Toe settings and rear tire cone kills

[ZX3Focus]

At my last alignment, the helpful folks at Firestone set me up with zero front toe and mild negative rear toe. Ever since, I've had the impression that I'm hitting cones (and curbs) with my rear tires that my front tires missed.

I really don't feel like I'm adding steering input once the front tires are past, but the cone scuffs on both my doors seem to indicate otherwise. Is it possible for a toe setup like that to cause a tail-in stance under cornering load?

I have the alignment sheet if the exact numbers will help.

[engled]

At my last alignment, the helpful folks at Firestone set me up with zero front toe and mild negative rear toe. Ever since, I've had the impression that I'm hitting cones (and curbs) with my rear tires that my front tires missed.

I really don't feel like I'm adding steering input once the front tires are past, but the cone scuffs on both my doors seem to indicate otherwise. Is it possible for a toe setup like that to cause a tail-in stance under cornering load?

I have the alignment sheet if the exact numbers will help.

"Negative toe" does that mean toe in or out?

[JohnW8]

"Negative toe" does that mean toe in or out?

I always thought negative means toe-in. It sounds like you are just turning in a tic too early if you're back wheels are clipping cones. Are you hitting inside or outside cones?

[ZX3Focus]

Sorry, I have rear toe in. Inventing terminology is fun!

[ZX3Focus]

I'm pretty sure they're inside cones. If I've figured out how to turn in too early, that would at least show I've learned something. I've usually been accused of turning in too late and being behind the course.

[JohnW8]

I'm pretty sure they're inside cones.

I figured it was inside cones, but if you turn in too early and aren't carrying enough speed to get the car to "step out" (slip angle) the back wheels will follow a path that will lead them to the cone carnage. Next event try waiting just a millisecond longer before your turn in or adjust your line to where you are a bit further out and dive toward the back side of the apex cone. Or pump up the rear tires so they slip a little bit more...loosen up the car. Loose is fast but loose is also spin happy.

[Jedi1]

or carry a tad more speed into the cone. this will let the car push the rear end by the cone. Sounds to me like you've started to keep your head up and look 300 feet down range which is a real good thing! Now pick up the pace a bit to match the new found view of the course and all is well. If you are picking them up with the tail of the car you're doing it right. As long as you aren't getting every cone you go by.

[slowautoxr]

Shouldn't the Focus be hiking the inside rear over the cone?

[Jedi1]

Honestly, yes. Yes it should!

[Jedi1]

If you don't hit a cone or two every now and then, you're driving too slow!

[chuck schultz]

I subscribe to the theory that if you hit a cone with a front wheel, you're going too fast, and if you hit it with the rear, you're going too slow. Which is sorta what other people are saying with more words, above.

[ZX3Focus]

Shouldn't the Focus be hiking the inside rear over the cone?

It certainly used to (see my avatar for reference), before I raided the suspension section of the Ford Racing catalog. It's a little harder to tripod it now.

[ZX3Focus]

If you don't hit a cone or two every now and then, you're driving too slow!

I agree, but racking up 8 cones across my 3 afternoon runs last event was very unlike my usual style.

[ZX3Focus]

Great advice, y'all.

Action plan:

• Loosen car up a little
• Be less skeered
• Carry more speed

[Focus]

Bingo. Just make sure you do the braking in a straight line.