449503 Suspension Alignment, Complete
WM 449503 Suspension alignment, complete
Tools
Tools and materials
Suspension alignment of the Panamera differs only slightly from that of conventional suspension alignment. This involves adjusting the vehicle height, the wheel-load difference from left to right, special tools and corrections to wheel alignment.
Suspension alignment
Quick-clamping holders -figure- (for fastening the measured-value pickups on the wheels) are used for the Panamera. These measured-value pickups are positioned (with the claws first) centrally in the centre of the rim and tautened clockwise in the rim with the straining ring. The order number for the new clamping units will be included in Tools and Equipment.
Quick-clamping holder
Existing quick-clamping holders (old version) can be retrofitted by replacing the left and right clamping units.
Information
Information on wheel loads
- In general, the following applies: max. 40 kg wheel load difference left to right per axle. However, no more than 60 kg difference in total between front axle and rear axle.
- In other words: A maximum of 40 kg at one axle and a maximum of 20 kg at the other axle.
On the Panamera, the body is secured at the rear on a chassis subframe, and at the front axle on a support frame. In certain cases (e.g. after removal and installation of power unit) the alignment values may not be reached. In such cases, the chassis subframe/support frame may be shifted slightly.
Suspension alignment of the Panamera differs only slightly from that of conventional suspension alignment. This applies to both the front and the rear axles.
The varying strength spring shim, at the bottom between coil springs and spring seats (on the right and left spring struts of the front and rear axles) is not intended for changing the vehicle height but for compensating for differences in coil-spring load groups.
If the differences in wheel load are too large, the arrangement of the coil springs (same coil springs left/right) and the arrangement of the shims at the bottom (same shims at bottom left/right) must be checked. Only coil springs and bottom shims with the same colour coding should be installed on left and right.
Due to varying trim variants (additional equipment) a maximum difference in wheel load of 40 kg from left to right is permitted per axle. This is partly due to heavier components compared with standard equipment and partly due to additional components that are arranged asymmetrically.
Special notes for vehicles with air suspension
If the vehicle is a Panamera with air suspension, it must be adjusted to normal level. Adjust the vehicle from high level to normal level. The vehicle can only be aligned and adjusted in this position.
If the control unit or one of the level sensors was replaced, calibration must be carried out using the Porsche System Tester. -> 430115 Calibration 430115 Calibrating the levelling system
Information
It may be necessary to adjust the vehicle to the Normal Level in the workshop.
- Suspension alignment
- Ride height measurement
- Level check
- Adjust from High Level to Normal Level.
- If the pressure accumulator for the air suspension is filled, the engine must be started - to save the battery (switch on extraction system).
- If the air pressure in the pressure accumulator is too low, the compressor comes on. It can take several minutes to fill the pressure accumulator. Only then will the air suspension respond to the driver's request and the required level be activated.
Adjust vehicle to normal level:
1. Close the vehicle doors/tailgate.
2. Start the engine and apply the brake.
3. Press the high level control button on the centre console until ]]High level on[[ is set (light on the button comes on). When you press the high level control button again, ]]High level off[[ is set (light on the button goes off). The levels are displayed in the instrument cluster.
High level control button
4. Press the PASM button and set ]]PASM Comfort[[ (light on the button is off). Then switch to ]]PASM Sport[[ (one light on the button comes on). Press the PASM button again until ]]PASM Comfort[[ is set (light is off). The ]]Normal vehicle level[[ is set. For your information: The second light on the PASM button is ]]Sport Plus[[.
PASM button
To avoid level control of the air suspension during alignment, switch off level control and switch it back on again when the work is complete. -> 4X00IN Lifting the vehicle Service and Repair, section on "Switching off level control".
Information about wheel-alignment corrections for rear axle
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
The kinematic toe-in and caster cannot be adjusted!
Camber and toe can be adjusted via eccentric adjusters!
Information about wheel-alignment corrections for front axle
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
- The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
- The distance measuring sensor (ACC sensor) must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
- After adjusting the toe, the lock nuts on the tie rods must be tightened to the specified tightening torque!
- After adjusting the toe, the lock nuts on the tie rods must be tightened to the specified tightening torque! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
General procedure for suspension alignment
Information
- Carry out suspension alignment with an optical or electronic wheel alignment tester!
- The measurement procedures should be taken from the operating instructions for the wheel alignment tester used!
To exclude erroneous measurements, the following preconditions must be met before alignment and the following points should be given special attention:
Curb weight of vehicle, i.e. vehicle in running condition, fully tanked with tyre repair kit or spare wheel and tools.
Ball-joint and wheel-bearing play in order (wheel-bearing play cannot be adjusted).
Tyre pressure in accordance with specifications, fairly uniform tyre tread.
Quick-clamping holder for Panamera (for the measured-value pickups) correctly secured to the wheels.
Receiving surfaces for the quick-clamping holder on the wheels must be clean and flat. In particular, always accurately check the levelling surface on the wheels before fitting the quick-clamping holders.
Strictly comply with maintenance intervals for measuring equipment and measuring platform. If the levelling of the measuring platform or of the measuring area is done in-house, levelling equipment is required. A hose level is inadequate!
Skilled handling of measuring equipment and measuring platform.
Sliding plates with transverse motion (rotary motion) at the rear axle are advisable.
Observe the Technical Literature of Porsche AG, the manufacturer of the measuring equipment and the manufacturer of the measuring platform.
Do not treat measured values as a whole, but very critically in regard to driving dynamics, high-speed strength of the tyres, tyre wear and cost/benefit effects (time required for correction of unimportant deviations). The toe values are critical for driving dynamics and tyre wear.
If the vehicle is measured front and rear, check and adjust the wheel alignment values at the rear axle first. Camber values at the front axle apply for the straight-ahead position of the wheels. Steering wheel and steering gear in centre position when toe is being adjusted.
Before wheel alignment values are adjusted at the front and rear axles, it is recommended that the vehicle height be checked at curb weight. Conclusions can then be drawn about wheel alignment values in the event of any suspension alignment that becomes necessary later.
Vehicle height - General
The vehicle height at front and rear axle is not adjustable.
The check points for the vehicle height can be found in the following description.
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - Preliminary work
1. To check the height, position ready-to-drive vehicle (fully tanked with tyre repair kit or spare wheel and tools) on a flat surface or on the measuring station. The normal vehicle level must be set for vehicles with air suspension. Please read Special notes for vehicles with air suspension under -> 449503 Suspension alignment complete - section on "Information"!
2. To avoid level control of the air suspension during alignment, switch off level control and switch it back on again when the work is complete. -> 4X00IN Lifting the vehicle Service and Repair, section on "Switching off level control".
3. Compress vehicle at front and rear axles by approximately 25 mm 2-3 times and allow it to spring back freely.
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - rear axle
The distance is measured from the middle of the wheel to the lower edge of the wing -X-.
Dimension X = middle of wheel to lower edge of wing
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - front axle
The distance is measured from the middle of the wheel to the lower edge of the wing -X-.
Dimension X = middle of wheel to lower edge of wing (rear axle shown)
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - wheel alignment
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Only check or adjust wheel-alignment values when prescribed preconditions are met.
If the vehicle is measured front and rear, check and adjust the rear axle first.
After adjustment, tighten the appropriate screw connections to the specified tightening torque.
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
Rear axle
1. Prepare vehicle for checking and/or adjustment of wheel alignment values.
2. Place front wheels on rotary table and rear wheels on rotary / sliding plates.
3. Compress vehicle at front and rear axles by approximately 25 mm 2-3 times and allow it to spring back freely.
Adjusting
Adjusting rear axle camber
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Specified tightening torque for lock nut on camber eccentric adjuster -2- = 100 Nm (74 ftlb.)!
The camber is adjusted at the camber eccentric adjuster -2- !
Camber and toe adjustment
- After loosening the lock nut, turn camber eccentric adjuster -2- as required.
Adjusting rear axle toe
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Information
For reasons of accessibility, the screw head at the eccentric screw for the toe cannot be turned. It can be adjusted at the nut side -2- by attaching another larger hexagon with an eccentric washer -1- (a/f 26) to it. The toe can be adjusted on this in the usual way.
When tightening the nut -2- to the specified torque, always counter at the large hexagon -1-.
Eccentric nut for rear-axle toe, without control arm for example
Specified tightening torque for lock nut on toe eccentric adjuster -1- = 100 Nm (74 ftlb.)!
The toe is adjusted at the toe eccentric adjuster -1- !
Camber and toe adjustment
- After loosening the lock nut, turn toe eccentric adjuster -1- as required.
Adjusting front axle caster
Specified tightening torque for lock nut on caster eccentric adjuster -2- = 100 Nm (74 ftlb.)!
Caster is adjusted at the caster eccentric adjuster -2-.
Camber, caster, toe, front axle
Adjusting front axle camber
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Specified tightening torque for lock nut on camber eccentric adjuster -1- = 100 Nm (74 ftlb.)!
Camber is adjusted at the camber eccentric adjuster -1-.
Camber, caster, toe, front axle
Adjusting front axle toe
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) have been changed!
Tighten lock nut on tie rod at -3- to 70 Nm (52 ftlb.) in conjunction with accessory for torque wrench: open-jawed wrench insert a/f 22 Nr.95.
Open-jawed wrench insert, a/f 22
If the specified tightening torque has not been reached after alignment on the alignment platform (due to reasons of space), turn the steering to left and right and tighten the tie rod screws! Counter with an open-ended wrench!
The toe is adjusted at the tie rod threaded joint for the tie rod/tie rod ball (ball joint) -3-.
Camber, caster, toe, front axle
Preliminary work:
1. Check whether the steering wheel is displaced with respect to the steering gear.
2. To do this, centre the steering gear as described below.
3. Turn wheels to the straight-ahead position.
4. Remove cover for underbody (transmission protection) and heat shield from the steering -1-.
Heat shield on universal joint
5. The steering centre position marking -1- is under the heat shield at the rear in direction of travel on the steering gear housing (shown here looking in direction of travel on a removed unit for clarity).
Steering in centre position
No. -2- is the remains of the desired breaking point from the locking pin on new steering gears! This locks the steering gear in centre position! After installation of a new steering gear, the lower part of the pin is sheared off at desired breaking point by turning the steering wheel.
6. Afterwards, adjust front wheel alignment if necessary until marking on steering housing (triangle) is aligned with the marking lug -1- of the driver.
WARNING
Incorrect handling of airbag units
- Triggering of airbag unit
- System faults can occur
-> Switch off ignition and remove ignition key.
-> A voltage supply (e.g. battery charger) must not be connected to the external power supply/jump-lead starting terminals.
-> Disconnect the battery and insulate the ground strap so that all contact with a ground carrier is avoided.
-> Wait 1 minute after disconnecting the battery.
-> Only pull off connector on the triggering unit after the waiting time has elapsed.
-> Make sure that no foreign objects are located in front of the airbag unit during installation.
-> Replace damaged parts during removal.
-> Always position the airbag unit in such a way that the airbag opening is facing upwards.
-> If removed for an extended period, the airbag unit must be stored in a safe place.
-> Airbag units must not come into contact with grease, oil, detergents, liquids, or similar substances.
-> Do not expose airbag units to temperatures above 90°.
-> Do not remove the short-circuit spring on the plug-in contacts.
-> Ignition and preparations may only be carried out by skilled staff, supervised by a second responsible person.
-> Before disposal, the airbag unit must be rendered harmless by electrical ignition performed in accordance with all precautionary measures, thereby preventing it from being used incorrectly.
If necessary, reposition the steering wheel -> 481019 Removing and installing steering wheel 481019 Removing and installing steering wheel. When doing this, try to get the best position.
Information
- Use only steering wheel holders -A- that do not project into the area of the airbag unit -B-.
- If necessary, shorten guiding rod at the top -arrow-.
Steering-wheel holder (example shown)
7. Clamp steering wheel in centre position with the steering wheel holder.
For fast and reliable steering wheel alignment in centre position, use a -steering wheel balance- (with integrated angle measurement box) => WE1343 Steering wheel balance.
Steering wheel balance, shown on sports car as an example
8. Adjust toe at the hexagon of the tie rod(s) after loosening the lock nut(s). The steering-angle sensor must subsequently be calibrated by PSM.
Specified tightening torque of fastening nut(s) (lock nut) -3- = 70 Nm (52 ftlb.)
Camber, caster, toe, front axle
Front-axle toe-difference angle
The toe-difference angle is not adjustable.
Calibration following suspension alignment
Calibrating steering-angle sensor
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed! -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
Calibrating control unit for distance measuring sensor (ACC sensor)
The distance measuring sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed! -> 278515 Adjusting control unit for distance measuring sensor 278515 Adjusting control unit for distance measuring sensor