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Date:         Fri, 22 Jun 2012 01:04:34 -0500
Reply-To:     walkingboss <walkingboss@COMMUNICOMM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         walkingboss <walkingboss@COMMUNICOMM.COM>
Subject:      Re: Alignment - Self Centering
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="Windows-1252";
              reply-type=original

Assuming when parked the wheels were straight ahead ( as pulling in the driveway), and the keys were left in the switch (column unlocked) and the Van rolled backwards, the wheels would of turned all the way to the stop, either the left or right. The front end geometry is set up so the wheels will return to center (facing forward) when driving forward. If not you would have to fight the wheel at all times when driving, and the Van would wander all over the road!

Think of a shopping cart, or any other type of wheeled car/truck or cart for that matter that has "Casters" for from wheels. Notice that the pivot for the wheel (caster) points down in front of the wheel. That point is where the load is carried, so when you push the cart forward, it goes straight, and the wheels follow. This is called (Positive King Pin Angle, or Positive Caster) Older car/trucks with straight axle were tilted back in the same manner. The pivot point (weight carrying point) was ahead of the center line of the axle The front end of a newer car is more or less set up the same way....... The Upper ball joint is behind the lower (Disclaimer: some older Fo* ds) have negative caster. There powder steering handles the tire "wander". A strut type front end has positive caster built into the design of the car. Notice the strut leans back at the top.

Anyway the wheels were most likely held straight by the key being removed and the column locking! Who knows for sure.

Cheers

Howard


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