Alignment: Service and Repair

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT





Before checking front wheel alignment, be sure to make a preliminary inspection (Unladen*).
*: Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.

Preliminary Inspection
1. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.
If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.

NOTE: Measure both the inner and outer sides for the radial runout and lateral runout, and confirm the figures are within the standards.

Wheel runout (Dial indicator value): Refer to Wheel; Specifications.
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.
5. Check steering linkage for looseness.
6. Check that front shock absorbers work properly.
7. Check vehicle posture (Unladen).

Camber, Caster and Kingpin Inclination
Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory and cannot be adjusted.





1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
Camber, Caster and Kingpin inclination: Refer to Specifications.
2. If camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specification, inspect front suspension parts. Replace damaged or worn out parts.

Toe-in
Measure toe-in using the following procedure.

WARNING:
- Always perform the following procedure on a flat surface.
- Make sure that no person is in front of the vehicle before pushing it.





1. Bounce front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft.).
3. Put a mark on base line of the tread (rear side) of both tires at the same height of hub center. This mark is a measuring point.





4. Measure distance "X (rear side).
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180 degrees (1/2 turn).
If the wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn), try the above procedure again from the beginning. Never push vehicle backward.
6. Measure distance "B" (front side).
Total toe-in: Refer to Specifications.
7. Adjust toe-in by varying the length of steering tie-rods.





a. Loosen lock nuts.
b. Adjust toe-in by screwing tie-rods in and out.
Make sure both tie-rods are the same length.
Standard length "L": Refer to Steering; Specifications.





c. Tighten lock nuts to specified torque.
Lock nut tightening torque: Refer to Steering; Specifications.

Front Wheel Turning Angle
Turning angle is set by stroke length of steering gear rack and cannot be adjusted.





1. Set wheels in straight-ahead position. Then move vehicle forward until front wheels rest on turning radius gauge properly.
2. Rotate steering wheel all the way right and left; measure turning angle.
Do not hold the steering wheel on full lock for more than 15 seconds.
Wheel turning angle (Full turn): Refer to Specifications.