CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cotter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the slot
in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the nut to
align the cotter pin hole.

Note: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/steering system components may be required. Rubber
bushings must never be lubricated.

Note: Vehicles are delivered from the factory with pre-set caster, camber, and toe settings. When aligning a
vehicle with factory settings, Eccentric Repair Bolts must be installed in order to adjust caster or camber.
Toe is the only adjustment that can be made without installing the Eccentric Repair Bolts.

Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning is accom-
plished through suspension and steering linkage 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 position.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

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OPERATION

CASTER

Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering
knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the knuckle
rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Caster is a
directional stability angle. This angle enables the front
wheels to return to a straight ahead position after
turns. (2) Indicates the spring location. (1) Is the
eccentric repair bolt for adjusting caster.

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+3 mm Range of adjustment ±25’ Caster.

CAMBER

Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel rel-
ative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the top of the
wheel inward provides negative camber (NEG.). Tilting
the top of the wheel outward provides positive camber
(POS.). Incorrect camber will cause wear on the inside
or outside edge of the tire. (1) Indicates the spring
location. (2) Is the eccentric repair bolt for adjusting
camber.

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+3 mm Range of adjustment ±25’ Camber.

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WHEEL ALIGNMENT

WHEEL TOE POSITION

Toe is the difference between the leading inside edges
(1) and the trailing inside edges (2) of the front tires.
Incorrect wheel toe position is the most common
cause of unstable steering and uneven tire wear. The
wheel toe position is the final front wheel alignment
adjustment.

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Negative Toe (Toe Out): 1 > 2.

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Positive Toe (Toe In): 1 < 2.

TOE-OUT ON TURNS

Toe-out on turns is the relative positioning (1) of the
front wheels while steering through a turn. This com-
pensates for each front wheel’s turning radius. As the
vehicle encounters a turn, the outboard wheel must
travel in a larger radius circle than the inboard wheel.
The steering system is designed to make each wheel
follow its particular radius circle. To accomplish this,
the front wheels must progressively toe outward as
the steering is turned from center. This eliminates tire
scrubbing and undue tire wear when steering a vehi-
cle through a turn.

STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLE

Is measured in degrees and is the angle that the steering knuckles are tilted. The inclination angle has a fixed
relationship with the camber angle. It will not change except when a spindle or ball stud is damaged or bent. The
angle is not adjustable, damaged component(s) must be replaced to correct the steering axis inclination angle.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

STANDARD PROCEDURE - WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION

1. Inspect the overall condition of the vehicle.

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The vehicle should be properly aligned and adjusted to a ready to drive condition in which it is most frequently
used. The chassis alignment inspection is carried out in reference to the vehicle level.

2. Use the measurement sheet for the chassis alignment inspection.

3. Inspect the tire condition.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

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Perform a visual inspection for wear pattern, tread depth and any damage to the tires.

4. Inspect the wheel condition

•

Perform a visual inspection for any damage to the wheels.

5. Inspect the tire pressure.

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Compare the tire pressure from the door placcard to the current tire pressure, correct the tire pressures if
necessary.

6. Inspect the underside of the vehicle.

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Inspect for any damage, corrosion of chassis parts and supporting body parts, leaks from any components and
pipes.

7. Inspect the wheel bearing play.

Note: For the next step the vehicle must be sitting on its wheels.

8. Inspecting the condition of the steering mechanism.

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With the ignition OFF, inspect the steering wheel play. Permissible play around circumference of steering
wheel with steering in its center position is a maximum of .984 in. (25 mm).

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Inspect the play of the tie rods and the drag links.

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Inspect the track rod and drag link joints by pulling the tire back and forth with force or move steering
wheel from left to right and vice versa approx. 100 mm while having a second technician feel the
track rod and drag link joints.

Note: The right side of the drag link/tie rod is the pivot joint. This prevents any pivot movement in the drag
links. If any play exists replace the tie rod link or the drag link.

•

Inspect the seals and condition of the rubber boots. If the rubber boot is not tight replace the tie rod link or
replace the drag link.

•

Inspect the steering coupling. It must not have any play. If necessary, replace the steering coupling.

•

Inspect the steering gear for play. If play exists, adjust the vehicle’s steering gear.

STANDARD PROCEDURE - CHASSIS ALIGNMENT INSPECTION

1. Observe the general information on chassis alignment inspection. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGN-

MENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

2. Drive the vehicle onto an electronic measuring system.

3. Unlock the turntables and the sliding platforms.

4. Install a brake pedal winch on the brake pedal.

5. Attach the wheel sensors.

6. Perform the initial measurement process.

7. Inspect the vehicle level at the front and the rear axles and adjust if necessary. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/

WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

8. Inspect the vehicle level at the front and the rear axles with an electronic inclinometer and adjust if necessary.

(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

9. Inspect and adjust the rear axle toe. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-

DURE).

10. Inspect and adjust the front axle camber and caster. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STAN-

DARD PROCEDURE).

11. Inspect the rear axle camber. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCEDURE).

12. Inspect and adjust the front axle toe. (Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT - STANDARD PROCE-

DURE).

13. Perform the final measurement of the vehicle.

14. Detach the sensors.

15. Remove the brake pedal winch.

16. Carefully drive the vehicle off the measuring system.

17. Lock the turntables.

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WHEEL ALIGNMENT

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