Wheel alignment apparatus for use on a beam axle

摘要

The present invention relates to a mechanism for setting and adjusting wheel alignment parameters such as caster and camber on a driving or non-driving steerable beam axle. An enlarged bore is provided in at least one end of the yoke to receive a ramp member and a ball joint assembly sleeve. The ball joint assembly sleeve is movable relative to the ramp member along an arc defined by the curved surfaces of the ramp member such that the position of the ball joint assembly sleeve, and consequently the ball joint, may be varied within the bore. Depending upon the orientation of the curved surfaces of the ramp member, the present invention may be utilized to adjust either caster or camber. The present invention also relates to a method of adjusting the position of a ball joint relative to a yoke member.