Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Caster and Camber Adjustment


Fig. 1 Caster & Camber Adjustment. 2WD Models:






2WD MODELS

Before checking and adjusting caster and camber angles, jounce front bumper at least three times, to allow vehicle to return to normal ``trim height.'' This will prevent false readings.

Caster and camber adjustments are made by adding, subtracting or transfer of shims inserted between upper control arm shaft and frame bracket, Fig. 1.
To adjust caster and/or camber, loosen upper control arm shaft-to-frame nuts, then add or subtract shims as necessary to adjust, then tighten nuts to specifications. After adjustment, the shim pack should have at least two threads of bolt exposed beyond the nut. The difference between front and rear shim packs must not exceed .40 inch.
When adjusting caster, transfer shims from front to rear or rear to front. The transfer of one shim from rear to front bolt will decrease positive caster. When adjusting camber, change shims equally at both front and rear of shaft. Adding an equal number of shims at front and rear will decrease positive camber.
When performing either caster or camber adjustment, always tighten nut on thinner shim pack first to improve shaft-to-frame clamping force and torque retention.

Fig. 2 Caster & Camber Adjustment. AWD Models:






AWD MODELS

Before checking and adjusting caster and camber angles, jounce front bumper at least three times, to allow vehicle to return to normal ``trim height.'' This will prevent false readings.


Caster and camber adjustments are made by rotating the offset cam bolt and cam in slotted frame bracket to reposition control arm Fig 2. To adjust caster and camber, loosen upper control arm-to-frame attaching bolts. Rotate cam by rotating cam bolt head.



Caster
1. Note camber reading. Hold front cam bolt Fig. 2, then loosen nut. Turn nut to obtain a change equal to 1/4 of desired caster change.
2. At front cam bolt, a positive camber change produces a positive caster change and a negative camber change produces a negative caster change. Hold cam bolt in this position while tightening nut to maintain setting.
3. Hold rear cam bolt, then loosen nut and turn cam bolt to return camber to setting noted by turning cam lobe in opposite direction.
4. Check caster setting. If not correct repeat adjustment procedure.
5. Ensure cam bolt head is secure, then torque nut to 99 ft. lbs.

Camber

1. Hold cam bolt Fig. 2 and loosen cam bolt nut.
2. Turn to obtain change equal to half of needed correction.
3. Keep cam bolt in this position to maintain setting.
4. Obtain remaining half of correction by repeating steps 1 through 3 to other cam bolt, turning cam lobe in same direction.