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HEAVY TRUCK ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES Michigan Mechanic Exam –
Original Questions with Answers and Rationales
Section 1: Alignment Fundamentals and Terminology
(Questions)
1. Which alignment angle is defined as the forward or
rearward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the
side?
A. Camber
B. Toe
C. Caster
D. Thrust angle
Answer: C
Rationale: Caster is the tilt of the steering axis (kingpin or
ball joint axis) forward or rearward from vertical when
viewed from the side. Positive caster tilts the top of the
axis rearward.
2. Camber is defined as:
A. The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from
the front
B. The forward tilt of the steering axis
C. The difference in distance between front and rear of
tires
D. The angle of the rear axle relative to centerline
Answer: A
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Rationale: Camber is the inward (negative) or outward
(positive) tilt of the top of the tire when viewed from the
front of the vehicle. It affects tire wear and handling.
3. Toe is defined as:
A. The tilt of the steering axis
B. The difference in distance between the front and rear
edges of the tires on the same axle
C. The angle of the frame to the ground
D. The tilt of the tire inward at the top
Answer: B
Rationale: Toe is the difference between the front and
rear measurements across the tires on the same axle.
Toe-in means the front edges are closer than the rear
edges.
4. What does a positive toe reading indicate?
A. The front edges of the tires are farther apart than the
rear edges
B. The front edges of the tires are closer together than the
rear edges (toe-in)
C. The top of the tire tilts outward
D. The steering axis tilts forward
Answer: B
Rationale: Positive toe (toe-in) means the distance
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between the front edges of the tires is less than the
distance between the rear edges. Negative toe is toe-out.
5. The thrust angle of a vehicle is determined by:
A. The front wheel camber setting
B. The relationship of the rear axle to the vehicle
centerline
C. The steering wheel position
D. The front toe setting only
Answer: B
Rationale: Thrust angle is the direction the rear axle
points relative to the vehicle's geometric centerline. If the
rear axle is not perpendicular, the vehicle dog-tracks.
6. Which alignment angle is primarily responsible for steering
wheel returnability after a turn?
A. Camber
B. Toe
C. Caster
D. Thrust angle
Answer: C
Rationale: Positive caster creates self-aligning torque,
which helps the steering wheel return to center after a
turn. More positive caster increases returnability and
straight-line stability.
HEAVY TRUCK ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES Michigan Mechanic Exam –
Original Questions with Answers and Rationales
Section 1: Alignment Fundamentals and Terminology
(Questions)
1. Which alignment angle is defined as the forward or
rearward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the
side?
A. Camber
B. Toe
C. Caster
D. Thrust angle
Answer: C
Rationale: Caster is the tilt of the steering axis (kingpin or
ball joint axis) forward or rearward from vertical when
viewed from the side. Positive caster tilts the top of the
axis rearward.
2. Camber is defined as:
A. The inward or outward tilt of the tire when viewed from
the front
B. The forward tilt of the steering axis
C. The difference in distance between front and rear of
tires
D. The angle of the rear axle relative to centerline
Answer: A
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
Rationale: Camber is the inward (negative) or outward
(positive) tilt of the top of the tire when viewed from the
front of the vehicle. It affects tire wear and handling.
3. Toe is defined as:
A. The tilt of the steering axis
B. The difference in distance between the front and rear
edges of the tires on the same axle
C. The angle of the frame to the ground
D. The tilt of the tire inward at the top
Answer: B
Rationale: Toe is the difference between the front and
rear measurements across the tires on the same axle.
Toe-in means the front edges are closer than the rear
edges.
4. What does a positive toe reading indicate?
A. The front edges of the tires are farther apart than the
rear edges
B. The front edges of the tires are closer together than the
rear edges (toe-in)
C. The top of the tire tilts outward
D. The steering axis tilts forward
Answer: B
Rationale: Positive toe (toe-in) means the distance
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between the front edges of the tires is less than the
distance between the rear edges. Negative toe is toe-out.
5. The thrust angle of a vehicle is determined by:
A. The front wheel camber setting
B. The relationship of the rear axle to the vehicle
centerline
C. The steering wheel position
D. The front toe setting only
Answer: B
Rationale: Thrust angle is the direction the rear axle
points relative to the vehicle's geometric centerline. If the
rear axle is not perpendicular, the vehicle dog-tracks.
6. Which alignment angle is primarily responsible for steering
wheel returnability after a turn?
A. Camber
B. Toe
C. Caster
D. Thrust angle
Answer: C
Rationale: Positive caster creates self-aligning torque,
which helps the steering wheel return to center after a
turn. More positive caster increases returnability and
straight-line stability.
