RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Note. On vehicles with electronic chassis controls, ensure all systems are functional before adjusting riding height or wheel alignment.
Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Check riding height with vehicle on level floor and tires properly inflated. Tire inflation specifications can be found on door pillar, side wall of tire, sun visor or glove box. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.
Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear or side to side. Remove extra heavy items from passenger and luggage compartments. If riding height is not within specifications, check, repair or replace suspension components. See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS table. (Scheme 1)
| Application | (1) Front "A" In. (mm) | (2) Rear "B" In. (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Aurora | 6.7-7.5 (170-190) | 8.6-9.4 (219-239) |
| Riviera | 6.4-7.3 (164-184) | 8.4-9.2 (213-233) |
| (1) Location "A" measured 23.5" (600 mm) from center of front axle. (2) Location "B" measured 23.1" (590 mm) from center of rear axle. | ||
| (1) | Location "A" measured 23.5" (600 mm) from center of front axle. |
| (2) | Location "B" measured 23.1" (590 mm) from center of rear axle. |
RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
Riding Height Measuring Points. Scheme 1
FLOOR JACK
When supporting vehicle using floor jack, place support at suspension lift points or frame lift points. Floor jacks may be placed under front crossmember on most models. (Scheme 2)
BUMPER JACK
Bumper jack, if supplied as original equipment with vehicle, should only be used to change a flat tire. If vehicle is not supplied with a bumper jack, DO NOT lift vehicle by the bumper at any time.
AXLE CONTACT HOIST
Note. Always follow hoist manufacturer's instructions. DO NOT allow hoist or adapters to contact suspension, exhaust or steering components. Frame contact must be made. Use adapters if necessary.
Hoist should contact lower control arms, or front crossmember and rear axle.
FRAME CONTACT HOIST
Hoist adapters must contact vehicle in specified areas. (Scheme 2) Adapters must be positioned to distribute load and support vehicle in a stable manner. DO NOT allow lift pads to contact exhaust system components.
| CAUTION | If removing rear axle, fuel tank, spare tire or liftgate using single-post hoist, anchor vehicle to hoist. Place jack stands under vehicle, or add weight on rear end of vehicle to prevent tipping when center of gravity changes. |
Scheme 2
ORDER OF ALIGNMENT
| CAUTION | To ensure accurate alignment, align wheels in the following order: Rear camber Rear toe-in Front caster Front camber Front toe-in |
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (REAR)
Rear camber is not adjustable. If rear camber is not as specified, repair or replace worn or damaged components.
TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (REAR)
Adjust left and right sides separately. Loosen inner adjustment link cam nut. (Scheme 3) Using an 8-mm wrench or socket, rotate cam bolt until toe-in is as specified. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten cam nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Scheme 3
CASTER ADJUSTMENT
- Support vehicle by its wheels (suspension loaded). Remove nuts and washers securing both front strut mounts to body towers. Lift front of vehicle body to separate strut mount from towers. Drill a 13/32" hole in front of and behind oval strut mounting hole at both towers. (Scheme 4)
- File excess metal between holes to make an elongated slot. Paint exposed metal with rust-preventive paint or primer. While 2 assistants guide studs on each strut mount into holes in towers, lower vehicle. Loosely install nuts. Adjust caster to specification. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/buick/riviera/viii-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures). Tighten nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/buick/riviera/viii-1994-1999/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures__torque-specifications).
Scheme 4
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)
Loosen nuts on 2 bolts securing strut to steering knuckle. (Scheme 5) Install Camber Adjuster (J-29862). Rotate bolt on camber adjuster until camber is as specified. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.
Scheme 5
TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)
Loosen tie rod end lock nut. (Scheme 6) Loosen clamp securing dust boot to inner tie rod. Rotate inner tie rod until toe-in is as specified. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten lock nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure steering gear dust boot is straight after adjustment. Tighten dust boot clamp.
Scheme 6
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Ft. Lbs. (N.m) |
|---|---|
| Rear Inner Adjustment Link Cam Nut | 55 (75) |
| Strut-To-Steering Knuckle Nut | 136 (185) |
| Strut-To-Strut Tower Nut | 35 (47) |
| Tie Rod End Lock Nut | 47 (64) |
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
| Application | Preferred | Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camber (1) | |||
| Front | 0.2 | 0.3 To 0.7 | |
| Rear | 0.3 | 0.8 To 0.2 | |
| Caster (1) | 6 | 5.5 To 6.5 | |
| Toe-In (1) | |||
| Front | 0 | 0.2 To 0.2 | |
| Rear | 0.2 | 0 To 0.4 | |
| Toe-In (2) | |||
| Front | 0 | 0.1 To 0.1 (-2.5 To 2.5) | |
| Rear | 0.1 (2.5) | 0 To 0.2 (0 To 5.0) | |
| (1) Measurement is in degrees. (2) Measurement is in inches (mm). | |||
| (1) | Measurement is in degrees. |
| (2) | Measurement is in inches (mm). |
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
See also:
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS