Alignment: Service and Repair
Front Wheel Alignment: On-Vehicle Service
Preliminary Inspection
WARNING:
Always adjust the alignment with the vehicle on a flat surface.
NOTE:
If alignment is out of specification, inspect and replace any damaged or worn rear suspension parts before making any adjustments.
1) Check and adjust the wheel alignment with the vehicle under unladen conditions. "Unladen conditions" means that the fuel, coolant, and lubricant are full; and that the spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats are in their designated positions.
2) Check the tires for incorrect air pressure and excessive wear.
3) Check the wheels for run out and damage. Refer to [Wheel: Inspection] Testing and Inspection.
4) Check the wheel bearing axial end play. Refer to [Wheel Hub: On-Vehicle Inspection and Service] Testing and Inspection.
5) Check the shock absorbers for leaks or damage.
6) Check each mounting point of the suspension components for any excessive looseness or damage.
7) Check each link, arm, and the suspension member for any damage.
8) Check the vehicle height. Refer to [Service Data and Specifications] Front Suspension.
General Information and Recommendations
1) A Four-Wheel Thrust Alignment should be performed.
- This type of alignment is recommended for this vehicle.
- The four-wheel "thrust" process helps ensure that the vehicle is properly aligned and the steering wheel is centered.
- The alignment machine itself should be capable of accepting this vehicle.
- The alignment machine should be checked to ensure that it is level.
2) Make sure the alignment machine is properly calibrated.
- Your alignment machine should be regularly calibrated in order to give correct information.
- Check with the manufacturer of your specific alignment machine for their recommended Service/Calibration Schedule.
The Alignment Process
IMPORTANT: Use only the alignment specifications listed in this Service Manual. Refer to [Service Data and Specifications] Front Suspension.
1) When displaying the alignment settings, many alignment machines use "indicators": (Green/red, plus or minus, Go/No Go). Do NOT use these indicators.
- The alignment specifications programmed into your alignment machine that operate these indicators may not be correct.
- This may result in an ERROR.
2) Most camera-type alignment machines are equipped with both "Rolling Compensation" method and optional "Jacking Compensation" method to "compensate" the alignment targets or head units. "Rolling Compensation" is the preferred method.
- If using the "Rolling Compensation" method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, push or pull on the rear wheel to move the vehicle. Do not push or pull on the vehicle body.
- If using the "Jacking Compensation" method, after installing the alignment targets or head units, raise the vehicle and rotate the wheels 1/2 turn both ways.
NOTE:
Do not use the "Rolling Compensation" method if you are using sensor-type alignment equipment.
- Follow all instructions for the alignment machine you are using for more information.
Camber and Caster
1) Measure camber and caster of both the right and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge and adjust as necessary to specification.
[Front Suspension Assembly: Component] Front Suspension
NOTE:
Some vehicles may be equipped with straight (non-adjustable) lower link bolts and washers. In order to adjust camber and caster on these vehicles, first replace the lower link bolts and washers with adjustable (cam) bolts and washers.
2) If outside of the specified value, adjust camber and caster using the adjusting bolts in the front lower link.
CAUTION:
After adjusting the camber then check the toe-in.
NOTE:
Camber changes about 3' (0.05°) minutes with each graduation of one adjusting bolt. Refer to table below for examples of lower link adjusting bolt effect on camber and caster.
3) Tighten the adjusting bolt nuts to specification. Refer to Front Suspension Assembly Component.
Toe-In
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 the front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the vehicle height (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 front tires at the same height as hub center as shown. These marks are measuring points.
4) Measure the distance (A) on the rear side of the front tires as shown.
5) Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180° degrees (1/2 a turn).
CAUTION:
If the wheels have rotated more than 180° degrees (1/2 turn), start this procedure again from the beginning. Never push the vehicle backward.
6) Measure the distance (B) on the front side of the front tires at the same marks as shown. Total toe-in is calculated as (A - B).
Front Suspension
7) Adjust the toe-in by varying the length of the steering outer tie-rods.
a) Loosen the outer tie-rod lock nuts.
b) Adjust the toe-in by screwing the outer tie-rods in or out.
Steering Wheel and Column
c) Tighten the outer tie-rod lock nuts to specification.
Overhaul
Front Wheel Turning Angle
NOTE:
Check front wheel turning angle after the toe-in inspection.
1) Place front wheels on turning radius gauges in straight ahead position and rear wheels on stands so that vehicle can be level. Check the maximum inner and outer wheel turning angles for LH and RH road wheels.
2) Start engine and run at idle, turn steering wheel all the way right and left, measure the turning angle.
Front Suspension
- Any turning angles are not adjustable. If any of steering angles are out of the specification, check if the following parts are worn or damaged.
- Steering gear
- Steering column
- Front suspension components
If found that they are worn or damaged, replace them with new ones.