Furthermore, at the risk of overgeneralizing, most cars will work fine with about 1/16 inch toe-in. Unlock the steering wheel, and push the car forward at least 10 feet, allowing the steering wheel to move freely. How to perform wheel alignment. Providing all the adjusters are moving freely, a full four wheel measurement and adjustment can be carried out in 15 minutes. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.
Once the vehicle type is determined, the high tech and precise measuring begins. Before performing any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct alignment readings: Inspect the tires for the proper inflation and irregular tire wear. Inspect the steering gear for looseness at the frame. 4 wheel alignment - 7 easy steps. Then subtract the average frame angle from the caster reading when making adjustments. Toe is the automotive equivalent of a pigeon-toed stance; the front tires on nearly all rear-wheel-drive cars are set to point in slightly to help you go straight down the highway. For vehicles equipped with a torsion bar suspension turn the bolt (1) that contacts the torsion arm clockwise to raise the and counterclockwise to lower the height adjustment.
SPECIFICATIONS WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS Use illustration for wheel alignment specifications. Now calculate and adjust using the same procedure as the rear of the vehicle. Rear adjustment is now finished. For an accurate reading, do not push or pull on the tires during the alignment process. For minimum tire wear and power loss, the wheels of a vehicle should be pointing straight ahead. If your front end checks out in good condition, you're ready to align. Wheel alignment chart pdf. By having wheel alignment, your vehicle can make now a solid contact with the road. Push the front bumper of the vehicle down about 1. Check the toe setting after tightening. Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends for looseness or wear. Adjust the rear axle to the correct settings and finish with the two centre line scales reading the same.
The D height is obtained by measuring the distance between the edge of the jounce cup along the jounce bumper center line and the jounce pad on the rear axle. 7: Wheel Alignment Specifications TRIM HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS Use illustration for trim height specifications. Caster has no effect on tire wear. Measure and adjust the caster and the camber with the vehicle at curb height.
Check the fuel level. When the adjustments are complete, hold the cam bolt head in order to ensure the cam bolt position does not change while tightening the nut. See the car diagrams in the image gallery. Proper air suspension operation. With the car still on the jack stands, follow these steps: 1. The vehicle's toe is the most critical alignment settings that affect tire wear.
May need to replace rear suspension Coil Springs. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. Inspect vehicle load: Inspect the fuel level. Allow the vehicle to rise. STEP 7: Optional Camber/Castor adjustment. Caster is also not adjustable for most front wheel drive vehicles. Do-It-Yourself Wheel Alignment Guide – Mother Earth News. Improper tire inflation. The camber on most front wheel drive vehicles is not adjustable.
Inspect the control arms and stabilizer shaft for looseness or wear. Is the direction of your vehicle pulling to another side? However, if the setting exceeds the service allowable specifications, correct the alignment to the service preferred specifications. Loosen the upper control arm cam adjustment bolts. Adjust the caster and the camber angle by turning the cam bolts until the specifications have been met. Step by step wheel alignment procedure pdf version. So why most vehicles have their front wheels toe-in?