ASE Suspension and Steering (A4) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Before adjusting the rear toe on a vehicle with four-wheel steering, the rear steering must be locked. This step is crucial because it ensures that the rear wheels are stable and in a fixed position during the alignment process. If the rear steering is not locked, adjustments to the rear toe could be ineffective or could lead to incorrect alignment results as any movement of the rear wheels could change the alignment measurements.

In vehicles equipped with four-wheel steering systems, both the front and rear wheels can steer. Thus, it's essential to ensure that the rear steering is immobilized to accurately set the rear toe without the influence of any rear-wheel movement. This process helps to achieve a precise alignment that optimizes handling and tire wear.

While other steps in the alignment process, such as setting front camber or toe, are important, they relate primarily to the front wheels. The focus here is on the necessity of locking the rear steering to maintain the integrity of the alignment adjustments for the rear wheels.