Bump steer occurs when​ _______.

Bump steer occurs when the steering linkage is not level, which causes the vehicle's wheels to change direction unexpectedly when the suspension is compressed, such as when hitting a bump. In a properly aligned steering system, the toe angle—how the front wheels align with each other—remains consistent, even as the suspension moves up and down. However, if the steering linkage isn’t level, the angles can change during suspension travel, leading to unintended steering inputs. This results in the driver feeling a tug on the steering wheel as the vehicle's wheels shift in response to road imperfections, which is exactly what bump steer is characterized by. Understanding this concept is crucial for diagnosing and correcting steering and suspension issues.