Unit 3: Steering Geometry & Vehicle Dynamics
Duration of Days: 18
The "Big Three" of alignment: Caster, Camber, and Toe.
Ackermann Steering Geometry and its impact on cornering efficiency.
Mechanical advantage and linkage ratios in tie-rod systems.
Measure and adjust the alignment on a race vehicle using string lines and protractors.
Analyze tire wear patterns to diagnose steering geometry flaws.
Rebuild spindles and tie-rod ends to eliminate "slop" in the steering rack.
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The Alignment Lab: A technical report showing "Before and After" alignment specs and a justification for the adjustments made.
| Lesson # | Lesson Title | Duration of Days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Geometry of the Contact Patch | 3 |
| 2 | Stability & Return-to-Center | 3 |
| 3 | Directional Control & Toe | 3 |
| 4 | Ackermann Steering Geometry | 3 |
| 5 | Linkages, Spindles, & Mechanical Advantage | 3 |
| 6 | The Full Alignment & Track Tune | 3 |