Wheel Alignment; Wheel Alignment Description; Operation; Diagnosis And Testing - Pre-Alignment - Dodge dakota 2002 Service Manual

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WHEEL ALIGNMENT

WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)

OPERATION

• CASTER 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 posi-
tive caster. Positive caster promotes directional sta-
bility. This angle enables the front wheels to return
to a straight ahead position after turns (Fig. 1)
• 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 (Fig. 1)
• 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 unsta-
ble steering, uneven tire wear and steering wheel off-
center. The wheel toe position is the final front
wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 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-
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. Loose or worn steering or
suspension components.
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.
sive tire wear. This angle is not adjustable, damaged
component(s) must be replaced to correct the thrust
angle (Fig. 1)

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 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 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 (LD
only).
(7) Road test the vehicle.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
1. Replace wheel bearing.
2. Tighten or replace components as
necessary.
3. 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
DR