I think that matt was refering to the TAD - Thrust Axis Deviation which is where the rear axle does not sit exactly at 90 degrees to the center line of the chasis layout. No matter how accurately the steering is centered and aligned should the TAD deviate from 90 degrees the steering wheel will always move from the straight ahead when the kart is driven in a straight line. i.e. if when measured accurately a 90 degree angle line deviates left in relation to a square line through the steering king pins or swivel point the steering wheel will naturally settle to the right when driving straight and vice versa. So to answer the original question, yes we should be checking the relationship between the front and rear axis lines rather than simply 'alining the front wheels in relationship to each other. So Ian and John are both correct in their comments but in karting we tend to trust that the rear axle mountings have been manufactured correctly so this is rarely checked unless the kart has been involved in a big shunt and required re jigging.
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