Thrust Angle
Thrust angle is averaged direction rear wheels are pointing in relation to vehicle's center line. See Fig 1. The presence of negative or positive thrust angle causes rear tires to track improperly to left or right of front tires (dog tracking) in the following manner:
- Negative thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to left of front tires.
- Positive thrust angle means rear tires are tracking to right of front tires.
Improper tracking can cause undue tire wear, a lead or pull and a crooked steering wheel. Excessive thrust angle can usually be corrected by adjusting rear wheel toe so that each wheel has 1/2 of total toe measurement.