Alignment: Service and Repair
Preliminary ChecksFor proper inspection/adjustment of the wheel alignment check and adjust the following before checking the alignment.
- Check that the suspension is not modified.
- Check the tire size and tire pressure.
- Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
- Check the suspension ball joints. (Hold a wheel with your hands and move it up and down and right and left to check for wobbling.)
NOTE: Use commercially-available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Caster
1. Check the caster angle.
Caster angle: (1°40' ± 1°) +0.67° to +2.67°.
2. If out of specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
Camber
1. Check the camber angle.
Camber angle:
- Front: (0°00' ± 1) -1° to +1°.
- Rear: (-1° ± 1°) -2° to 0°.
2. If out of specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
Front Toe
1. Check the tire pressure.
2. Center steering wheel spokes.
3. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
Front toe: (IN 1 ± 2 mm /IN 0.04 ± 0.08 inch) -0.12 to +0.04 inch
a. If adjustment is required, go on to step 4.
b. If no adjustment is required, remove alignment equipment.
4. Loosen the tie-rod locknuts, and turn both tie-rods in the same direction until the front wheels are in straight ahead position.
5. Turn both tie-rods equally until the toe reading on the turning radius gauge is correct.
6. After adjusting, tighten the tie-rod locknuts.
NOTE: Reposition the tie-rod boot if it is twisted or displaced.
Rear Toe
1. Release parking brake.
NOTE:
- Measure difference in toe measurements with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
- If the parking brake is engaged, you may get an incorrect reading.
Rear toe-in: (2 minus 1 or plus 2 mm /0.08 minus 0.04 or plus 0.08 inch) -0.12 to 0 inch.
- If adjustment is required, go to step 2.
- If no adjustment is required, remove alignment equipment.
2. Before adjustment, note the locations of adjusting bolts on the right and left compensator arms.
3. Loosen the adjusting bolts, and slide the compensator arm in or out, as shown, to adjust the toe.
4. Tighten the adjusting bolts. Example: After the rear toe inspection, the wheel is 2 mm (0.08 inch) out of the specification.
a. Move the arm so the adjusting bolt moves 2 mm (0.08 inch) inward from the position recorded before the adjustment.
b. The distance the adjusting bolt is moved should be equal to the amount out-of-specification.
Turning Angle
1. Turn the wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.
Turning angle:
- Inward wheel: (39°50') 39.83°.
- Outward wheel (reference): (33°10') 33.17°.
2. If the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.