Chrysler Dodge Caravan 2002 Manual page 72

RS
WHEEL ALIGNMENT (Continued)
THRUST ANGLE
Thrust angle is the averaged direction the rear
wheels are pointing in relation to the vehicle's center
line (Fig. 6). The presence of negative or positive
thrust angle causes the rear tires to track improperly
to the left or right of the front tires (dog tracking).
• Negative thrust angle means the rear tires are
tracking to the left of the front tires.
• Positive thrust angle means the rear tires are
tracking to the right of the front tires.
Improper tracking can cause undue tire wear, a
lead or pull and a crooked steering wheel. Excessive
thrust angle can usually be corrected by adjusting
the rear wheel toe so that each wheel has one-half of
the total toe measurement.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION AND STEERING
CONDITION
Front End Whine On Turns
Front End Growl Or
Grinding On Turns
Front End Clunk Or Snap
On Turns
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Defective wheel bearing
2. Incorrect wheel alignment
3. Worn tires
1. Defective wheel bearing
2. Engine mount grounding
3. Worn or broken C/V joint
4. Loose wheel lug nuts
5. Incorrect wheel alignment
6. Worn tires
7. Front strut pin in upper strut mount
1. Loose lug nuts
2. Worn or broken C/V joint
3. Worn or loose tie rod
4. Worn or loose ball joint
5. Worn/loose control arm bushing
6. Loose stabilizer bar.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
Fig. 6 Thrust Angle
CORRECTION
1. Replace wheel bearing
2. Check and reset wheel alignment
3. Replace tires
1. Replace wheel bearing
2. Check for motor mount hitting frame rail
and reposition engine as required
3. Replace C/V joint
4. Verify wheel lug nut torque
5. Check and reset wheel alignment
6. Replace tires
7. Replace the front strut upper mount and
bearing
1. Verify wheel lug nut torque
2. Replace C/V joint
3. Tighten or replace tie rod end
4. Tighten or replace ball joint
5. Replace control arm bushing
6. Tighten stabilizer bar to specified torque
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