Contents Section: Wheel Alignment All sections

Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Buick Park Avenue I

Wheel Alignment 11 illustrations ~1066 words

ADJUSTMENTS

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

"A", "J", "L" & "N" Bodies

To adjust front camber, loosen 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. (Scheme 1) Move top of wheel in or out to obtain correct camber specification. While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Rear camber is not adjustable. If rear camber is not to specification, repair or replace damaged or worn suspension or body parts.

Scheme 1

Scheme 1: "A", "J", "L" & "N" Bodies

"B", "D" & "Y" Bodies

Adjust front camber by adding or subtracting equal number of shims between both ends of upper control arm shaft and frame. (Scheme 2) To adjust rear camber on Corvette, loosen lower spindle rod adjusting cam lock nut and bolt. Turn cam to obtain correct camber. (Scheme 3) Tighten adjusting cam lock nut and bolt.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2: "B", "D" & "Y" Bodies

Scheme 3

Scheme 3

"C" & "H" Bodies

To adjust camber, loosen 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Install Camber Adjuster (J-29862). (Scheme 4) Tighten or loosen camber adjuster as necessary to obtain correct camber. While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.

Scheme 4

Scheme 4: "C" & "H" Bodies

"E" & "K" Bodies

To adjust camber, loosen 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Tighten or loosen camber adjusting bolt, located above spindle next to upper strut-to-steering knuckle bolt, to obtain correct camber. While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.

"F" Body

To adjust camber, loosen lower control arm mount bolts. Attach Adjuster (J-38658) to crossmember and lower control arm. (Scheme 5) Rotate turnbuckle clockwise to increase camber or counterclockwise to decrease camber. Adjust camber to specification. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove adjuster.

Scheme 5

Scheme 5: "F" Body

"W" Body (Front)

  1. To adjust camber, loosen 3 strut cover attaching nuts. Remove strut cover. Lift front of vehicle enough to allow strut attaching studs to clear mounting holes. Cover top of strut to keep metal shavings from damaging strut. Using Template (J-36892) as a guide, file the 3 holes as necessary to allow for camber adjustment. (Scheme 6) CAUTION: DO NOT lift vehicle by suspension components, or over-extend the drive axles when lifting vehicle.
  2. Paint exposed surfaces with Red oxide primer. Paint area to match color of vehicle. Lower front of vehicle while aligning studs into holes. Install, but DO NOT tighten, 3 strut cover attaching nuts. Set camber to specification. Tighten strut cover attaching nuts to 17 ft. lbs.(24 N.m).

"W" Body (Rear)

To adjust rear camber, raise vehicle and remove rear wheel. Using Spring Compressor (J-35778), remove rear leaf spring. Remove strut assembly. Place strut assembly in vise. File lower strut-to-spindle mounting hole, lower strut attaching hole and lower stabilizer bracket-to-strut attaching hole to allow for camber adjustment. (Scheme 7) Install strut assembly. Adjust camber to specification. Tighten rear strut-to-spindle nuts to 136 ft. lbs. (184 N.m).

Scheme 6

Scheme 6: "W" Body (Rear)

Scheme 7

Scheme 7

"A", "J", "L", "N" & "W" Bodies

Caster is not adjustable. If caster is not to specification, check for worn or damaged suspension or body parts. Repair or replace as necessary.

Caster is adjusted by transferring shims, from front to rear or rear to front, of the upper control arm shaft mounts and frame. (Scheme 9) The difference between left and right caster should NOT be more than 1/2 degree.

"C", "E", "H" & "K" Bodies

  1. Loosen, but DO NOT remove, one front outer nut and one inner nut from strut mounting tower. (Scheme 8) 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 8

Scheme 8

To adjust caster, loosen lower control arm mount bolts. Attach Adjuster (J-38658) to crossmember and lower control arm. (Scheme 5) Rotate turnbuckle clockwise to increase caster or counterclockwise to decrease caster. Adjust caster to specification. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Remove adjuster.

"A", "C", "E", "F", "H", "K", "N", "W" & "Y" Bodies

Loosen tie rod end lock nut. (Scheme 9) 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 9

Scheme 9: "A", "C", "E", "F", "H", "K", "N", "W" & "Y" Bodies

"B" Body

Loosen tie rod end outer adjusting sleeve clamp bolts. Rotate outer sleeve to adjust toe-in to specification. Tighten clamp bolts to specification. Ensure bolts are at bottom of tie rod and bolt head is facing forward.

"D", "J" & "L" Bodies

Loosen tie rod end adjusting sleeve clamp bolts. Turn center adjuster sleeve to adjust toe-in. (Scheme 10) Ensure bolts are at bottom of tie rod and bolt head is facing forward. Tighten tie rod end adjuster sleeve clamp bolts.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: "D", "J" & "L" Bodies

Rear toe-in is not adjustable. If rear toe-in is not to specification, repair or replace worn or damaged components.

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

Loosen front and rear inside control arm mounting bolts. Pry between rear control arm mounting bolts and rear support assembly until proper toe-in is obtained. (Scheme 11) Tighten control arm mounting bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 11

Scheme 11: "E" & "K" Bodies

"W" Body

  1. Using holes in rear suspension rod and jack stand pad, hook Turnbuckle Adjuster (J-38118) between rear suspension rod and jack stand pad. Hand tighten turnbuckle adjuster.
  2. Loosen rear rod-to-crossmember nut at crossmember a minimum of 4 turns. Tighten or loosen turnbuckle adjuster as necessary to obtain correct rear toe-in. Tighten rear rod-to-crossmember nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/buick/park-avenue/i-1991-1996/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures__torque-specifications) .

"Y" Body

Loosen rear tie rod adjusting lock nut. Turn tie rod to obtain correct toe-in. Tighten lock nut to specification.

"A" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front00.5 To 0.5
Rear00.3 To 0.3
Caster (1) (2)1.70.7 To 2.7
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear00.3 To 0.3
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear00.15 To 0.15 (-4.0 To 4.0)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("A" BODY)

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)01 To 1
Caster (1) (2)3.52.5 To 4.5
Toe-In (1)0.160.04 To 0.36
Toe-In (3)0.08 (2)0.02 To 0.18 (-0.5 To 4.5)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("B" BODY)

"C" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front
DeVille
Left0.51.0 To 0
Right0.50 To 1.0
Fleetwood01.0 To 1.0
Ninety-Eight & Park Avenue0.20.3 To 0.7
Rear
DeVille & Fleetwood0.30.8 To 0.2
Ninety-Eight & Park Avenue0.30.8 To 0.2
Caster (1) (2)
Fleetwood3.52.5 To 4.5
All Others3.02.5 To 3.5
Toe-In (1)
Front
Fleetwood0.160.4 To 0.36
All Others00.25 To 0.25
Rear0.10.1 To 0.3
Toe-In (3)
Front
Fleetwood00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
All Others00.15 To 0.15 (-4.0 To 4.0)
Rear0.05 (1.3)0.07 To 0.17 (-1.8 To 4.3)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("C" BODY)

"D" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)00.5 To 0.5
Caster (1) (2)32 To 4
Toe-In (Front) (1)00.2 To 0.2
Toe-In (Front) (3)00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("D" BODY)

"E" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front00.8 To 0.8
Rear
Eldorado(4)(4)
Riviera00.5 To 0.5
Caster (1) (2)2.31.3 To 3.3
Toe-In (1)
Front0.20 To 0.4
Rear0.20 To 0.4
Toe-In (3)
Front0.1 (2.5)0 To 0.2 (0 To 5.0)
Rear0.1 (2.5)0 To 0.2 (0 To 5.0)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm). (4) Left -1/2° to +1/2°. Right 0° to 1.0°. Cross camber must not exceed 1/2°.
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).
(4)Left -1/2° to +1/2°. Right 0° to 1.0°. Cross camber must not exceed 1/2°.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("E" BODY)

"H" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front0.20.3 To 0.7
Rear0.30.8 To 0.2
Caster (1) (2)32.5 To 3.5
Toe-In (1)
Front00.25 To 0.25
Rear0.10.15 To 0.35
Toe-In (3)
Front00.12 To 0.12 (-3.0 To 3.0)
Rear0.5 (1.5)0.07 To 0.17 (-1.8 To 4.3)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("H" BODY)

"J" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front0.150.85 To 0.55
Rear0.250.85 To 0.30
Caster (1) (2)1.30.3 To 2.3
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear0.250.06 To 0.56
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear0.13 (3.5)0.03 To 0.28 (-1.0 To 7.0)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("J" BODY)

"K" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber(4)(4)
Caster (1) (2)2.31.3 To 3.3
Toe-In (1)
Front0.20 To 0.4
Rear0.20 To 0.4
Toe-In (3)
Front0.10 (2.5)0 To 0.2 (0 To 5.0)
Rear0.10 (2.5)0 To 0.2 (0 To 5.0)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm). (4) Left -1/2° to +1/2°. Right 0° to 1.0°. Cross camber must not exceed 1/2°.
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).
(4)Left -1/2° to +1/2°. Right 0° to 1.0°. Cross camber must not exceed 1/2°.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("K" BODY)

"L" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front
FE2/F37 Susp.00.7 To 0.7
All Others0.150.55 To 0.85
Rear0.250.85 To 0.35
Caster (1) (2)1.20.2 To 2.2
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear00.35 To 0.35
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear00.17 To 0.17 (-4.3 To 4.3)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("L" BODY)

"N" BODY

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front00.7 To 0.7
Rear0.250.85 To 0.35
Caster (1) (2)1.450.45 To 2.45
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear00.35 To 0.35
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear00.17 To 0.17 (-4 To 4)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("N" BODY)

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front0.70.2 To 1.2
Rear
Lumina w/14" Tires0.320.18 To 0.82
All Others0.10.4 To 0.6
Caster (1) (2)2.01.5 To 2.5
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear0.10.4 To 0.2
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear0.05 (-1.5)0.2 To 0.1 (-5.0 To 2.5)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("W" BODY)

ApplicationPreferredRange
Camber (1)
Front0.50 To 1.0
Rear00.5 To 0.5
Caster (1) (2)6.05.5 To 6.5
Toe-In (1)
Front00.2 To 0.2
Rear00.2 To 0.2
Toe-In (3)
Front00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
Rear00.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5)
(1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°). (3) Measurement is in inches (mm).
(1)Measurement is in degrees.
(2)Left-to-right caster differential must not exceed 1 1/2° (1.5°).
(3)Measurement is in inches (mm).

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS ("Y" BODY)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Front Inside Control Arm Mounting Bolt66 (89)
Front Suspension-To-Frame Bolt37 (50)
Lateral Link Cam Nut140 (190)
Rear Inside Control Arm Mounting Bolt66 (89)
Rear Rod-To-Crossmember Nut(1) 81 (110)
Rear Strut-To-Spindle Attaching Nut136 (184)
Rear Tie Rod Lock Nut46 (62)
Spindle Rod Adjusting Cam Nut187 (253)
Strut Cover Attaching Nut17 (23)
Strut Mount-To-Strut Tower Nut21 (28)
Strut-To-Steering Knuckle Nut
"A" & "N" Bodies140 (190)
"C" Body144 (195)
"E", "K" & "W" Bodies136 (184)
"J" & "L" Bodies133 (180)
"H" Body180 (244)
Tie Rod End Clamp Bolt34 (46)
Tie Rod End Lock Nut46 (62)
Upper Control Arm-To-Frame72 (98)
Upper Strut-To-Body Bolt34 (46)
(1) Tighten to specification plus 1/6 turn (60 degrees).
(1)Tighten to specification plus 1/6 turn (60 degrees).

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS