Alignment: Service and Repair
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTIONBefore starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed.
1. Tires with the same recommended air pressure, size, and tread wear.
2. Inspect front wheel bearings for wear or adjustment.
3. Inspect front wheels for excessive radial, lateral runout and unbalance.
4. Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and steering gear for looseness, roughness, binding or a sticking condition.
5. Inspect suspension components for wear and noise. Check components for correct torque.
NOTE: Before each alignment reading the vehicle should be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and down three times. Always release the bumper in the down position.
CAMBER
The wheel camber angle is preset. This angle is not adjustable and cannot be altered.
CASTER
Check the caster of the front axle for correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted. Road test the vehicle and observe the steering wheel return-to-center position. Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnability.
During the road test, turn the vehicle to both the left and right. If the steering wheel returns to the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. However, if steering wheel does not return toward the center position unassisted, a low caster angle is probable.
Caster can be adjusted by loosening and rotating the cams on the lower suspension arm. Changing caster angle will also change the front propeller shaft angle. The propeller shaft angle has priority over caster. Refer to Transmission and Drivetrain for additional information.
NOTE: The wheel toe position adjustment should be the final adjustment.
TOE POSITION
1. Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the steering wheel. Center and secure the steering wheel.
2. Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.
3. Adjust the right wheel toe position with the drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at the correct positive TOE-IN position. Position the clamp bolts as shown and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.). Make sure the toe setting does not change during clamp tightening.
4. Adjust the left wheel toe position with the tie rod. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at the same TOE-IN position as the right wheel. Position the clamp bolts as shown and tighten to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.). Make sure the toe setting does not change during clamp tightening.
5. Verify the right toe setting.