6-M2
ME8200, ME9000, WSM
FRONT AXLE
2. FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
To assure smooth mobility or maneuverability and enhance stable and straight running, the front wheels are
mounted at an angle to the right, left and forward directions. This arrangement is referred to as the Front Wheel
Alignment.
â– Camber
The front wheels are tilted from the vertical as viewed
from the front, upper wheels are spreader than lower
ones.
This inclination is called camber (a). Camber reduces
bending or twisting of the front axle cased by vertical load
or running resistance, and also maintains the stability in
running.
W1013036
â– Kingpin Angle
The kingpin is titled from the vertical as viewed from
the front.
This angle is called kingpin angle (a). As with the
camber, kingpin angle reduces rolling resistance of the
wheels, and prevents any shimmy motion of the steering
wheel.
It also reduces steering effort.
W1013160
â– Caster
The kingpin is titled forward as viewed from the side.
The point (b) of the wheel center line is behind the point
(a) of the kingpin shaft center line.
This inclination is called caster (c). Caster helps
provide steering stability.
As with the kingpin inclination, caster reduces
steering effort.
W1013246
Camber
0.035 rad
2 °
Kingpin angle
0.218 rad
12.5 °
Caster
0.026 rad
1.5 °
F : Front R : Rear