What is a common effect of an off-set thrust angle?

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An off-set thrust angle occurs when the rear wheels of a vehicle are not aligned properly in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. This misalignment can lead to a variety of handling issues. One of the most common effects of an off-set thrust angle is diagonal tire wear. As the vehicle travels, the misalignment causes the tires to scrub against the road surface unevenly, resulting in abnormal wear on the tires that may show up as wear patterns across the surface.

In addition to tire wear, an off-set thrust angle can also cause the vehicle to pull or drift to one side while driving. This occurs because the vehicle's rear wheels are not tracking in line with the front wheels, leading to instability in steering and requiring the driver to compensate by adjusting the steering wheel. This often results in an off-set or off-center steering wheel, as the driver must constantly correct for the drift.

By addressing the thrust angle and bringing it back into proper alignment, these issues can often be resolved, leading to improved handling, more even tire wear, and a straighter steering wheel.

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