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 (c) Vehicle handling characteristics 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.