Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Lengthening a front-mounted strut rod will increase what?

The main idea is how suspension geometry defines the caster angle. Caster is the tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. If you lengthen a front-mounted strut rod, the lower pivot point moves forward relative to the upper mount. That causes the steering axis to tilt forward, which is defined as negative caster. Negative caster makes the steering feel lighter and reduces self-centering, more so than positive caster. Camber and toe are controlled by other parts of the suspension and alignment, so this length change mainly increases negative caster.

The main idea is how suspension geometry defines the caster angle. Caster is the tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side. If you lengthen a front-mounted strut rod, the lower pivot point moves forward relative to the upper mount. That causes the steering axis to tilt forward, which is defined as negative caster. Negative caster makes the steering feel lighter and reduces self-centering, more so than positive caster. Camber and toe are controlled by other parts of the suspension and alignment, so this length change mainly increases negative caster.