Camber and Caster Adjustment
CAMBER AND CASTERCamber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle's suspension components. This is referred to as NET BUILD. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles. Camber and caster should be checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications.
If front camber is found not to meet alignment specifications, it can be adjusted using an available camber adjustment bolt package. Before installing a camber adjustment bolt package on a vehicle found to be outside the specifications, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles wheel; alignment by heating, bending or by performing any other modification to the vehicle's front suspension components or body.
If camber readings are not within specifications, use the following procedure to install the front camber adjustment bolt package and then adjust front camber.
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT PACKAGE INSTALLATION
The camber adjustment bolt package contains 2 flange bolts, 2 cam bolts, 2 dog bone washers, and 4 nuts. This package services both sides of the vehicle. Use the package to attach the strut clevis bracket to the steering knuckle after the strut clevis bracket has been modified. To install and adjust the camber adjustment bolt package, follow the procedure below.
1. Raise the vehicle until its tires are not supporting the weight of the vehicle.
2. Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
CAUTION: When removing the steering knuckle from the strut clevis bracket, do not put a strain on the brake flex hose. Also, do not let the weight of the steering knuckle assembly be supported by the brake flex hose when removed from the strut assembly. If necessary use a wire hanger to support the steering knuckle assembly or if required remove the brake flex hose from the caliper assembly.
CAUTION: The knuckle to strut assembly attaching bolt shanks are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Remove the nuts while holding the bolts stationary.
3. Remove the top and bottom, strut clevis bracket to steering knuckle attaching bolts and discard. Separate the steering knuckle from the strut clevis bracket and position steering knuckle so it is out of the way of the strut.
CAUTION: When slotting the bottom mounting hole on the strut clevis bracket, do not enlarge the hole beyond the indentations on the sides of the strut clevis bracket.
4. Using an appropriate grinder and grinding wheel, slot the bottom hole in both sides of the strut clevis bracket.
CAUTION: After slotting the strut clevis bracket hole, do not install the original attaching bolts when assembling the steering knuckle to the strut assembly. Only the flange bolts, cam bolts, and dog bone washers from the service package must be used to attach the steering knuckle to the strut after the mounting hole is slotted.
5. Position the knuckle back into the strut clevis bracket. Install a flanged bolt from the service package into the upper mounting hole. Install a cam bolt into the bottom mounting hole. Both bolts should point forward once installed.
6. Install a dog bone washer on the steering knuckle to strut clevis bracket attaching bolts, then install the nuts onto the bolts from the service package. Tighten the bolts just enough to hold the steering knuckle in position when adjusting camber, while still allowing the steering knuckle to move in clevis bracket.
7. Repeat the procedure to the other side strut clevis bracket.
8. Reinstall both front tire and wheel assemblies and tighten to specifications.
9. Lower the vehicle. Jounce the front and rear of vehicle an equal amount of times.
10. Adjust the front camber to the preferred setting by rotating the lower eccentric cam bolt against the cam stop areas on the strut clevis bracket. When camber is set, tighten the upper strut clevis bracket bolt and lower cam bolt. Again jounce front and rear of vehicle an equal amount of times and verify front camber setting. Torque both front strut to steering knuckle attaching bolts to 81 Nm (60 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 1/4 (90°) turn after the required torque is met.
11. If toe readings obtained are not within the required specification range, adjust toe to meet the preferred specification setting. Toe is adjustable using the following procedure.