Dodge Durango (DN). Manual - part 27

the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe (Fig. 1).

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

NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Group 0, Lubrication And Maintenance for the rec-
ommended maintenance schedule.

OPERATION

• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the

steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns.

• CAMBER 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 provides positive
camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the
inside or outside edge of the tire.

• TOE 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 alignment adjustment.

SUSPENSION

2 - 1

• THRUST ANGLE is the angle of the rear axle

relative to the centerline of the vehicle. Incorrect
thrust angle can cause off-center steering and exces-
sive 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 com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart 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 lat-

eral 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) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height.
(7) Road test the vehicle.

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. Lower ball joint (4x4).

3. Gease joint and perform diagnosis and
testing.

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. Adjust or 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.

Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements

1 – FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 – STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 – PIVOT POINT
4 – TOE-IN

2 - 2

SUSPENSION

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

CONDITION

POSSIBLE CAUSES

CORRECTION

EXCESSIVE STEERING
EFFORT

1. Loose or worn steering gear.

1. Adjust or 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. Alignment.

2. Align vehicle to specifications.

3. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.

3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.

4. Radial tire lead.

4. Rotate or replace tire as necessary.

5. Brake pull.

5. Repair brake as necessary.

6. Weak or broken spring.

6. Replace spring.

7. Ride height 4WD only.

7. Measure and adjust ride height.

SERVICE PROCEDURES

SUSPENSION HEIGHT - 4x4

The vehicle suspension height should be measured

and adjusted if necessary before performing wheel
alignment procedure. Also when front suspension
components have been replaced. This measure must
be performed with the vehicle supporting it’s own
weight and taken on both sides of the vehicle.

HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

(1) Jounce the front of the vehicle.
(2) Measure and record the distance between the

ground and the center of the lower suspension arm
rear mounting bolt head (Fig. 2).

(3) Measure and record the distance between the

ground and the center of the front wheel (Fig. 2).

(4) Subtract the first measurement from the sec-

ond measurement. The difference between the two
measurement should be 73 mm (2.9 inches)

6 3 mm

(0.12 inches).

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

To adjust the vehicle height turn the torsion bar

adjustment bolt CLOCKWISE to raise the vehicle
and COUNTER CLOCKWISE to lower the vehicle.

CAUTION: ALWAYS raise the vehicle to the correct
suspension height, NEVER lower the vehicle to
obtain the correct suspension height. If the vehicle
suspension height is too high, lower the vehicle
below the height specification. Then raise the vehi-
cle to the correct suspension height specification.
This will insure the vehicle maintains the proper
suspension height.

NOTE: If a height adjustment has been made, per-
form height measurement again on both sides of
the vehicle.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

NOTE: 4x4 suspension height measurement must
be performed before alignment.

Fig. 2 Height Measurement

SUSPENSION

2 - 3

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

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