Jeep 1996 Grand Cherokee Service Manual page 30

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ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SERVICE PROCEDURES
ALIGNMENT MEASUREMENTS AND
GENERAL INFORMATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
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 maximize tire wear. The most important
measurements of front end alignment are caster,
camber and toe position.
NOTE: Routine inspection of the front suspension
and steering components is a good preventative
maintenance practice. Inspection also helps to
ensure safe operation of the vehicle.
• 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.
• 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
SUSPENSION
CONTENTS
page
REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
ALIGNMENT
INDEX
page
ADJUSTMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
SPECIFICATIONS
Alignment Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
adjustable, the damaged component(s) must be
replaced to correct mis-alignment.
• 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.
• STEERING AXIS INCLINATION ANGLE is
measured in degrees and is the angle that the steer-
ing knuckles are tilted. The inclination angle has a
fixed relationship with the camber angle. It will not
change except when a spindle or ball stud is dam-
aged or bent. The angle is not adjustable, the dam-
aged component(s) must be replaced to correct mis-
alignment.
WARNING: Do not attempt to modify any suspen-
sion or steering component by heating and bend-
ing.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following
inspection and necessary corrections must be com-
pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart for additional information.
SUSPENSION 2 - 1
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