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Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures (fwd) Buick Electra VI

Wheel Alignment 3 illustrations ~274 words

ADJUSTMENTS

Note. Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS article. For basic wheel alignment theory, refer to the WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION article.

Note. While performing following procedures, perform rear wheel alignment first to ensure proper front alignment angles. Corvette requires 4-wheel alignment.

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT

To adjust camber, loosen 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Install Camber Adjuster (J-29862). (Scheme 1) Tighten or loosen camber adjuster as necessary to obtain correct camber. While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: CAMBER ADJUSTMENT

CASTER ADJUSTMENT

  1. Loosen, but DO NOT remove, one front outer nut and one inner nut from strut mounting tower. (Scheme 2) Remove remaining nut and washer from strut mounting tower. Raise vehicle until outer strut stud has cleared hole.
  2. Using an 11/32" drill bit, drill one hole in front and one behind outer strut hole. File excess material from between holes to create an elongated slot. Lower vehicle to install strut into tower. Adjust caster to specification. Tighten nuts to 17 ft. lbs. (24 N.m).

Scheme 2

Scheme 2

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

Loosen tie rod end lock nut. (Scheme 3) Loosen steering gear dust boot clamp(s) at tie rod end. Turn inner tie rod to obtain correct toe-in. Tighten lock nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure steering gear dust boot is straight after adjustment. Tighten dust boot clamp.

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (REAR)

Adjustment link must be adjusted to full toe-out position. Adjust link inward to specification.

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (Degrees) Front3/165/16 to 11/16
Camber (Degrees) Rear3/165/16 to 11/16
Caster (Degrees) Front32 1/2 to 3 1/2
Caster (Degrees) RearN/AN/A
Toe-In (Inches) Front03/32 to 3/32
Toe-In (Inches) Rear1/161/32 to 5/32
Toe-In (Millimeters) Front02.4 to 2.4
Toe-In (Millimeters) Rear1.60.8 to 4.0
Toe-In (Degrees) Front03/16 to 3/16
Toe-In (Degrees) Rear1/81/16 to 5/16
Toe-Out On Turns (Degrees)N/AN/A
Steering Axis Inclination (SAI)12 1/2°N/A
Wheelbase (Inches)110.8N/A
Wheelbase (Millimeters)2814N/A

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Ball Joint-to-Control Arm Bolt & Nut50 (68)
Ball Joint-to-Knuckle Nut81 (110)
Control Arm Ball Joint (Rear)(1) 7 (9)
Control Arm Pivot Bolts (Rear)125 (169)
Control Arm Pivot Nuts (Rear)85 (115)
Hub and Bearing Retainer Bolt70 (95)
Hub-to-Drive Axle Nut(2) 180 (245)
Inner Rear Control Arm Bolts66 (89)
Knuckle Pinch Bolt40 (54)
Knuckle Pivot Bolt59 (80)
Lower Control Arm-to-Crossmember Pivot Bolt
Front140 (190)
Rear90 (123)
Lower Rear Strut Mounting Nuts144 (195)
Strut Damper Assembly
Piston Rod Top Nut44 (60)
Strut-to-Knuckle Mount (Upper)144 (195)
Strut-to-Upper Body Mount Nut18 (24)
Tie Rod End-to-Knuckle Mount Nut41 (56)
Upper Rear Strut Mounting Nuts65 (88)
Wheel Hub-to-Rear Knuckle52 (72)
(1) Plus 2/3 turn. (2) Tighten to 74 ft.lbs. (101 N.m) during initial assembly. After installing wheels and lowering vehicle to ground, tighten nut to final torque.
(1)Plus 2/3 turn.
(2)Tighten to 74 ft.lbs. (101 N.m) during initial assembly. After installing wheels and lowering vehicle to ground, tighten nut to final torque.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS