Toe-In
A wheel alignment condition where the front edges of the tires point inward toward each other.
Toe-in is a wheel alignment setting where the front edges of the wheels point slightly inward toward the vehicle's centerline, when viewed from above. It is the automotive equivalent of being pigeon-toed, and a small degree of toe-in is standard on most rear-wheel-drive vehicles statically.
In rear-wheel-drive vehicles, the rolling resistance of the road pushes the front wheels outward slightly as the vehicle moves forward, taking up play in the steering linkages. Setting a small amount of static toe-in ensures that the wheels straighten out to parallel (zero toe) at highway speeds, improving straight-line tracking and stability. Too much toe-in, however, causes excessive scrubbing and tire wear.
The main symptom of excessive toe-in is rapid tire wear on the outer edges of the tread blocks, often accompanied by a feathered pattern. Adjusting toe is performed by turning the threaded sleeves on the steering tie rods. Before adjusting, technicians inspect the inner and outer tie rod ends for looseness, as worn joints prevent accurate toe adjustment.