Alignment: Service and Repair

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT

WARNING:
PROVIDE SUFFICIENT SUPPORT FOR THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE FALLING, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Wheel alignment refers to the angular relationship between the wheels, control arms, suspension and the ground. It deals with tire camber, caster, toe-in and wheel balancing. Proper wheel alignment and wheel balance insures a safe, quiet ride with minimal tire wear. This section assumes that all components are in good working condition. Performing this exercise may also detect any problem areas in the front suspension. It is advisable to replace defective components before attempting a wheel alignment.

Inspection
1. Inspect tires for proper balance and inflation. Balance tires and set to the recommended pressure if necessary.
2. Inspect front wheel bearing play and reduce the bearing play; replace any defective bearings.
3. Inspect for any excessive looseness of the ball joints and steering center link.
4. Place the vehicle on level ground and confirm that there are no passengers or luggage on board.
5. Push down on the front of the vehicle to determine the correct operation of the shock absorbers.

CAMBER

Inspection (Camber)
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove wheel cover.
3. Attach the standard camber gauge to the hub and measure the camber.

Camber:
0.39° ± 0.5° (No Passenger Load)
0° (2 Passenger Load)






Adjustment (Camber)
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise so that the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle clockwise so that the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the camber by 0.18 degrees when turned to the vertical line on the spindle bracket.






CASTER

Inspection (Caster)
1. Position the vehicle so that the front wheel is on the turning-radius gauge.
2. Remove the wheel cover.




3. Attach a standard caster gauge to the hub and measure the caster.

Caster:
3.30° ± 0.5° (No Passenger Load)
3.55° (2 Passenger Load)


Adjustment (Caster)
1. Turn the front spindle clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
2. Turn the rear spindle counter-clockwise until the number "1" mark is aligned with the vertical line on the spindle bracket.
Each numerical point indicated on the spindle increases the caster by 0.23 degrees when turned to the vertical line.






TOE-IN

INSPECTION (TOE-IN)
1. Position the vehicle on level ground and place the front wheels in a straight-ahead position within ± 5 degrees.
2. Measure the toe-in with a standard toe-in gauge.

Toe-in (B-A):
0.1024 ± 0.098 in (2.6 ± 2.5 mm)
(No Passenger Load)
0 in. (0 mm)
(2 Passenger Load)






ADJUSTMENT (TOE-IN)
1. Loosen the left and right tie-rod lock nuts.
2. Toe to specifications by turning the tie-rod by the center adjuster.
3. Tighten the left and right tie-rod lock nuts.

Tightening torque:
50-55 Nm (5.0-5.5 kg-m, 36-39 lb-ft).


4. Repeat adjustment instructions for opposite side.