Steering Axis Inclination - Explained

The second of four short videos on wheel alignment. This video provides information on steering axis inclination, and the role it plays on automobiles.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• wheel
• tire
• alignment
• camber
• caster
• toe
• toe-in
• toe-out
• steering
• axis
• inclination
• Caster Angle

[HawaiiJackJr]

I know there's probably an explanation for this, but my first though about the scrubbing axis was, wouldn't the decrease in tire contact mean the car puts down less power?

[EngineeringExplained]

@HawaiiJackJr The amount of contact between the tire and the ground is almost identical in both scenarios. Regardless, power would not be affected.

[PhilTheBroatian]

To decrease the scrub radius, why cant you just decrease the distance from the wheel to the axle?

[EngineeringExplained]

@PhilTheBroatian Because there are things between the steering axis and the center of the wheel. Brakes, suspension components, the wheel itself has an axle in the center obviously, from which it is driven. These components make it difficult to decrease that distance, though it would be beneficial if possible.

[Gridlockpt2]

And your good at rectifying on how to solve a problem with steering axis

[Gridlockpt2]

You have a great observation

[bloximonkey]

@yamenad Exactly same here. Got it after googling some images and watching the video for a second time.

[EngineeringExplained]

@yamenad Well, possibly, but the camber angle is very small so it won't make a huge difference.

[yamenad]

@EngineeringExplained Thanks :) , yup it cleared things up, and i just went out minutes ago and checked my car steering system, and understood the parts :D

one little question: will the outer parts of the tires wear out faster by having a positive camber ?

[EngineeringExplained]

@yamenad When you're looking at the diagrams on the board, imagine that you are sitting behind the front right tire at looking parallel to the ground at it. The dotted red line is the line about which the wheel/tire rotates. The dotted green line is the center of the wheel/tire. The closer these two lines are at the bottom of the tire (scrub radius) the easier it is to turn, and less wear will occur. Hope this helps!