Vehicle manufacturers specify various reference points on the frame, body, fender, bumper or suspension. The point where ride height is measured is critical. Some manufacturers allow up to an inch or more of sag (but generally no more than two inches) before ride height is considered out of specification. So ride height should always be measured and compared to specifications to determine if it is within an acceptable range. MEASURING RIDE HEIGHTĪ vehicle's attitude is difficult to gauge by sight alone unless it is sagging badly or listing to one side.
AUTOMOTIVE FRAME SPECIFICATIONS DRIVERS
A nose high attitude can blind oncoming drivers while a nose low attitude can reduce visibility and the time a driver has to react to a curve or obstacle. Ride height can also affect the aim of the headlights, which in turn affects nighttime driving safety. Depending on the amount of change, it may have an adverse effect on steering stability, effort and returnability. Raising or lowering the rear of the vehicle will change the angle of the steering axis (caster).
Unequal camber can cause a vehicle to lead to one side.ĭifferences in ride height front-to-rear can also upset the steering geometry of the front suspension. If the springs are weak and the suspension has sagged two or more inches below the specified ride height, the arms are forced to operate above their normal plane and beyond their normal range of travel - which can cause undesirable changes in camber and toe. That position determines the amount and direction of camber change that occurs as the suspension moves from jounce to rebound. When a suspension is designed by the vehicle manufacturer, the control arms are positioned to operate at a specified ride height. This is especially important with SLA and wishbone strut suspensions. Ride height determines where the control arms operate within their normal range of travel. WHY THE PROPER RIDE HEIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT And with the nose-down aero attitude of so many cars today, it's impossible to tell if the vehicle has the right attitude unless you measure ride height front and rear and compare the results to the factory specifications. You can compare the height of the fender wells on both sides to see if the suspension is leaning or not, but a simple comparison won't tell you if the overall chassis height is correct or not. It's hard to see variations in ride height if the difference is only an inch or two. Ride height problems are not always obvious, and may be overlooked unless a vehicle is leaning like a battleship that's taken a torpedo, or is tilting like the Titanic on its final plunge. The underlying cause of this kind of bad attitude is usually one or more sagging springs, and the way you detect it is by measuring ride height prior to doing a wheel alignment. The chassis may be sagging or slightly askew thanks to the unbalanced forces of gravity that are working upon it.
Have you ever been confronted by a vehicle with a bad attitude? The kind of attitude we're talking about here is not a chip on the shoulder, but a physical attitude that's not what it should be.
AUTOMOTIVE FRAME SPECIFICATIONS MANUALS
We carry a full line of auto frame straightening tools such as clamps, chains, hooks and binders, as well as complete flat rack floor systems and frame pulling kits.Auto Repair Library, Auto Parts, Accessories, Tools, Manuals & Books, Car BLOG, Links, Index If your shop needs a way to correct issues in a frame or chassis, then Auto Body Toolmart is the right place for you. Repairing frame damage on a wrecked vehicle can be a tough job and even harder to do if you do not have the proper automotive frame straightening equipment for the job.
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