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

When performing an alignment, which angle do you adjust first?

The main idea is to establish a stable baseline by setting camber first. Rear camber is adjusted first because it controls how much the tire tilts top-to-bottom, which affects tire contact with the road without immediately changing where the wheel is pointing. By dialing in the rear camber to its target first, you minimize the chance that later changes will push toe readings off again, making the final alignment more predictable. Once the camber is within spec, you then adjust toe to bring each wheel straight ahead and ensure proper tracking. Front toe is more about steering direction and can be influenced if you start with it, and caster is not always adjustable on every vehicle, so starting with camber avoids unnecessary rework and keeps the alignment stable as you finish with toe.

The main idea is to establish a stable baseline by setting camber first. Rear camber is adjusted first because it controls how much the tire tilts top-to-bottom, which affects tire contact with the road without immediately changing where the wheel is pointing. By dialing in the rear camber to its target first, you minimize the chance that later changes will push toe readings off again, making the final alignment more predictable. Once the camber is within spec, you then adjust toe to bring each wheel straight ahead and ensure proper tracking. Front toe is more about steering direction and can be influenced if you start with it, and caster is not always adjustable on every vehicle, so starting with camber avoids unnecessary rework and keeps the alignment stable as you finish with toe.