• 
FRONT
 SUSPENSION
 AND
 AXLE
 2 - 5 (4) Front wheels for excessive radial, lateral 
runout and unbalance. Refer to Group 22, Wheels  and Tires for diagnosis information. 
(5) Suspension components for wear and noise. Check 
components for correct torque. Refer to Groups 2 and 3,  Suspension and Axle for additional information. 
WHEEL
 ALIGNMENT
 MEASUREMENTS/ADJUSTMENTS 
 The front wheel alignment positions must be set to 
the specified limits. This will prevent abnormal tire 
tread wear.  The equipment manufacturer's recommenda
tions for use of their
 equipment
 should always 
be followed. All
 damaged
 front suspension sys
tem components
 should
 be replaced. Do not at tempt to straighten any
 bent
 component. 
CAMBER AND CASTER-2WD VEHICLES  Camber and caster angle adjustments involve repo
sitioning the upper suspension arm cam adjustment 
bolts (Fig. 2). Alignment adjustments are accom
plished by loosening the nuts and changing the posi
tion of the cam bolt. 
(1) Remove all foreign material from the adjust
ment bolt threads. 
(2) Record the camber and caster measurements 
before loosening the adjustment bolt nuts. 
(3) The camber angle should be adjusted as near as 
possible to the preferred angle. The caster should be 
the same at both sides of the vehicle. Refer to the  Specifications chart. 
CAMBER AND CASTER—4WD VEHICLES  For 4WD vehicles, the correct wheel camber (verti
cal tilt) angle is factory preset at zero degree (0°). 
Camber cannot be altered by adjustment. 
CAUTION: Do not attempt to
 adjust
 the
 camber
 an
gle by
 heating
 or bending the axle or any
 suspen
sion
 component. If camber angle is
 incorrect,
 the 
component(s)
 causing
 an
 incorrect
 angle must be  replaced. 
(1) It is important that the camber (vertical tilt) 
angle be the same for both front wheels. 
(2) The camber angle should be measured with ac
curate wheel alignment equipment. The acceptable 
range is -1° to +1°. Refer to the Specifications chart. 
Road test the vehicle and observe the steering 
wheel return-to-center position.  Before road testing,
 check
 and
 correct
 the tire 
inflation pressures. Inflate
 both
 of the front tires 
with exactly the
 same
 pressure. 
 During the road test, make vehicle turns to both 
the left and right. If the steering wheel returns to
ward the center position unassisted, the caster angle  is correct. However, if the steering wheel does not re turn toward the center position unassisted, an incor
rect caster angle is probable. 
(1) The caster angle is factory preset at positive 
two degrees
 (
 +
 2°).
 The acceptable range is +1/2° to  +
 3
 1/2°. 
(2) The caster angle should be measured with ac
curate wheel alignment equipment. 
(3) Caster angle can be adjusted by installing ta
pered shims between the front axle pads and the  spring brackets. The caster angle should be adjusted 
as near as possible to the preferred angle. 
(4) Record the caster measurement before remov
ing the original shims from the spring pads. 
(5) The caster should be the same at both sides of 
the vehicle. Refer to the Specifications chart. 
RN1030 
Fig.
 2 Caster &
 Camber
 Adjustment Location—2WD 
 Vehicles 
WHEEL TOE POSITION  The wheel toe position adjustment should be the fi
nal front wheel alignment adjustment. In all in stances, follow the equipment manufacturer's 
recommended procedure. 
(1) Secure the steering wheel with the front wheels 
in the straight-ahead position. For vehicles equipped 
with power steering, start the engine before straight ening the wheels. 
With power steering, the engine should be op
erating during the wheel toe position adjust
ment. 
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp 
bolts (Fig. 3). 
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by rotating the 
tie rod adjustment sleeve (Fig. 3).  Rotate each tie-rod end in the direction of 
sleeve rotation during the adjustment (Fig. 3). 
This will ensure that both tie-rod ends are at the  center of their travel. 
(4) If applicable, turn the ignition switch off.