Alignment: Service and Repair
PRELIMINARY INSPECTION1. Inspect tires for proper inflation and similar tread wear.
2. Inspect hub and bearing for excessive wear and repair as required.
3. Inspect ball joints.
4. Inspect tie rod ends for excessive looseness.
5. Check wheel and tire runout.
6. Inspect vehicle ride height.
7. Inspect rack and pinion for looseness at frame.
8. Ensure proper strut operation.
9. Check suspension and steering components for damage, replace as required.
Fig. 5 Vehicle Ride Height Measurement:
VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT
Prior to checking suspension height, remove heavy items from vehicle, such as tool boxes etc. Suspension height is measured from ground to the fender cut out above the center of the wheel and tire assembly. This measurement should be performed at all four wheels. Readings from side to side and front to rear should not vary by more than 0.4 in.
NOTE: Uneven tire wear will increase the variance in the measurements and should be taken into consideration. If variance is more than 0.4 in, check springs and suspension components for wear and damage.
FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Front Wheel Alignment Settings:
Caster
Caster is not adjustable. If caster angles are not within specification, check for damaged or bent suspension components, deteriorated bushings, or distorted body mounting points.
Front Strut Camber Alignment Mark:
Front Camber Adjustment:
Camber
Camber angle is controlled by the position of the strut mounting block in the shock tower. The mounting block can be positioned in the tower in two ways, resulting in a camber variation of approximately 1/2°. If the camber setting has not been changed previously, the white alignment mark on the mounting block will be positioned on the outboard side of the strut assembly. Changing the position of the alignment mark 180° will increase camber angle approximately 1/2°. If the alignment mark is already positioned inboard of the strut, changing the mounting block position can only result in camber being reduced by approximately 1/2°. To adjust camber setting, proceed as follows:
1. Raise and support vehicle and remove front wheels.
2. Remove upper strut attaching nuts.
3. Lower strut sufficiently so that mounting studs clear tower, then rotate mounting block 180° as necessary.
4. Reposition strut in tower, then install attaching nuts and torque to 32-45 ft lb.
Toe-In
1. Ensure tires are properly inflated, then position vehicle on suitable alignment rack.
2. Bounce vehicle several times to normalize ride height, then check toe setting. If toe setting is not within specification, proceed to next step.
3. Mark relationship between tie rods, tie rod ends and jam nuts, then loosen tie rod boot clamps to prevent twisting or damage to boots.
4. Adjust toe-in by turning both tie rods in or out an equal amount until toe setting is within specification.
5. After adjustment is completed, tighten jam nuts and boot clamps.
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Rear camber and toe-in are determined by the configuration of the trailing arms on the torsion beam rear axle. No provision for adjustment is provided. The only rear suspension adjustment possible is the lateral positioning of the rear axle. This adjustment should only be performed if replacing the rear axle assembly.