Contents Section: Wheel Alignment All sections

Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Chevrolet Cavalier I

Wheel Alignment 1 illustration ~346 words

ADJUSTMENTS

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

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT

  1. To adjust camber, strut modification is needed. Strut may be modified while installed or removed from vehicle. If strut is removed, place in vise. If strut is installed, disconnect strut at knuckle.
  2. On bottom strut-to-knuckle mounting hole, file or grind holes in outer flanges to enlarge bottom holes until they match slots in inner flanges.
  3. Install and/or connect strut to knuckle. Position vehicle on alignment equipment. Use extensions to reach around sides of tire. Loosen both strut-to-knuckle bolts to allow movement between strut and knuckle.
  4. Hold top of tire. Move in or out until correct reading is obtained. After camber is set, tighten bolts. Remove wheel and tire. Apply final torque to nut and bolts.

CASTER ADJUSTMENT

Note. Jounce vehicle several times to settle suspension. Release on down stroke. Check for proper tire pressure, worn steering or suspension components.

Caster is not adjustable on these car lines. If caster is out of specification, check for worn or bent suspension components.

Toe-In Adjuster Tube Clamp & Bolt Positions. Scheme 1

Scheme 1: Toe-In Adjuster Tube Clamp & Bolt Positions

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT

  1. Toe-in can be changed by adjusting length of tie rods. With tie rods mounted ahead of steering knuckle, decreased length to increase toe-in.
  2. Loosen clamp bolts at steering tie rod adjustment sleeve. On models with rack and pinion steering, loosen jam nut. With steering wheel centered, turn tie rod adjusting sleeves to obtain the proper toe-in adjustment.
  3. With adjustment complete, check that number of threads showing on each end of sleeve are equal. Check that tie rod end housing is at right angles to steering arm.
  4. Position tie rod clamps and sleeves correctly and tighten nuts. (Scheme 1) On rack and pinion models, tighten jam nut when set to proper specifications.
ApplicationSpecification
Camber (Degrees)
Front+0.75 +/- 0.5
Caster (Degrees)
Front+ 1.5 +/- 2
Toe-In (Inches)
Front1/4 +/- 2/10
Toe-In (Millimeters)
Front6 +/- 1
Toe-In (Degrees)
Front0.5 +/- 0.1
Toe-Out On Turns
Inner (Front)N/A
Outer (Front)N/A
Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) (Front)N/A
Wheelbase
Inches101 3/16
Millimeters2570

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Ball Joint-to-Control Arm Bolts50 (68)
Ball Joint-to-Knuckle Nut45 (60)
Brake Caliper Mount Bolt38 (51)
Hub & Bearing Retainer Bolt40 (55)
Hub-to-Drive Axle Nut(1) 192 (260)
Lower Control Arm-to-Crossmember Pivot Bolt61 (83)
Stabilizer Bar
Bar-to-Control Arm Link Bolt15 (20)
Bar-to-Crossmember Clamp Nut18 (24)
Strut Damper Assembly
Piston Rod Top Nut65 (88)
Strut-to-Knuckle Mounting Bolts133 (180)
Strut-to-Upper Body Mounting Nut18 (24)
Tie Rod End-to-Knuckle Nut 41 (56)
(1) 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)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