Front Camber And Caster
Front Camber And Caster
Front camber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle suspension components. This is referred to as Net Build. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles but some adjustment can be made. Camber and caster should be checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications. Refer to => [ Wheel Alignment ] Wheel Alignment.
If individual front camber or caster is found not to meet alignment specifications, each can be adjusted by shifting the front crossmember or by using an available service adjustment bolt package. If an adjustment bolt package installation is necessary, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending first.
If individual front camber or caster is found to meet alignment specifications, but the vehicle pulls or leads in one direction, cross camber and cross caster can be adjusted by shifting the front crossmember. Following adjustment, make sure individual front camber and caster is within specifications. If not within specifications, adjust as necessary by using an available service adjustment bolt package or by shifting the front crossmember.
Do not attempt to adjust the vehicle wheel alignment by heating or bending any of the suspension components.
Adjustment By Shifting Crossmember
Always use care when shifting crossmember to avoid damaging other components on the vehicle.
- Loosen the bolts fastening the front crossmember to the frame just enough to allow movement of the crossmember. Refer to => [ Front Suspension Crossmember ] Front Suspension Crossmember.
- Loosen the bolts fastening the fore/aft crossmember to the frame just enough to allow movement of the crossmember. Refer to => [ Front Frame Crossmember ] Front Suspension.
When shifting the front crossmember, keep in mind that the front and rear engine mounts are attached to the front crossmember and fore/aft crossmember and should be inspected following the crossmember shift to make sure they are properly aligned.
- Shift front crossmember as necessary (See following tables) to bring camber or caster into specifications. When shifting crossmember, use care not to move other angles (camber or caster) that are within specifications, out of specifications.
- Tighten all previously loosened fasteners (bolts) securing the crossmember to the vehicle to specifications. Refer to => [ Front Suspension Crossmember ] Front Suspension Crossmember.
- Jounce the rear, then front of the vehicle an equal amount of times.
- Measure camber and caster. If camber and caster are within specifications, proceed to toe. Refer to => [ Toe ] Toe. If camber cannot be brought into specifications, perform the Camber Adjustment Bolt Package Installation below.
Camber Adjustment Bolt Package Installation
- Raise the vehicle until its tires are not supporting the weight of the vehicle.
- Remove the wheel mounting nuts (3), then the front tire and wheel assembly (1).
• When removing the steering knuckle from the strut clevis bracket, do not put a strain on the brake flex hose. Also, do not let the weight of the steering knuckle assembly be supported by the brake flex hose when removed from the strut assembly. If necessary use a wire hanger to support the steering knuckle assembly or if required remove the brake flex hose from the caliper assembly.
• The strut clevis-to-knuckle attaching bolt shanks are serrated and must not be turned during removal. Remove the nuts while holding the bolts stationary, then tap the bolts out using a punch.
Left Side
- If servicing left strut assembly:
- While holding bolt heads stationary, remove two nuts (3) from bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle.
- Remove two bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle using a pin punch.
Right Side
- If servicing right strut assembly:
- While holding bolt heads stationary, remove two nuts (3) from bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle.
- Remove two bolts (2) attaching strut (1) to knuckle using a pin punch.
- Separate the knuckle from the strut clevis bracket and position knuckle so it is out of the way of the strut. Use care not to overextend the brake flex hose or axle drive axle.
Strut Clevis Bracket Bolt Hole Grinding Area
When slotting the bottom mounting hole (3) on the strut clevis bracket (4), do not enlarge the hole beyond the indentations (2) on the sides of the strut clevis bracket.
- Using an appropriate grinder and grinding wheel, slot the bottom hole (3) in both sides of the strut clevis bracket (4).
After slotting the strut clevis bracket hole, do not install the original attaching bolts. Only the service package bolts and dog bone washers must be used to attach the knuckle to the strut once the mounting hole is slotted.
• The strut clevis-to-knuckle bolts are installed differently on each side. Left hand side bolts are to be installed from vehicle rear to front. Right side bolts are to be installed from vehicle front to rear.
Left Side
- If servicing left knuckle:
- Position lower end of strut assembly (1) in line with upper end of knuckle, aligning mounting holes. Install two service package bolts (2).
• Be sure to place bolt with eccentric cam in bottom (slotted) hole on strut clevis bracket.
- Install a dog bone washer on the over the ends of the two mounting bolts.
- Install service package strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts (3) on two service package bolts (2). While holding bolts in place, tighten nuts just enough to hold steering knuckle in position when adjusting camber, but still allowing steering knuckle to move in clevis bracket when needed.
Right Side
- If servicing right knuckle:
- Position lower end of strut assembly (1) in line with upper end of knuckle, aligning mounting holes. Install two service package bolts (2).
• Be sure to place bolt with eccentric cam in bottom (slotted) hole on strut clevis bracket.
- Install a dog bone washer on the over the ends of the two mounting bolts.
- Install service package strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts (3) on two service package bolts (2). While holding bolts in place, tighten nuts just enough to hold steering knuckle in position when adjusting camber, but still allowing the steering knuckle to move in clevis bracket when needed.
- Install tire and wheel assembly (1). Install and tighten wheel mounting nuts (3) to 135 Nm (100 ft. lbs.).
- Perform the above procedure to opposite side strut as required.
- Lower vehicle.
- Jounce front and rear of vehicle an equal amount of times.
- Adjust front camber to preferred setting by rotating service package lower eccentric cam bolt against cam stop areas on strut clevis bracket. Once camber is set, lightly tighten upper and lower strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts.
- Jounce front and rear of vehicle an equal amount of times and verify front camber setting.
- While holding the service package bolts in place, tighten the strut clevis-to-knuckle nuts to 88 Nm (65 ft lbs) + 90° turn after tightening specification is met.
- If the toe readings obtained are not within the required specification range, adjust toe to meet the preferred specification setting. Proceed to toe to set the vehicle toe. Refer to => [ Toe ] Toe.