Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: camber
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
Basic wheel alignment parameters include camber, caster, and toe. Each parameter affects tire wear, steering feel, and vehicle stability. This question asks for the term associated with the outward tilt of the wheel top when viewed from the front, which is a positive setting of a specific alignment angle used for handling and tire-wear optimization.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Camber is the inclination of the wheel from vertical, viewed from the front or rear. Positive camber means the top of the wheel leans outward; negative camber means it leans inward. Caster is the fore-aft tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side, and toe describes the inward or outward pointing of the wheels when viewed from above. Therefore, the described condition is positive camber, commonly adjusted to balance handling response and tire wear depending on suspension geometry and use case.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Alignment specification sheets define camber as the front view angle. Service manuals illustrate positive camber with the wheel inclined outward at the top.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Caster — Side view steering axis inclination, not wheel tilt in front view.
Toe-in and toe-out — Plan view angles describing wheel pointing, not wheel tilt.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing camber with caster because both are called inclination angles; using toe settings to fix camber-induced tire wear issues without correcting camber first.
Final Answer:
camber
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