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:
Engine Heater
The engine heater can provide easier starting and better fuel economy during
engine warm-up in cold weather conditions at or below −18°C (0°F). Vehicles with
an engine heater should be plugged in at least four hours before starting.
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap ...
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic, or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Approv ...
Radio Antenna Replacement
Radio Antenna Replacement
Callout
Component Name
1
Radio Antenna
Procedure
Rotate the mast counterclockwise in order to release the mast from the
antenna base.
...
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