Curb Height Measurement

CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required curb height specification.

Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended pressure. All tires are to be the same size as standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage compartment load.

Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measurement is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring is weak.

NOTE: Prior to reading the curb height measurement, the front and rear of the vehicle must be jounced to settle the suspension. Induce jounce by pushing down on the center of the bumper (fascia), using care not to damage the vehicle, moving the vehicle up and down, gradually increasing the suspension travel with each stroke. Release the bumper at the bottom of each stroke, repeating this action several times. Perform this to both front and rear suspensions an equal amount of times.

Measure curb height as follows:

1. Jounce the vehicle. Refer to above note.





NOTE: On some vehicles it may be necessary to remove an engine belly pan in order to gain access to the body rail.

2. FRONT - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance (2) from the body rail (1) to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge (3) placed from lift runway to runway to get an accurate measurement.
3. Measure from the center of the spindle to the same level (3) as used to measured to the bottom of the frame rail.
4. Subtract the measurement obtained in Step 2 from the measurement obtained in Step 3 to determine front vehicle ride height.

5. REAR - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the body rail to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface.
6. On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the center of the spindle to the same surface level used in Step 5.
7. Subtract the measurement found in Step 5 from the measurement found in Step 6 to determine rear vehicle ride height.
8. Compare the measurements to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.).
CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS