Front Suspension

Measuring Wheel Alignment

Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. One possible cause is wheel and tire imbalance. Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead/pull is defined as follows: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle's straight path. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to [Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction] in order to determine if the vehicle has a tire lead problem.

Before performing any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct alignment readings:
^ Inspect the tires for the proper inflation and irregular tire wear.
^ Inspect the runout of the wheels and the tires.
^ Inspect the wheel bearings for backlash and excessive play.
^ Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends for looseness or wear.
^ Inspect the control arms and stabilizer shaft for looseness or wear.
^ Inspect the steering gear for looseness at the frame.
^ Inspect the struts/shock absorbers for wear, leaks, and any noticeable noises.
^ Inspect the vehicle trim height.
^ Inspect the steering wheel for excessive drag or poor return due to stiff or rusted linkage or suspension components.
^ Inspect the fuel level. The fuel tank should be full or the vehicle should have a compensating load added.

Give consideration to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If normally carried in the vehicle, these items should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Give consideration also to the condition of the equipment being used for the alignment. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Satisfactory vehicle operation may occur over a wide range of alignment settings. However, if the setting exceeds the service allowable specifications, correct the alignment to the service preferred specifications.

Perform the following steps in order to measure the front and rear alignment angles:
1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Jounce the front and the rear bumpers 3 times prior to checking the wheel alignment.
3. Measure the alignment angles and record the readings.

NOTE:
When performing adjustments to vehicles requiring a 4-wheel alignment set the rear wheel alignment angles first in order to obtain proper front alignment angles.

4. Adjust alignment angles to vehicle specification, if necessary.

Front Caster Adjustment
The front caster is not adjustable. If the front caster angle is not within specifications, inspect for suspension support misalignment or front suspension damage. Replace any damaged suspension components as necessary.

Front Camber Adjustment
1. Raise and support the vehicle.
2. Remove the wheel and tire assemblies.





3. Remove the strut to knuckle nuts and bolts.





4. If the strut has not been previously modified, perform the following procedure:
a. Disconnect the strut from the knuckle.

NOTE:
^ Maximum outboard adjustment- (increased negative camber) 2.0 mm of outboard elongation or to within 11.0 mm from outboard edge of lower strut clevis bracket, whichever comes first
^ Maximum inboard adjustment- (increased positive camber) 4.0 mm of inboard elongation
^ If filing the strut, paint the exposed metal with primer.

b. If increasing negative camber, remove material from the outside of the lower strut hole.
c. If decreasing negative camber, remove material from the inside of the lower strut hole.





5. Loosely install new strut to knuckle nuts and bolts.





6. Adjust the camber to specifications by moving the top of the wheel in or out as necessary.

CAUTION:
Refer to [Fastener Notice].

7. Tighten strut to knuckle nuts and bolts.
Tightening torque
Tighten the nuts and bolts to 200 Nm (148 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the wheel and tire assemblies.

Front Toe Adjustment
1. Position and lock the steering wheel with the vehicle with the wheels in the straight forward position.





2. Loosen both inner tie rod jam nuts.

NOTE:
The inner tie rod must rotate freely from the boot seal surface. Do not allow the boot to rotate.

3. Loosen the inner tie rod seal to boot surface.
4. Use a wrench on the tie rod flats to increase or decrease the toe angle specifications.

CAUTION:
Refer to [Fastener Notice].

5. Tighten the inner tie rod jam nuts.
Tightening torque
Tighten the jam nuts to 60 Nm (44 ft. lbs.).
6. Inspect the toe angle to ensure proper adjustment and adjust as necessary.