Diagnosis And Testing - Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual

2 - 2 SUSPENSION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
• 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.
CONDITION
FRONT END NOISE
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN
STEERING
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY
VEHICLE INSTABILITY
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.
3. Lower ball joint (4x4).
1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.
3. Loose or worn steering gear.
1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.
3. Tires worn or out of balance.
4. Alignment.
1. Loose or worn wheel bearing.
2. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.
3. Tire pressure.
4. Alignment.
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
1 – FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 – STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 – PIVOT POINT
4 – TOE-IN
(6) On 4x4 vehicles check suspension height.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Gease joint and perform diagnosis and
testing.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Adjust or replace steering gear.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Replace or balance tires.
4. Align vehicle to specifications.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Adjust tire pressure.
4. Align vehicle to specifications.
CORRECTION
DN