Lesson 1/Learning Event 1
Another feature of the steering system is the frontwheel alignment, which
is referred to as steering geometry.
Frontwheel alignment can be defined as the proper positioning of the front
wheels to make them easy to turn to the right or left and to reduce the
tendency of the tires to scuff or wear unevenly. Proper alignment also
reduces the tendency of the front wheels to wander or shimmy and makes it
much easier to control the vehicle.
FIGURE 1. ACKERMAN STEERING SYSTEM.
FIFTH WHEEL STEERING
Remember the toy wagon you played with in your younger days? To steer the
wagon you merely pulled the wagon handle to the right or left, and the axle
and both front wheels turned with the tongue. The axle was a single shaft
with a wheel mounted on each end. There was a pivot at the center so the
axle could be turned to change the wheels from the straightahead position.
This type of steering arrangement is known as fifth wheel steering.
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