Alignment: Service and Repair
FRONT CASTER & CAMBER1. Prior to aligning the front end, the subframe alignment must be inspected using the following procedure:
a. Loosen subframe to body attaching bolts.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension:
b. Install a 3/4 inch outside diameter pipe or similar tool into lefthand front subframe and body alignment holes.
c. Align lefthand front subframe and body alignment holes, then slightly tighten lefthand front subframe attaching bolt.
d. Repeat previous alignment steps on righthand front alignment holes, then inspect lefthand front alignment again.
e. Tighten subframe attaching bolts to specifications.
Alignment Plate Loosening:
2. Center punch spot welds on both strut alignment plates, then loosen strut attaching nuts.
3. Using Rotunda Spot-Eze, or equivalent, remove spot welds.
NOTE: Do not drill deeper than thickness of alignment plates.
4. Remove strut attaching nuts, then the alignment plates.
5. Remove burrs from strut towers and alignment plates, then paint all exposed metal on strut towers and alignment plates.
6. Install alignment plates, then loosely install strut attaching nuts.
7. Align front end, then tighten strut attaching nuts to specifications.
Rivet Hole Location:
8. Drill three 1/8 inch holes as indicated through alignment plates and strut towers, then paint exposed metal.
NOTE: Do not drill deeper than 3/8 inch into strut tower.
9. Install three 1/8 inch diameter pop rivets with a grip range of 1/4 inch into alignment plate/strut tower.
FRONT TOE-IN
To adjust toe-in, lock steering wheel in straight ahead position using suitable steering wheel holder. Loosen and slide off small outer clamps from steering boot to prevent boot from twisting during adjustment procedure. Loosen tie rod adjusting, then adjust lefthand and righthand tie rods until each wheel has half the desired total toe specification. Tighten tie rod adjusting nuts and install clamps. Remove steering wheel holding tool.
REAR CASTER & CAMBER
The caster and camber angles are factory set and cannot be adjusted. However, a rear camber adjustment kit may be installed to allow for adjustment.
REAR TOE
On sedan models, toe-in is adjusted by rotating the cams located inside the rear inner lower control arm bushings. On wagon models, toe-in is adjusted by rotating the cams located inside the outer lower control arm bushings.