For 1990-2009 cars

## Wheel Alignment Measurement Front

Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in Tires and Wheels in order to determine if the vehicle has a tire lead problem. Before you make any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections in order to ensure correct alignment readings and adjustments.

• | Inspect all of the tires for proper inflation pressures.

• | Inspect that all of the tires are of the recommended size.

• | Inspect that all of the tires have about the same tread wear.

• | Inspect the wheel bearings for proper adjustment. Correct if necessary.

• | Inspect the following components. If the components are loose, correct the components before you adjust the wheel alignment:

- | The control arm joints

- | The relay rod

- | The tie rod ends

• | Inspect the runout of the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Runout Measurement in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.

• | Inspect the vehicle trim height. If the vehicle trim height is out of limits make the necessary corrections before adjusting the wheel alignment. Refer to Trim Height Specifications .

• | Verify that the steering gear is not loose at the frame.

• | Inspect the lower control arms for loose bushings.

• | Inspect the stabilizer shafts for loose or missing parts.

• | Inspect for leaking or worn out shock absorbers.

• | Inspect the remaining suspension and steering components for damage. Replace all of the worn parts prior to adjusting the wheel alignment.

• | Inspect the vehicle for stability. The fuel tank should be full or the vehicle should have compensating ballast.

Consideration must be given to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If these items are normally carried in the vehicle, the items should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Consideration should also be given to the condition of the equipment being used to adjust alignment. Be sure to follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of the equipment used to adjust alignment, the vehicle must be on a level surface, both front-to-rear and side-to-side.

Satisfactory vehicle operation may occur over a wide range of alignment settings. If settings vary beyond the specifications, correct the alignment angles.

Perform the following steps to measure the wheel alignment angles:

1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Jounce the front bumpers and the rear bumpers lightly 3 times in order to normalize the suspension prior to measuring the angles.
3. Measure the alignment angles.
4. Record the readings. If adjustments are required, perform the adjustments in the following order:

4.1. | Adjust the caster.

4.2. | Adjust the camber.

4.3. | Adjust the toe-in.

## Wheel Alignment Measurement Rear Wheel Alignment

### Rear Wheel Alignment

Toe angle is the only adjustment that you can make to the rear wheels. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications for proper alignment specifications.