NANO

STEERING SYSTEM

589

STEERING

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Wheel alignment is a procedure of aligning wheels

according to the specifications.

The purpose of these adjustments is to give maximum

tire life and vehicle-travel that is straight and true when

driving along a straight and level road. Acorrect wheel

alignment is necessary because it affects directional

stability, tire tread wear and vehicle’s safety.

Warning signs of improper wheel alignment include

steering wheel shimmy, a constant steering pull to

one side, tire squeal noises when making turns,

excessive vibration as speed accelerates, and

changes in direction after a car has hit a bump on the

road. If any of the above symptoms are noticed, wheel

alignment becomes necessary.

Wheel alignment should be done at the time of fitting

new tires and thereafter at regular intervals. Wheels

which may be only a fraction out of alignment can

scrub or drag along the road instead of rolling along

it.

Normally overall wheel alignment refers to the

procedures used to check and adjust the steering

system, including the camber, caster, and toe.

The purpose of toe is to ensure that the wheels roll

parallel. Toe also serves to offset the small deflections

of the wheel support system that occur when the

vehicle is rolling forward. In other words, with the

vehicle standing still and the wheels set with toe-in,

the wheels tend to roll parallel on the road when the

vehicle is moving.

Toe settings affect three major areas of

performance:

(a) Tyre wear

(b) Straight-line stability and

In case of TATA NANO, ONLY TOE IN adjustment

is required.

Following precautions are to be taken before

commencing wheel alignment:

1. Car should be unladen and parked on level surface.

2. Front and rear tires should be inflated to correct

pressure (28 and 30 psi respectively)

3. Ensure that bushes in the front/rear suspension

are in satisfactory condition.

4. Ensure that front rear & suspension fasteners are

tightened to their specified torques.

5. Also ensure that there is no visible damage to any

of the suspension parts like lower link bushes and

struts.

6. Ensure that there is no play in steering linkages

and suspension ball joints.

7. Ensure no tyro wear on any wheels. If so replace

the respective tires.