Front Caster and Camber Adjustment
Front Caster and Camber Adjustment
Note: Caster is adjusted using a Front Suspension Adjustment Kit. The kit includes parts necessary to adjust caster on one side of the front suspension and includes:
* One replacement control arm retaining bolt.
* Two offset washers.
* One replacement prevailing torque locknut
Front Caster and Camber Adjustment
Warning: Refer to Safety Glasses Warning Safety Glasses Warning.
Danger:
To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.
1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle Service and Repair.
2. Remove the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
Note: The strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), nuts (1) and washers (2) are single use parts. They must be discarded after removal.
3. Remove the strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), nuts (1) and washers (2).
Discard the bolts, nuts and washers.
Note: The strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (2) and nuts (1) are not to be fully tightened until after the front camber has been adjusted.
4. Install NEW strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), washers (2) and nuts (1).
Do not fully tighten at this stage.
5. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.
6. Remove the safety stands.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
Note: Before checking and adjusting any wheel alignment angles bounce the vehicle to settle the suspension to normal ride height.
8. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
Note: For accurate readings do not push or pull on the tire and wheel assembly during the alignment process.
9. Determine the actual caster angle (1).
Note: The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2) are single use components and must be discarded after removal.
10. Remove the front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2), caster control washer (1) retaining clip (3) and bracket with captive nut (6).
Note: The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5) included in the front suspension adjustment kit are used to adjust the caster of the front suspension by a set amount.
Note: The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2), offset washers (1 and 5) and retaining nut (4) are available in the front suspension adjustment kit.
Make sure both the NEW front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5) have been installed in the same
orientation.
11. Adjust the caster to specification by selecting and installing the correct front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5). For caster specifications, Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications Specifications.
12. Install the NEW front lower control front arm to the drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2).
13. Install the NEW front lower control front arm to the drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining nut (4).
14. Tighten the front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining nut (4). Refer to Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement Front Lower Control Front Arm Replacement
Note: For accurate readings do not push or pull on the tire and wheel assembly during the alignment process.
15. Determine the actual camber, Positive (1) or Negative (2).
Note: Should the camber adjusting bolt (3) require replacement, only use the genuine GM part.
16. Adjust the camber to specification using the camber adjusting bolt (3). Turning clockwise will reduce negative camber. For camber specifications, Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications Specifications.
17. Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (2) and nuts (1). Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement Service and Repair
18. Verify that the caster and camber are still within specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications Specifications.
19. If further adjustment is required, adjust as necessary.