Alignment: Service and Repair

GENERAL INFORMATION
Before each alignment reading, the vehicle should be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and down several times. Always release the bumper in the down position. Set the front end alignment to specifications with the vehicle at its NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT.

CAMBER
The wheel camber angle is preset. This angle is not adjustable and cannot be altered.





CASTER
Before checking the caster of the front axle for correct angle, be sure the axle is not bent or twisted. Road test the vehicle, make left and right turns. If the steering wheel returns to the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. If steering wheel does not return toward the center position unassisted, an incorrect caster angle is probable. Caster can be adjusted by installing the appropriate size shims. Changing caster angle will also change the front propeller shaft angle. The propeller shaft angle has priority over caster.

NOTE: The wheel toe position adjustment should be the final adjustment.

TOE POSITION
1. Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the wheels. Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels in the straight-ahead position. Turn off the engine.





2. Loosen the adjustment sleeve clamp bolts.





3. Adjust the right wheel toe position with the drag link. Turn the sleeve until the right wheel is at correct TOE-IN specifications. Position the clamp bolts as shown and tighten to 49 Nm (36 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: Make sure the toe setting does not change during clamp tightening.

4. Adjust the left wheel toe position with the tie rod. Turn the sleeve until the left wheel is at specifications. Position the clamp bolts as shown and tighten to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).

NOTE: Make sure the toe setting does not change during clamp tightening.

5. Verify the right toe setting.
6. Road test the vehicle on a flat level road to verify the steering wheel is centered.

NOTE: Once the toe setting is correct, the steering wheel can be re-centered by adjusting only the drag link.