Front End Alignment; Caster - Chevrolet 10 1971 Series Chassis Service Manual

FRONT SUSPENSION 3-2
3. Back off nut 1/3 turn and install new cotter pin. If
spindle hole does not line up, back off nut until align­
ment is obtained. This adjustment should result in
bearing end play of .001" to .010" .
4. Spin hub to make sure it turns freely. Lock cotter
pin by spreading the end and bending it around
spindle. Install dust cap and wheel and tire assembly.
Lower vehicle.
FRONT END ALIGNM ENT
Correct alignment of the front suspension must be
maintained to insure satisfactory tire life. Check align­
ment at regular intervals and particularly after front
suspension has been subjected to extremely heavy service
or severe impact loads.
Before checking and adjusting alignment, such compo­
nents as wheel bearings, spring height, tie rods, steering
gear, shock absorbers and tire inflation should be in­
spected and corrected where necessary.
Caster and Camber— Figure 2
Positive caster is the amount in degrees of the back­
ward tilt of the steering axis. Positive camber is the
amount in degrees that the front wheels are tilted out­
ward at the top from a vertical position. Caster and
camber adjustments are made by means of shims located
between the upper control arm shaft and the mounting
bracket attached to the suspension crossmember.
Measure 10-30 Series caster and camber as follows
(refer to Figure 3):

Caster

NOTE:
angle is said to be positive. Down in rear is
said to be negative.
1. Using a bubble protrator measure frame angle "B "
at location shown in Figure 3.
2. Check caster angle on alignment machine.
3. Add angle
determine frame corrected angle.
4. Measure dimension
5. Using dimension
(fig. 4) for the appropriate vehicle, shown below, find
the recommended caster angle.
Fig. 1— Front Suspension C - P - K Typical
If the frame angle is down in front, the
" B"
and caster angle (algebraically) to
"A" .
"A"
and the caster-camber chart
10-30 CHEVROLET TRUCK SERVICE MANUAL