Chrysler Vehicle User Manual page 38

TJ
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - SUSPENSION
AND STEERING SYSTEM
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CAMBER
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment involves the correct positioning of
the wheels in relation to the vehicle. The positioning
is accomplished through suspension and steering
linkage adjustments. An alignment is considered
essential for efficient steering, good directional stabil-
ity and to minimize tire wear. The most important
measurements of an alignment are caster, camber
and toe position (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
CAUTION: Components attached with a nut and cot-
ter pin must be torqued to specification. Then if the
slot in the nut does not line up with the cotter pin
hole, tighten nut until it is aligned. Never loosen the
nut to align the cotter pin hole.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended
maintenance schedule.
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
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REAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CASTER
STANDARD PROCEDURE - TOE POSITION
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
OPERATION
• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster.
Caster is a directional stability angle. 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. The angle is not
adjustable, damaged component(s) must be replaced
to correct the camber angle (Fig. 1)
• WHEEL TOE POSITION is the difference
between the leading inside edges and trailing inside
edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position
is the most common cause of unstable steering and
uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is the final
front wheel alignment adjustment (Fig. 1)
SUSPENSION 2 - 1
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