Wheel alignment — identifying camber When the top of a road wheel is tilted outward (away from the vehicle), the condition is called:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: positive camber

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Wheel alignment geometry—camber, caster, and toe—affects tyre wear, steering feel, and straight-line stability. Camber specifically refers to inward or outward tilt of the wheel relative to vertical when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Front suspension of a passenger car with adjustable camber.
  • Observation is made from ahead or behind the vehicle.
  • Small angles measured in degrees or minutes.


Concept / Approach:
Positive camber means the top of the wheel leans outward. Negative camber means it leans inward at the top. Caster, by contrast, is the fore–aft tilt of the steering axis (kingpin/strut) seen from the side, and is not described by inward/outward top tilt when viewed from the front.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the described tilt: top of wheel outward.Match to definition: positive camber.Discard caster options as they refer to longitudinal tilt of steering axis.


Verification / Alternative check:
Alignment specifications commonly label camber with positive values when tops lean outward; negative values when tops lean inward. Visual inspection and camber gauge readings confirm this nomenclature.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Negative camber is the opposite direction. Positive/negative caster concerns steering axis angle in the side view, not wheel tilt in the front view.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing camber with toe; overlooking that some performance setups intentionally run slight negative camber to improve cornering grip.


Final Answer:
positive camber

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