Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Chevrolet Suburban IX

JACKING & HOISTING

Note. Before performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Put floor jack or vehicle hoist under vehicle at proper lifting points. (Scheme 1) If raising vehicle on a twin-post hoist, do not damage suspension components, rear axle cover, or steering linkage.

Scheme 1

RIDING HEIGHT

Note. Proper riding height is necessary for correct wheel alignment. Before measuring riding height, ensure tire inflation pressure is correct, cargo compartment is empty, and fuel tank is full.

Bounce vehicle several times to normalize suspension. Measure riding height. (Scheme 2)and (Scheme 3). If riding height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS table. If riding height is okay, align wheels. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES.

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES

Note. For an illustration of wheel alignment angles (Scheme 6)

PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS

Ensure steering wheel is centered and front wheels are in straight-ahead position (to correct, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen the opposite sleeve in equal amounts). Ensure none of the following conditions exist

1. Incorrect vehicle riding height (see «RIDING HEIGHT»(/chevrolet/suburban/ix-1991-2001/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures__riding-height) ).
2. Incorrect tire pressure, mismatched tires (differing size or type), excessive tire runout, imbalanced tire and wheel assemblies, loose wheel bearings, or loose wheel lug nuts.
3. Loose or worn steering linkage/suspension components, or excessive play in steering gear box.

CAMBER & CASTER ADJUSTMENT

Note. Before camber and caster can be adjusted an adjustment slot must be removed from each frame bracket at the upper control arms. If slots have not already been removed, perform slot removal procedure, then perform adjustment procedure.

Frame Angle

1. Frame angle is the degree of tilt in frame from a level position. To determine frame angle, position vehicle on smooth, level surface. Using inclinometer or bubble protractor, measure frame angle. Determine if frame angle is up-in-rear or down-in-rear.
2. To determine corrected caster reading with various frame angles and caster readings apply one of the following rules: Down-in-rear frame angle must be subtracted from a positive caster reading. Up-in-rear frame angle must be added to a positive caster reading. Down-in-rear frame angle must be added to a negative caster reading. Up-in-rear frame angle must be subtracted from a negative caster reading.

If corrected caster or camber is not within specification, go to adjustment procedure.

Slot Removal

1. This procedure requires a Knockout Remover (J-38794). (Scheme 5) Raise and support vehicle with a jack (or jackstand) under each lower control arm. Remove wheel. Remove nuts, cams, and bolts from frame brackets at upper control arm. (Scheme 4)
2. Lift control arm upward and set it aside. Note perforations at bolt hole in each frame bracket. If a protective wax coating is covering perforations, remove wax. Assemble knockout remover on frame brackets. (Scheme 5) Limited clearance may require that you remove the knockout from the outside inward (opposite of direction indicated in illustration).
3. The head of the "T" bolt and the channel of the bridge must be horizontal, aligned with knockout. Turn nut until knockout breaks loose, but do not exceed 75 ft. lbs. (102 N.m) of torque. If more torque is required, stop procedure and remove knockout with a die grinder.
4. Set control arm into position. Install bolts, cams, and nuts. Go to adjustment procedure.

Adjustment

See FRAME ANGLE. Loosen nut on end of each bolt securing upper control arm to frame brackets. (Scheme 4) Rotate bolts until camber and caster are within specification. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT

Note. Tie rod adjuster parts often become rusted in service. If torque required to remove nut from bolt after break-away exceeds 84 INCH lbs. (9 N.m), discard nuts and bolts and replace with correct numbered parts.

1. Center steering wheel and hold with steering wheel clamp. Loosen tie rod lock nuts or adjustment sleeve clamp bolts. Rotate inner tie rods or adjustment sleeves to align toe to specification. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/suburban/ix-1991-2001/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) .
2. Ensure number of threads showing on each tie rod or inside each adjustment sleeve is nearly equal. Ensure tie rod ends are square before tightening lock nuts. Tighten tie rod lock nuts or adjustment sleeve clamp bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/chevrolet/suburban/ix-1991-2001/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures__torque-specifications) .

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION
• RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES
• RIDING HEIGHT
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS