russian car.

But still doubts plague:

The only thing that seriously worries me is that the so-called eggs - the flexible elements of the support - are slightly deformed. Therefore, in the future I plan to supply eggs from Togliatti SS20. They must endure.

Alternatively, although I am not a supporter of the front strut or brace, if I like my result now, I will install it. First of all, only this will allow us to better adjust this longitudinal angle in the future. Let's experiment.

Now, as we see, the negative camber is very, very noticeable. The most interesting thing in realizing all the work done was to observe that the rear beam on the Zhiguli is not just curved, as we are used to, but a special rod was used at an angle.

In the future I plan to lower the car a couple of turns and stiffen it with gas struts. Then, I think Granta will be able to confidently compete in handling even with cars of a much higher class.

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Author of all articles on the site! Own service “New Line Auto” All types of work. Specialization: Lada

How to realize that adjustment is needed and why it is important

This procedure must be performed twice a year during seasonal tire replacement. Modern cars are most often serviced in specialized car repair shops. Special stands and computers are used here. You can perform this function yourself.

First, it is important to learn to recognize the need for such adjustment. With all this, you should focus on the following signs:

• uneven tire wear;
• constant pull of the car to the side during straight motion;
• the appearance of problems when driving a vehicle;
• uneven wear of the edges of the front wheel groove.

If at least one of the listed signs is found, then it is necessary to immediately take adequate measures to solve the problem.

INSTALLATION ANGLES OF THE FRONT WHEELS OF LADA KALINA

To ensure good stability and controllability of the car, the front wheels are installed at certain angles relative to the body and suspension elements. Three parameters are adjusted: the caster angle of the steering axis, the wheel camber angle and the wheel toe.

Angle of longitudinal inclination of the axis of rotation - the angle between the vertical and the line passing through the centers of rotation of the ball joint and the bearing of the upper support of the shock absorber strut in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle

1—angle of longitudinal inclination of the wheel turning axis

The longitudinal inclination angle of the steering axis helps stabilize the steered wheels in the direction of straight-line motion. Symptoms of deviation of the angle from the norm are the car pulling to the side when driving, different forces on the steering wheel in the left and right directions.

gate, one-sided tire tread wear. This angle is adjusted by changing the number of shims installed at both ends of the stretcher. To increase the angle, washers are removed from the front or rear end of the stretcher, and to decrease the angle, they are additionally installed on the rear end of the stretcher (it is not always possible to install additional washers on the front end of the stretcher due to its short threaded part). When installing or removing one shim, the caster angle of the steering axis changes by approximately 19′. There should be no more than two adjusting washers at the front end of the stretch, and more than four at the rear end.

Cost of inspection at a car service center

WATCH THE VIDEO

Many car enthusiasts adjust the parameters of the wheels, including the rear ones, on their own in a garage with a pit or on an overpass. All distances are measured using a ruler or tape measure and a plumb line. Since driving safety depends on these parameters and their adjustment, it is better to have this work carried out by specialists in a specialized workshop.

In addition, wheel alignment is not very expensive - from 800 rubles. However, the technician will inspect the car and conduct a full diagnostic. The driver is given a printout indicating the value of each angle.

Camber and toe angles

Tire tread wear, depending on the position of the wheel alignment angle.

When you have finished familiarizing yourself with the theoretical part, you can proceed directly to practice. To begin with, it’s worth understanding about camber and toe specifically for the “ten”.

For the VAZ-2110 (as well as the rest of the series, such as 2111 and 2112), the wheel alignment should be set to “zero”. That is, the indicators must correspond to: 0 degrees +-30 minutes for camber and 0 +-10 minutes for toe-in.

Wheel alignment and caster.

Changing the normal wheel alignment angle leads to negative consequences, especially wear on the tire tread or the inability to drive the car normally. Adjustment can be made using a thread and a weight.

Tires with different camber and toe.

Zero camber corresponds to the fact that the values ​​of A and B are equal (Fig. below).

Changing the camber angle using a thread.

To accurately determine the toe angle, you will need special equipment, such as a chain with a dynamometer or a sliding ruler.

Changing the toe angle.

Possible nuances

All of the above can also be applied to cars with other types of suspension. However, depending on the design features of a number of elements, there may be significant differences. For example:

• Cars where a gearbox and steering linkage are installed instead of a rack and pinion drive require special attention to the condition of the bushings and the pendulum hinge. Their wear affects the adjustment, and it can often be detected only with a certain position of the parts.
• On machines with a pivot suspension, when adjusting the camber produced by rotating the eccentric, the caster also changes. It will also have to be controlled.
• Some car models provide toe adjustment not only for the front, but also for the rear wheels. In most cases, this parameter changes when the coupling mounted on the transverse link connecting the rear wheels is rotated.
• If the car has all-wheel drive and a continuous front axle is installed, then the design does not provide for camber adjustment.

You can do the job efficiently only if you know all these features.

The master's work is afraid

Of course, your task will be greatly simplified if you decide to invest in professional equipment. It is not necessary to purchase a complex stand with laser sensors and a computer terminal that processes information, connected to a database that contains all the necessary parameters for hundreds of machine models.

A relatively inexpensive optical stand is quite sufficient. The domestic version of such a device, SKO-1M, can be found in stores for a very reasonable price, around 60,000 rubles. , price. For a used one they ask for even less.

It’s not easy to do a wheel alignment yourself. What looks easy in words, in practice requires serious expenditure of physical and nervous strength. You shouldn’t expect that everything will work out the first time. You'll have to be patient. Remember that the most advanced wheel alignment equipment will not make you an experienced specialist. But in the hands of a master, even an ordinary PSK-LG line can work wonders!

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Conservatism or modern approach, which is better?

But such a conservative approach is more suitable for old Ladas, Muscovites, Volgas, Cossacks, as well as ancient foreign cars.

On modern cars, it is, of course, better to carry out such work at a service station, where, with the help of modern laser and computer equipment, everything will be done at a high level without any errors. And we all know that even a small error in this matter can lead to rapid tire wear.

A service station is certainly good, they will do everything quickly and accurately. But there is always a BUT. Firstly , no matter what modern equipment is in a car service center, without a good specialist it is a pile of scrap metal. And here problems can arise:

1. How much do you trust this specialist;

2. How accurately will the work be carried out (when the equipment was checked for compliance with metrological standards) and whether such accuracy is worth the money;

Types of equipment

To adjust the wheel alignment, you should contact a car service center. Craftsmen have special stands at their disposal that allow them to detect gaps invisible to the eye and perform the necessary adjustments.

Based on the principle of operation, the devices are divided into several types:

1. Optical. The very first units for adjusting RS. The research process on them takes a lot of time, and errors are possible.
2. Laser. A variety of optical equipment. Angles are measured using a laser beam.
3. Computer. Modern high-precision equipment, in which electronic computing devices are engaged in collecting and processing information. 3D stands create a three-dimensional projection of the vehicle. They help perform diagnostic and adjustment work as accurately and quickly as possible.

Optical stand

An optical bench uses light beams for measurements. They come from special tubes placed on the wheel rims. During measurements, a light beam is projected onto a screen with linear and angular scales. Experts compare the readings taken with the standards.

Such equipment is considered obsolete. Among its advantages are durability and low maintenance. However, it is not found in modern service stations.

Laser equipment

According to the principle of operation, such stands are similar to optical units. However, the source of measurement is a directed laser beam.

The operation of the system is organized simply:

• Laser emitters are installed on the car at the same distance from each other and in relation to the measurement scales;
• mirrors are mounted on the tires (parallel to the plane of rotation), opposite which measuring scales are installed;
• laser beams are calibrated so that their line of passage runs parallel to the wheel plane;
• the beam reflected from the mirrors must return to the starting point (this is the zero scale division);
• if there are deviations, it will fall higher or lower, which will show the magnitude of the error.

The stands are distinguished by accurate measurements and allow you to simultaneously calibrate all the wheels of the car. However, one study takes about an hour, since the adjustment of mirrors and laser generators is carried out manually. This requires skill and experience of specialists. When work is performed by an incompetent mechanic, errors may occur.

Computer systems

Stands based on electronic computers operate using sensors that are fixed on the measuring heads of the equipment. Located on wheels, the sensors accurately record their position in space and transmit this information to the computer. After processing it, the system produces graphs, reports and evaluation charts.

90% of the stands of modern service stations are computer-based. They can vary in design, the way they transmit information, and the electronics that make the measurements.

The following types of sensors are used to take readings:

• wired, used in cord stands;
• infrared, the connection of which with the computer unit is maintained using wires;
• non-contact, using the remote principle of research.

Camber parameters for Lada Granta

A resident of Yekaterinburg took the new LADA Granta FL to a service station to adjust the wheel alignment angles. According to the car owner, he almost immediately noticed that the car was not driving smoothly, but did not think that the parameters would be so terrible.

Experienced drivers do not need to explain how important it is for the wheels, regardless of their position relative to the body, to remain in a strictly vertical plane. It is this condition that allows you to maintain the optimal contact patch between the tire and the road surface. Wheel alignment affects the car's handling and stability, as well as tire wear and fuel consumption.

Why Hyundai Solaris headlights shine worse than those of the old Kopeyka - expert

Owners of the Hyundai Solaris, which has now become a popular car in Russia, often complain that the optics of this sedan do not shine well. Even replacing stock lamps with LED ones does not really help.

“Tin from the factory! Granta FL came out of the factory like this. Take a look at the options. Shame! The master said that the last time he saw this was on the 2108 bat,” the car enthusiast signed the photo.

In the comments to the post, users were interested in how much the car, which was like a broken Eight, began to behave better on the road after adjusting the wheel alignment angles. The Ekaterinburg resident said that the improvements are noticeable, but his LADA Granta FL also has problems with the steering wheel, which is installed with a slight deviation.

He also noticed that after visiting the car service center, even the interior became quieter, and advised other “Grant Drivers” to check the wheel alignment on their cars. It is worth noting that wheel alignment angles are a very important parameter and can radically affect the safety of the car.

Help me. How to adjust the wheel alignment on a grant yourself? Videos and links are welcome. Thank you

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By eye. The rest is on special equipment.

You need a level, a ruler, 2 slats of 2 m each and a fishing line, and you also need the floors to be level, then it all takes 1.2-2 hours to set up. I did it out of curiosity. It fell apart a little, after that I went to the 3D stand to check, all the indicators were in the green zone.

Result

, but it was decided not to fool around like that anymore, but to go to the stand and pay 600 rubles

It’s cheaper and easier to go to a wheel alignment. Why don’t you have an extra 500 rubles?

Two nylon threads, I tie each one to the rear disk in such a way that the thread runs along the tire in the center... I put the steering wheel in a level position, preferably more gasoline in the tank... along the thread .. I press it to the front edge of the front wheel and look at how much mm...I adjust the thrust with about 1 mm of clearance. I’ve been doing this for 20 years from 08 to Volvo XC 90 and on my wife’s grant right now, I’ve never eaten tires and checked the error on a stand - within the tolerance

From a practical point of view, the angles of the front wheels affect fuel consumption and tire wear. A correctly adjusted wheel rolls strictly parallel to the trajectory of the car and at the same time it has the least rolling resistance, which is what is required.

As practice shows, in a garage it is quite possible to check and adjust installation angles with sufficient accuracy using the simplest tools.

When to check wheel alignment angles

These adjustments change very slowly over time. The main reason is natural deformation of the body. When you can and should check these angles:

Messages 12

1 Topic by Gray 2015-12-17 17:48:26

• Gray
• Participant
• Inactive

• Messages: 10
• Thank you: 1

Topic: Camber/alignment on the new Vesta

It seemed that the car was being pulled a little to the side. They told me to travel a little more and then if they check anything, when will there be a special program for Vesta. Or am I being stupid, since it’s the first time using an electric steering wheel, it’s a little unusual, but there is still a difference with a hydraulic steering wheel.

New cars from the factory should have an adjusted camber, or who is lucky?

There is still the intrigue of waiting for various “gadgets” and “body kits” in the GT style, as well as new color schemes and an original interior. All this takes place in the presented new product, sales of which started in the fall of 2022.

Description

Many modern cars have negative camber on the rear axle, which is built into the design initially, and this angle reaches 2 or even more degrees. Owners of VAZ cars (except for the latest Grant and Kalina-2 models) have zero wheel camber on the rear axle of their cars. It is possible to establish negative camber of the rear wheels using camber plates, which are installed between the rear beam and the rear wheel hub axle.

As you know, when installing many camber plates widely available on the market, in addition to obtaining a camber of -1°, we also get negative toe-in of the rear wheels, which has a bad effect on handling. This result is obtained due to the fact that when designing these spacers, manufacturers do not take into account the angle of inclination of the rear beam arm. Negative toe-in of the rear wheels increases the likelihood of skidding when cornering, as the car receives excessive oversteer, and when driving in a straight line under the influence of road unevenness and lateral influences (for example, wind or when driving on a rut), the car requires constant steering and becomes excessively sharp and unstable .

When designing the SS20 spacers, the angle of inclination of the rear beam arm was taken into account. The axis of symmetry of the camber plate was shifted by an angle α equal to the inclination of the beam lever. This solution allows you to maintain stable behavior of the car when turning and driving in a straight line. When installing SS20 camber plates, a -1° camber and a slight positive toe-in of the rear axle wheels are provided.

The use of branded SS20 spacers, which give negative camber to the rear wheels, slightly increases their track. This has a positive effect on maneuverability. A wider track allows you to increase cornering speed without the risk of tipping over.

In addition, increasing the camber to -1° improves high-speed cornering, since wheels with negative camber perceive a greater amount of lateral forces without “breaking” the tires, which reduces deviation from the trajectory.

When the body rolls in corners, the most loaded wheels with negative camber retain a larger contact patch and better grip. Toe compensation allows the wheel to roll with the least resistance and reduces tire wear.

For each specific model, the dimensions are calculated separately depending on its weight, dimensions, technical characteristics of the engine, suspension, braking system, expected operating modes of the vehicle and much more.

The software of special computer equipment for wheel alignment adjustment contains the factory parameters of certain models, and the technician just has to select the desired settings.

Lada Granta

I’m probably the first journalist who managed to not only test the Granta, but also compare its behavior on the road with the Kalina, a direct relative and predecessor. The AVTOVAZ testing ground is excellent for these purposes: the access roads are very similar to most Russian highways. There are flat areas with fast turns, small grooves, cracks, joints, and waves.

First I jump into Kalina. It shakes harshly on uneven surfaces and oversteer occurs in corners, which has to be corrected with an uninformative, light steering wheel. Feelings familiar from my editorial station wagon. Now I’m transferring to Granta...

They put a lot of work into the chassis, I can feel it right away. There was effort on the steering wheel - it became easier to feel the trajectory. Of course, a little more transparency wouldn't hurt. But this is if we compare Grant with foreign analogues, primarily with Renault Logan. And from the starting point - Kalina - Granta took a good step forward. Although the testers from the development bureau were faced with a difficult task: to take the existing (far from ideal) chassis as a basis and squeeze the maximum possible out of it at a minimum cost.

Service

The camber angle is
the angle between the central plane of the wheel and the perpendicular to the road surface.

The correct camber angle ensures good traction and stable vehicle control. Incorrect camber setting can result in uneven tire wear and driving difficulties.

Camber is measured in degrees, and the wheels must be in a straight-ahead position. A wheel with a camber angle of 0 degrees is vertical to the road. Camber is positive if the top of the wheel leans outward, and negative if it leans inward.

The most critical wheel alignment angle is the toe angle.

. Extremely positive or negative toe-in causes excessive tire wear. Toe-in is the difference in distances measured at the front and rear points of the wheel disks in the horizontal plane. Toe is measured in millimeters. Convergence can also be expressed in angular measures, in other words in degrees. If the distance measured at the front points is less than the distance measured at the rear points, then they speak of positive toe-in; if, on the contrary, they speak of negative or reverse toe-in. Toe is considered zero if the wheels are parallel to each other.

Signs that clearly indicate that your car needs to have its wheel alignment checked:

1. After turning the steering wheel, the wheels do not immediately obey the command. 2. In appearance, the tires look worn and old. 3. During braking, the car does not listen well and is directed to the side.

Consequences of incorrect wheel alignment

If the camber is adjusted incorrectly, the contact area of ​​the tire tread with the surface sharply decreases, which leads to loss of durability. With all this, the car simply goes into a skid. It should be noted that the control of the car becomes worse, the driver ceases to “feel” it. In addition, if the camber is incorrect, the tire begins to wear less moderately, failing many times faster. Incorrect alignment is not so fatal for the safety of the car, but it is also quite unpleasant. Usually, even at low speed, turning the car is accompanied by a corresponding unpleasant squeal. But the most important thing is that tires wear out even faster than with incorrectly adjusted camber. Quite 5 mm of toe-in, and the tires on the front wheels will have to be changed any thousand or one and a half thousand km, which is quite unpleasant.

Why official LADA service

LADA service centers have trained, highly qualified personnel and have new equipment for diagnosing and adjusting wheel alignment. Computer stands allow you to take measurements with an accuracy of up to mm, check the overall geometry of the car and return the wheel rotation angles. Wheel alignment stands contain all the necessary technical information on all models of LADA cars. The entire wheel alignment procedure is usually affordable.

Adviсe

LADA service centers advise carrying out wheel alignment diagnostics in the following cases: 1. After 10-15 thousand kilometers. 2. After completing the chassis repair work. 3. When replacing tires, their rapid or uneven abrasion. 4. When changing the vehicle's clearance. 5. If the car moves to the side when moving in a straight line or after the wheel hits an obstacle. 6. If the car does not hold the road well, and the steering wheel has changed position while driving along a straight section. 7. If the discs are deformed or the suspension is broken after hitting an obstacle.

Source: www.lada.ru

see also

Comments 17

If you believe the table, then both Kalina and Granta (without power steering) have the same castor. If we install supports on Kalina with a 12mm offset, we will get the same 3 degrees of castor. Did I understand correctly? Why then do they also put Grant’s “crabs” on Kalina?

By installing only supports, you will not increase the castor. Only the tilt of the stand will change. The lower part will remain the same. This is why they install crabs from grants or remove adjusting washers. For civilian driving I don't see the point in doing this. Since the wheel moves almost flush against the front bumper, there is no aesthetic appearance. It’s better when the wheel is in the middle of the arch or slightly offset in front.

{Instructions}

Before you start adjusting the wheel alignment, you should definitely check the chassis of the car. As necessary, it is necessary to repair it, replacing worn components and suspension parts. In addition, before work it is necessary to equalize the tire pressure and unload the trunk.

Tools and materials

To perform wheel alignment adjustments with your own hands, the following items and tools will be useful, which will not be difficult to find:

• ruler;
• chalk;
• regular set of wrenches;
• cord with a plumb line.

Work should be done on a level platform with an inspection hole or a lift.

Our deeds

Nowadays, most often on the roads there are cars with rack and pinion steering and MacPherson-type front suspension.

To adjust the toe-in, you must perform the following sequential steps:

1. Place the car on a pit or a lift, ensuring unobstructed access to the control rods.
2. Unlock the steering column lock, then turn each wheel from the first last position to the other. After this, install them in the central position.
3. Using a ruler, find the point that is in the center of the distance between the 2 ball joints.

4. Measure the wheel rims on the inside. First find the distance from one front edge to the other, and then from one rear edge to the other. The difference between these values ​​is precisely the camber angle. The acquired data is compared with the technical standards for a particular car.

5. To adjust, you need to loosen the locknut of the control rod, turn the couplings until the angle of installation of the 1st wheel coincides with the rest.

To prove a match, it is necessary to measure the distance from the midpoint to each wheel. These values ​​should be equal. After this, tighten the locknuts.

To adjust wheel alignment, rotating eccentrics and shim plates are often used.

Adjusting the wheels yourself will save you a lot of money. On the other hand, work done incorrectly can lead to negative results. Therefore, for modern cars, a professional car service is better suited.

Source: lada-xray2.ru