Operation - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

AN
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT - 2WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
STANDARD PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
HEIGHT MEASUREMENT 4WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
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
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
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.
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FRONT - 4WD
REAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1 - FRONT OF VEHICLE
2 - STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
3 - PIVOT POINT
4 - TOE-IN
Positive caster promotes directional stability. This
angle enables the front wheels to return to a straight
ahead position after turns (Fig. 2).
• 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.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT 4WD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
CAMBER AND CASTER ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . 4
CASTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
CAMBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
TOE ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
SUSPENSION 2 - 1
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