Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Thrust Angles Description
The front wheels aim or steer the vehicle. The rear wheels control tracking. This tracking action relates to the thrust angle (3). The thrust angle is the path that the rear wheels take. Ideally, the thrust angle is geometrically aligned with the body centerline (2).
In the illustration, toe-in is shown on the left rear wheel, moving the thrust line (1) off center. The resulting deviation from the centerline is the thrust angle.
If the thrust angle is not set properly the vehicle may “dog track”, the steering wheel may not be centered or it could be perceived as a bent axle. Thrust angle can be checked during a wheel alignment.
Positive thrust angle means the thrust line is pointing to the right hand side (RHS) of the vehicle.
Negative thrust angle means the thrust line is pointing to the left hand side (LHS) of the vehicle.
If the thrust angle is out of specification, moving the axle to body relationship will change the thrust angle reading.
If the vehicle is out in the Positive (+) direction-moving the RHS forward and/or LHS rearward will move the thrust angle towards zero degrees.
If the vehicle is out in the Negative (−) direction-moving the RHS rearward and/or LHS forward will move the thrust angle towards zero degrees.
Steel Wheel Repair Description
Caution: Do not heat wheels in an attempt to soften them for straightening
or repair damage from striking curbs, etc. Do not weld wheels. The alloy used
in these wheels is heat-treated and un ...
Tire Dismounting and Mounting
Caution: Use a tire changing machine in order to dismount tires. Do
not use hand tools or tire irons alone in order to remove the tire from the
wheel. Damage to the tire beads or the wheel ri ...
Other materials:
Headlamp Aiming
Visual Aiming Preparation Procedure
Note: Some state and local laws specify requirements for headlamp
aim. Comply with all of these laws when performing any headlamp aiming operations.
Headlamp aim should be checked:
When a new headlamp capsule is installed.
If ser ...
Heater Core Replacement
Heater Core Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Remove the Heater and Air Conditioning Evaporator and Blower Module.
Refer to Heater and Air Conditioning Evaporator and Blower Module Removal
and Inst ...
Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the right front wheelhouse liner. Refer to Front Wheelhouse Liner
Replacement.
Remove the upper intake air duct plastic fastener (1).
Pull the lower portion of the intake air duct outward to release the
duct from the rub ...
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