Wheel Alignment Measuring Methods - Cadillac 54-6219 1954 Shop Manual

6-6
CHASSIS SUSPENSION
Fig. 6-6 Elements of Front Wheel Alignment
7 Wheel Alignment Measuring
Methods
All wheel alignment equipment manufacturers
provide detailed instructions for checking equip
mdnt accuracy and measurement of alignment
factors that should be followed exactly.
In addition to the manufacturers
instructions,
be sure to observe the following general recom
mendations:
1. Check to see that there is no excess weight
in the car.
2. Align the car on the moveable plates of the
alignment machine carefully so that the wheels
are in the center of the plates. In addition, the car
should be square with the plates.
3. Inflate tires to proper pressure.
4. Block both rear wheels, in addition to setting
the hand brake, to prevent any slight movement
of the car.
5. Raise the front end and check the runout on
the outer surface of the tire. Mark the spot where
maximum runout occurs.
6. Place the maximum runout either to the front
or rear as shown in Fig. 6-6. This neutralizes
the effect of runout on caster or camber.
Lower
the wheels.
7. Normalize the position of front spring by
working the bumper up and down to get normal
height of front spring.
8. Caster and camber may now be checked.
9.
Raise front wheels and set maximum runout
at top or bottom to neutralize effect on toe-in and
toe-out. Fig. 6-6.
10. Lower car, normalize springs and check
toe-in.
11. If any of the measurements are beyond the
recommended limits, make the necessary adjust
ments as outlined in Notes 8, 9, and 10.
Positive Caster Angle Negative Caster Angle
C/L of
Knuckle Pin
Vertical
Positive Camber
C/I of Wheel
Front
Knuckle
Pin Angle
Front Wheel Caster
Front Wheel Camber
This position for caster,
camber and knuckle
pin angle
This position for
toe-in and toe-out
on turns
Run-Out Location