POWER±ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM2A±13
Caster (1) is the vertical tilting of the wheel axis either
forward or backward (when viewed from the side of the
vehicle). A backward tilt is positive (+) and a forward tilt is
negative (-). On the short and long arm type suspension
you cannot see a caster angle without a special
instrument, but if you look straight down from the top of
the upper control arm to the ground, the ball joints do not
line up (fore and aft) when a caster angle other than 0
degree is present. With a positive angle, the lower ball
joint would be slightly ahead (toward the front of the
vehicle) of the upper ball joint center line.
Toe-in:
This illustration shows view from the top of the vehicle.
480RS003Toe-in is the measured amount the front wheels are
turned in. The actual amount of toe-in is normally a
fraction of a degree. Toe-in is measured from the center
of the tire treads or from the inside of the tires. The
purpose of toe-in is to insure parallel rolling of the front
wheels and to offset any small deflections of the wheel
support system which occurs when the vehicle is rolling
forward. Incorrect toe-in results in excessive toe-in and
unstable steering. Toe-in is the last alignment to be set in
the front end alignment procedure.
Inspection
Before making any adjustments affecting caster, camber
or toe-in, the following front end inspection should be
made.
1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation pressure. Refer to
Main Data and Specifications in Wheel and Tire
System
section.
2. Make sure that the vehicle is unladen condition (With
no passenger or loading).
3. Make sure that the spare tire is installed at the normal
position.
4. Inspect the front wheel bearings for proper
adjustment. Refer to
Front Hub and Disc Overhaul in
Suspension
section.
5. Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends. If excessive
looseness is noted, correct before adjusting. Refer to
Steering Linkage in this section.6. Inspect the wheel and tires for run-out. Refer to
Wheel Replacement in Wheel and Tire System
section.
7. Inspect the trim height. If not within specifications, the
correction must be made before adjusting caster.
8. Inspect the steering unit for looseness at the frame.
9. Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or any noticeable
noise. Refer to
Shock Absorber in Suspension
section.
10. Inspect the control arms or stabilizer bar attachment
for looseness. Refer to
Suspension section.
11. Inspect the front end alignment using alignment
equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
12. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
Trim Height Adjustment
Adjust the trim height (1) by means of the adjusting bolt on
the height control arms.
CAUTION: When adjusting front end alignment, be
sure to begin with trim height first, as it may change
other adjusted alignments.
450RS003
410RS001
2A±14
POWER±ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM
1. Check and adjust the tire inflation pressures.
2. Park the vehicle on a level ground and move the front
of the vehicle up and down several times to settle the
suspension.
3. Make necessary adjustment with the adjusting bolt on
the height control arms.
Trim height: 119 + 5 mm (4.69 + 0.2 in)
Caster Adjustment
The caster angle can be adjusted by means of the caster
shims (1) installed between the chassis frame (2) and
fulcrum pins.
Caster angle: 230' + 1
CAUTION: Left and right side must be equal within
30'.
450RW006
450RS002
NOTE: Difference of the caster shim front/rear thickness
should be 3.6 mm (0.142 in) or less. Overall thickness of
caster shim and camber shim should be 10.8 mm
(0.425 in) or less.
Tighten the fulcrum pin bolt to the specified torque.
Torque: 152 N´m 112 ( lb ft)
Camber Adjustment
The camber angle can be adjusted by means of the
camber shims (2) installed in position between the
chassis frame (1) and fulcrum pins
Camber angle: 0 + 30'
King pin inclination: 1230' + 30'
CAUTION: Left and right side must be equal within
30'.
450RW007
450RS005
3C±2FRONT SUSPENSION
General Description
The front suspension is designed to allow each wheel to
compensate for changes in the road surface level without
greatly affecting the opposite wheel. Each wheel is
independently connected to the frame by a steering
knuckle, ball joint assemblies, and upper and lower
control arms. The front wheels are held in proper
relationship to each other by two tie-rods which are
connected to steering arms on the knuckles, and to a
steering unit.
All models have a front suspension system consisting of
control arms, stabilizer bar, shock absorber and a torsion
bar. The front end of the torsion bar is attached to the
lower control arm. The rear of the torsion bar is mounted
into a height control arm at the crossmember. Vehicle trim
height is controlled by adjusting this arm.
Shock absorbers are mounted between the brackets on
the frame and the lower control arms. The lower portion ofeach shock absorber is attached to the lower control arm.
The upper portion of each shock absorber extends
through a frame bracket and is secured with two rubber
bushings, two retainers and a nut.
Ball joint assemblies are bolted to the outer end of the
upper and lower control arm and are attached to the
steering knuckle.
The inner ends of the upper control arm have pressed in
bushings. Bolts, passing through the bushing, attach the
control arm to the frame. The inner ends of the lower
control arm are attached to the frame by bolts passing
through the bushings.
Side roll of the front suspension is controlled by a spring
steel stabilizer bar. It is mounted in rubber bushings,
which are held to the frame by brackets. The ends of the
stabilizer bar are connected to the lower control arms by
links.
Diagnosis
ConditionPossible causeCorrection
Vehicle PullsMismatched or uneven tires.Replace tire.
Tires not adequately inflated.Adjust tire pressure.
Broken or sagging springs.Replace spring.
Radial tire lateral force.Replace tire.
Improper wheel alignment.Adjust wheel alignment.
Brake dragging in one wheel.Repair brake.
Loose, bent or broken front or rear
suspension parts.Tighten or replace the appropriate
suspension part(s).
Faulty shock absorbers.Replace shock absorber.
Parts in power steering valve
defective.Replace power steering unit.
Abnormal or Excessive Tire WearSagging or broken spring.Replace spring.
Tire out of balance.Balance or replace tire.
Improper wheel alignment.Check front end alignment.
Faulty shock absorber.Replace shock absorber.
Hard driving.Replace tire.
Overloaded vehicle.Replace tire and reduce load.
Tires not rotated periodically.Replace or rotate tire.
Worn or loose road wheel bearings.Replace wheel bearing.
Wobbly wheel or tires.Replace wheel or tire.
Tires not adequately inflated.Adjust the pressure.
Wheel HopBlister or bump on tire.Replace tire.
Improper shock absorber operation.Replace shock absorber.
3C±4FRONT SUSPENSION
Condition CorrectionPossible cause
Abnormal NoiseWorn, sticky or loose upper or lower
ball joint, steering linkage ball joints
or drive axle joints.Replace.
Faulty shock absorbers.Replace.
Worn upper or lower control arm
bushing.Replace.
Loose stabilizer bar.Retighten bolts or replace bushings.
Loose wheel nuts.Tighten nuts. Check for elongated
wheel nut holes. Replace wheel if
required.
Loose suspension bolts or nuts.Retighten suspension bolts or nuts.
Broken or otherwise damaged wheel
bearings.Replace wheel bearing.
Broken suspension springs. Replace spring.
Loose steering unit. Retighten mounting bolt.
Faulty steering unit.Replace steering unit.
Wandering or Poor Steering StabilityMismatched or unevenly worn tires.Replace tire or inflate tires to proper
pressure.
Loose steering linkage ball joints.Replace ball joints.
Faulty shock absorbers.Replace shock absorber.
Loose stabilizer bar.Tighten or replace stabilizer bar or
bushings.
Broken or sagging springs.Replace spring (pairs).
Improper wheel alignment.Adjust wheel alignment.
Erratic Steering When BrakingWorn wheel bearings.Replace wheel bearings.
Broken or sagging springs.Replace spring (pairs).
Leaking caliper.Repair or replace caliper.
Warped discs.Replace brake disc.
Badly worn brake pads.Replace brake pads.
Tires are inflated unequally.Inflate tires to proper pressure.
Low or Uneven Trim HeightBroken or sagging springs.Replace springs (In pairs).
Vehicle overloaded.Reduce load.
Incorrect springs.Adjust or replace torsion bar.
Suspension BottomsVehicle overloaded. Reduce load.
Faulty shock absorber.Replace shock absorber.
Incorrect, broken or sagging springs.Replace springs.
Body LeansLoose stabilizer bar.Tighten stabilizer bar bolts or replace
bushings.
Faulty shock absorber, struts or
mounting.Replace shock absorber.
Broken or sagging springs.Replace springs (In pairs).
Vehicle overloaded.Reduce load.
Cupped TiresWorn wheel bearings.Replace wheel bearing.
Excessive tire or wheel run out.Replace tire or wheel.
Worn ball joints.Replace ball joints.
Tire out of balance.Adjust tire balance.
FRONT SUSPENSION3C±7
Torsion Bar
Torsion Bar and Associated Parts
410RS003
Legend
(1) Adjust Bolt, End Piece and Seat(2) Height Control Arm
(3) Torsion Bar
Removal
1. Raise the vehicle and support the frame with suitable
safety stands.
2. Apply the setting marks(1) to the adjust bolt and end
piece, then remove adjust bolt, end piece and seat.
410RS004
3C±8FRONT SUSPENSION
3. Apply the setting marks(2) to the height control arm
and torsion bar, then remove height control arm.
410RS005
4. Apply the setting marks(3) to the torsion bar and
lower control arm, then remove torsion bar.
410RS006
Inspection and Repair
Make necessary correction or parts replacement if wear,
damage, corrosion or any other abnormal condition are
found through inspection.
Check the following parts:
Torsion bar
Height control arm
Adjust bolt
Rubber seat
Installation
1. Apply grease to the serrated portions, then install
torsion bar. Make sure the bars are on their correct
respective sides and align the setting marks(3).
410RS007
410RS006
FRONT SUSPENSION3C±9
2. Apply grease to the portion that fits into the bracket
then install height control arm and align the setting
marks(2).
410RS005
3. Apply grease to the bolt portion of the end piece(4).
Apply grease to the portion of the seat(5) that fits into
the bracket.
410RS008
4. Apply grease to the serrated portions.
5. Install adjust bolt and seat, then turn the adjust bolt to
the setting mark(1) applied during disassembly.
NOTE: A d j u s t t h e t r i m h e ight. Refer to
Front End
Alignment Inspection and Adjustment in Steering section.
410RS004
3C±10FRONT SUSPENSION
Knuckle
Knuckle and Associated Parts
410RW006
Legend
(1) Torsion Bar
(2) Lower Ball Joint, Nut and Cotter Pin
(3) Back Plate
(4) Knuckle Assembly
(5) Knuckle(6) Needle Bearing (4WD MODEL)
(7) Thrust Washer (4WD MODEL)
(8) Oil Seal (4WD MODEL)
(9) Upper Ball Joint, Nut and Cotter Pin
(10) Wheel Speed Sensor
Removal
1. Raise the vehicle and support the frame with suitable
safety stands.
2. Remove wheel and tire assembly. Refer to
Wheel in
this section.
3. Remove the brake caliper. Refer to Disc Brakes in
Brake section.
4. Remove the hub assembly. Refer to Front Hub and
Disk in this section.
5. Remove tie±rod end from the knuckle. Refer to Power
Steering Unit in Steering section.
6. Remove the speed sensor from the knuckle.
7. Loosen torsion bar by height control arm adjust bolt,
then remove torsion bar. Refer to
Torsion Bar in this
section.
8. Remove wheel speed sensor.