Thrust Angle
Thrust angle is averaged direction rear wheels are pointing in relation to vehicle's center line. See Fig 1 . The presence of negative or positive thrust angle causes rear tires to track improperly to left or right of front tires (dog tracking) in the following manner:
- Negative thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to left of front tires.
- Positive thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to right of front tires.
Improper tracking can cause undue tire wear, a lead or pull and a crooked steering wheel. Excessive thrust angle can usually be corrected by adjusting rear wheel toe so that each wheel has 1/2 of total toe measurement.