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:
TPMS Malfunction Light
The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the TPMS sensors are missing
or inoperable. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light
flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition
cycle. The malfunction light comes on at each ign ...
Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement - Body Side
Rear Side Door Weatherstrip Replacement - Body Side
Callout
Component Name
Preliminary Procedures
Remove the upper center pillar trim. Refer to Center Pillar Upper
Trim Panel Replacement.
Remove the lower center pillar tr ...
Headlining Trim Panel Replacement (Hatchback with Sunroof)
Headlining Trim Panel Replacement
Callout
Component Name
Warning: Do not attempt to repair or alter the head impact
energy-absorbing material glued to the headliner or to the garnish trims.
If the material is damaged ...
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