NOTE: Suspension components with rubber/ure-
thane bushings should be tightened with the vehi-
cle at normal ride height. It is important to have
the springs supporting the weight of the vehicle
when the fasteners are torqued. If springs are not
at their normal ride position, vehicle ride comfort
could be affected and premature bushing wear
may occur.

Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of the
wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning is
accomplished through suspension and steering link-
age adjustments. An alignment is considered essential
for efficient steering, good directional stability and to
minimize tire wear. The most important measurements
of an alignment are caster, camber and toe.

SUSPENSION

2 - 1

CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or steering components by heating or bending.

OPERATION

•

CASTER (1) is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of
the knuckle forward provides less positive caster.
Tilting the top of the knuckle rearward provides
more positive caster. Positive caster promotes
directional stability. This angle enables the front
wheels to return to a straight ahead position after
turns.

•

CAMBER (2) is the inward or outward tilt of the
wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting
the top of the wheel inward provides negative
camber. Tilting the top of the wheel outward pro-
vides positive camber. Incorrect camber will
cause wear on the inside or outside edge of the
tire.

•

TOE (4) is the difference between the leading
inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires. Wheel toe position out of specification cause’s unstable
steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off- center. The wheel toe position is the final front wheel align-
ment adjustment.

•

THRUST ANGLE (3) is the angle of the rear axle relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect thrust angle
can cause off-center steering and excessive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged component(s)
must be replaced to correct the thrust angle.

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING

PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION

Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed. Refer to
Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis Chart below for additional information.

1. Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread wear.

2. Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.

3. Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral runout and balance.

4. Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.

5. Inspect suspension components for wear and noise.

6. Check suspension ride height.

7. Road test the vehicle.

2 - 2

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

FRONT END NOISE

1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.

1. Replace wheel bearing.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING

1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.

1. Replace wheel bearing.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Loose or worn steering gear.

3. Replace steering gear.

FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY

1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.

1. Replace wheel bearing.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Tires worn or out of balance.

3. Replace or balance tires.

4. Alignment.

4. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE INSTABILITY

1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.

1. Replace wheel bearing.

2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

3. Tire pressure.

3. Adjust tire pressure.

4. Alignment.

4. Align vehicle to specifications.

EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT

1. Loose or worn steering gear.

1. Replace steering gear.

2. Column coupler binding.

2. Replace coupler.

3. Tire pressure.

3. Adjust tire pressure.

4. Alignment.

4. Align vehicle to specifications.

VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE
SIDE

1. Tire pressure.

1. Adjust tire pressure.

2. Tire.

2. Criss-Cross Front Tires.

3. Alignment.

3. Align vehicle to specifications.

4. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

4. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

5. Radial tire lead.

5. Rotate or replace tire as necessary.

6. Brake pull.

6. Repair brake as necessary.

8. Ride height.

8. Measure and adjust ride height.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

2 - 3

Content .. 7 8 9 10 ..