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2 - 6
FRONT SUSPENSION
•
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
MEASUREMENTS/ADJUSTMENTS
The f r o n t wheel a l i g n m e n t positions m u s t be re-
tained w i t h i n the specified l i m i t s t o prevent abnor-
m a l t i r e t r e a d wear, and t o ensure steering ease and
safe operation of the vehicle.
T h e
equipment m a n u f a c t u r e r ' s
r e c o m m e n d a -
tions for u s e o f t h e i r e q u i p m e n t s h o u l d a l w a y s
be followed. A l l d a m a g e d front s u s p e n s i o n s y s -
tem components s h o u l d b e r e p l a c e d . D o not at-
tempt to straighten a n y bent c o m p o n e n t .
CAMBER
AND CASTER
ANGLES
2WD VEHICLES
For 2 W D vehicles, camber and caster angle adjust-
ments involve repositioning t h e upper suspension
a r m eccentric (cam) adjustment bolts. T h e eccentric
(cam) bolts are inserted i n t o " s l o t t e d " holes i n a
frame-mounted bracket (Fig. 2). A l i g n m e n t adjust-
ments are accomplished b y loosening t h e r e t a i n i n g
nuts and changing the position o f t h e eccentric (cam)
bolt.
(1) Remove a l l foreign m a t e r i a l f r o m t h e eccentric
(cam) adjustment bolt threads.
(2) Record the camber and caster measurements be-
fore loosening the eccentric (cam) adjustment bolt re-
t a i n i n g nuts.
(3) The camber angle should be adjusted as near as
possible to the "preferred" angle. T h e caster should
be the same at both sides of the vehicle. Refer t o the
Specifications chart.
4WD VEHICLES
For 4 W D vehicles, the correct wheel camber ( v e r t i -
cal t i l t ) angle is factory "preset" a t positive one de-
gree ( + 1 ° ) and cannot be altered b y adjustment.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the camber an-
gle by heating or bending the axle or any suspen-
sion component. If the camber angle is incorrect,
the component(s) causing an incorrect camber an-
gle must be replaced.
(1) I t is i m p o r t a n t t h a t the camber (vertical t i l t )
angle be t h e same for both front wheels.
(2) The camber angle should be measured w i t h ac-
curate wheel alignment equipment. T h e acceptable
range is +1/2° to + 1 1/2°. Refer to t h e Specifications
chart.
I f the caster angle appears to be correct a n d t h e
axle is not bent or twisted, a satisfactory test for as-
surance can be made b y road t e s t i n g t h e vehicle a n d
observing the steering wheel " r e t u r n - t o - c e n t e r " posi-
tion.
Before r o a d testing, c h e c k a n d c o r r e c t the tire
inflation p r e s s u r e s . B e p a r t i c u l a r l y c a r e f u l to i n -
flate b o t h o f the front t i r e s w i t h e x a c t l y t h e
s a m e p r e s s u r e .
D u r i n g the road test, t u r n t h e steering wheel from
side-to-side and make vehicle t u r n s t o both the left
and r i g h t . I f the wheels t u r n easily t o either side and
the steering wheel r e t u r n s t o w a r d t h e center position
unassisted, t h e caster angle is correct. However, i f
the wheels t u r n to either side easily b u t the steering
wheel does not r e t u r n t o w a r d t h e center position u n -
assisted, a n incorrect caster angle i s probable.
(1) The caster angle is factory "preset" a t positive
two degrees ( + 2°). The acceptable range is +1/2° to
+ 3 1/2°.
(2) The caster angle should be measured w i t h accu-
rate wheel a l i g n m e n t equipment.
(3) I f the caster angle is incorrect, i t can be ad-
justed b y i n s t a l l i n g appropriate size, tapered shims
between t h e front axle pads a n d t h e s p r i n g brackets.
The caster angle should be adjusted as near as possi-
ble t o the "preferred" angle.
(4) Record the caster measurement before removing
the o r i g i n a l shims f r o m the s p r i n g pads.
(5) The caster should be t h e same a t b o t h sides of
the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart.
WHEEL "TOE"
POSITION
The wheel "toe" position adjustment should be the
f i n a l f r o n t wheel a l i g n m e n t adjustment. I n a l l i n -
stances, follow the equipment manufacturer's recom-
mended procedure.
(1) Secure the steering wheel w i t h the front wheels
i n the straight-ahead position. For vehicles equipped
w i t h power steering, s t a r t the engine before straight-
ening the wheels.
With p o w e r steering, the e n g i n e s h o u l d be op-
e r a t i n g d u r i n g the w h e e l " t o e " position adjust-
ment.
(2) Loosen t h e t i e r o d adjustment sleeve clamp
bolts (Fig. 3).
TIE RODS
CLAMP
RN1036
Fig. 3 'Toe" Position Adjustment
(3) A d j u s t the wheel "toe" position b y r o t a t i n g the
tie rod adjustment sleeve (Fig. 3).
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