Dodge 2000 DURANGO Service Manual page 25

DN
ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FRONT SUSPENSION - 4x2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
SERVICE PROCEDURES
SUSPENSION HEIGHT - 4x4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
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 (Fig. 1).
CAUTION: Never attempt to modify suspension or
steering components by heating or bending.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/
steering system components may be required. Rub-
ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to
Group 0, Lubrication And Maintenance for the rec-
ommended maintenance schedule.
SUSPENSION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
FRONT SUSPENSION - 4x4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
REAR SUSPENSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
ALIGNMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page
WHEEL ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SPECIFICATIONS
ALIGNMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
OPERATION
• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the
knuckle forward provides negative caster. Tilting the
top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster.
Positive caster promotes directional stability. 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.
•
TOE is the difference between the leading
inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front
tires. Wheel toe position out of specification cause's
unstable steering, uneven tire wear and steering
wheel off- center. The wheel toe position is the final
front wheel alignment adjustment.
SUSPENSION 2 - 1
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