Alignment: Service and Repair
WARNING: PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FALLING, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.Front Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment refers to the angular relationship between the wheels, control arms, suspension and the ground. It deals with tire camber, caster, toe-in and wheel balancing. Proper wheel alignment and wheel balance insures a safe, quiet ride with minimal tire wear. This information assumes that all components are in good working condition. Performing this exercise may also detect any problem areas in the front suspension. It is advisable to replace defective components before attempting a wheel alignment.
Inspection
1. Inspect tires for proper balance and inflation. Balance tires and set to the recommended pressure if necessary.
2. Inspect front wheel bearing play and reduce the bearing play; replace any defective bearings.
3. Inspect for any excessive looseness of the ball joints and steering center link.
4. Place the vehicle on level ground and confirm that there are no passengers or luggage on board.
5. Push down on the front of the vehicle to determine the correct operation of the shock absorbers.
Camber
Camber is the tilting of the front wheels from the vertical when viewed from the front of the vehicle. When the wheels tilt outward at the top, the camber is "positive" (+). When the wheels tilt inward at the top, the camber is "negative" (-). The amount of tilt is measured in degrees from the vertical. Camber setting will influence directional control and tire wear.
Inspection
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove the front wheel hub.
3. Attach the standard camber gauge to the hub and measure the camber.
Camber:
0.44° ±0.75° (No Passenger Load)
0° ±0.75° (2 Passenger Load)
Adjustment
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise so that the number "2" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle counter-clockwise so that the number "2" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the camber by 0.4 degrees when turned to the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Caster
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis (at the top) either forward or backward from the vertical. A backward tilt is "positive"(+) and a forward tilt is "negative" (-).
Caster influences directional control of the steering but does not affect tire wear. Caster is affected by vehicle height, therefore it is important to keep the body at its designated height. Overloading the vehicle or a weak, sagging rear spring will affect the caster. When the rear of the vehicle is lower than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a less positive caster.
Inspection
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove the front wheel hub.
3. Attach a standard caster gauge to the hub and measure the caster.
Caster:
3.58° ±0.75° (No Passenger Load)
3.85° ±0.75° (2 Passenger Load)
Adjustment
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise until the number "2" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle clockwise until the number "2" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the caster by 0.55 degrees when turned to the vertical line.
Toe-in
Toe-in is a measurement of how much the front wheels are turned in or out from a straight-ahead position. When the wheels are turned in (toward each other at front), the toe is "positive" (+). When the wheels are turned out (away from each other at front), the toe is "negative" (-). The actual amount of toe is normally only a fraction of a degree. The purpose of toe is to insure that the wheels roll parallel. Toe also serves to offset the small deflections of the wheel support system that occur when the vehicle is rolling forward. In other words, even when the wheels are set to toe in or out slightly when the vehicle is standing still, they tend to roll parallel on the road when the vehicle is moving. Toe affects tire wear.
Inspection
1. Position the vehicle on level ground and place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position within ±5 degrees.
2. Measure the toe-in with a standard toe-in gauge.
Toe-in:
0.098 ±0.098 inch (2.5 ±2.5 mm) (No Passenger Load)
0.0 ±0.098 inch (0.0 ±2.5 mm) (2 Passenger Load)
Adjustment
1. Loosen the left and right tie-rod lock nuts.
2. Toe to specifications by turning the tie-rod by the center adjuster.
3. Tighten the left and right tie-rod lock nuts. Tighten left and right tie-rod lock nuts to 76 ft. lbs. (103 Nm).
4. Repeat adjustment instructions for opposite side.