Front Toe And Toe Difference Angle; Reartoe - BMW 5251 Service Manual

320-34
I
Steerins and Wheel Alignment
Front toe and toe difference angle
Toe is the difference in the distance between the front of the
front wheels and the rear of the front wheels. It is adjusted by
altering the length of the tie rods.
Toe difference angle determines the progressively different
paths taken by the front wheels as the car is turning. In V-8
models, it is set by the pitman arm adjustment, but depends
on accurate setting of the toe.
Toe adjustments should only be made on specialized align-
ment equipment and only with the car in normal loaded posi-
tion, described below.
-
Set front wheel toe at tie rod ends:
4
6-cylinder models: Loosen tie rod lock nut (A).
Adjust toe by turning inner tie rod (B) to change length
-
V-8 models: Loosen left and right tie rod clamp bolts.
Adjust toe by turning inner tie rod to change length.
NOTE-
*
Steering rack or steering gearbox can be centered by
aligning centering mark on steering shaft with lug on steer-
ing rack.
To keep steering wheel centered, adjust both tie rods equal
amounts.
&cylinder models: Make sure the rubber boot on the rack
moves freely on the tie rod and does not become twisted.
Tightening torques
Tie rod clamp bolt
Tie rod collar
nut
27 Nm (20
ft-lb)
45 Nm (33
A-lb)
Rear toe
To adjust rear wheel toe, turn eccentric inner mounting bolt in
upper front control arm (traction strut).
NOTE-
Always adjust rear camber first.
-
Before making toe adjustment, install new
mounting nut and tighten.
-
Loosen nut one-half to one full turn.
4
Turn eccentric bolt (arrow) to adjust toe.
rear control arm