Stuurafstelling

Stuurafstelling refers to the process of adjusting the steering geometry of a vehicle to improve handling, reduce steering effort, and extend tire life. The term originates from Dutch, where “stuur” means “steering” and “afstelling” means “adjustment”. It is commonly performed on cars, trucks, and agricultural machinery after significant suspension damage, tire wear, or as part of routine maintenance. The primary goal is to establish the correct alignment angles—such as camber, caster, and toe—so that the wheels sit flat against the road with minimal lateral bias.

Correcting alignment creates a neutral steering position, reduces tire scuffs, improves cornering stability, and contributes to safer driving by ensuring even load distribution across all wheels. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear, poor fuel economy, and unsafe vehicle behavior, especially during rapid lane changes or at high speeds.

Typical equipment involved in a stuurafstelling includes a computerized alignment rig, laser pointers, adjustable actuators, and a variety of torque tools. The process often starts with a dynamic or static alignment test. In a dynamic test, the vehicle is driven on a dedicated track while sensors capture wheel angles under load. Static tests examine angles with the car on a flat surface, adjusting camber, caster, and toe via shims or camber plates. When the vehicle’s suspension design allows, technicians may also adjust the steering axis inclination (SAI) or the kingpin offset.

The actual adjustment is performed by loosening ball joints or tie‑rod ends, making incremental changes, then retesting the alignment. Modern vehicles with four‑wheel steering or electronic power steering may require specialized software to re‑calibrate power assist systems after a stuurafstelling. A final verification step ensures that the new angles remain stable over a range of speeds and road surfaces. Proper execution of a stuurafstelling can extend component life, improve safety, and guarantee that the vehicle responds predictably in various driving conditions.