Front Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Other Dodge Avenger II facelift

WARNING

CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required curb height specification.

Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended pressure. All tires are to be the same size as standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage compartment load.

Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measurement is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring is weak.

Note. Prior to reading the curb height measurement, the front and rear of the vehicle must be jounced to settle the suspension. Induce jounce by pushing down on the center of the bumper (fascia), using care not to damage the vehicle, moving the vehicle up and down, gradually increasing the suspension travel with each stroke. Release the bumper at the bottom of each stroke, repeating this action several times. Perform this to both front and rear suspensions an equal amount of times.

Measure curb height as follows

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

1. Jounce the vehicle. Refer to above note. NOTE: On some vehicles it may be necessary to remove an engine belly pan in order to gain access to the lower control arm pivot bolt.
2. FRONT - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance (1) from the center of the lower control arm rear (vertical) pivot bolt head to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge placed from lift runway to runway to get an accurate measurement.
3. FRONT - Measure and record the distance (3) from the center of the spindle to the same surface or straight edge used to measure from the front pivot bolt.
4. Subtract the pivot bolt height (1) from the spindle height (3) to obtain the curb height value (2). Compare the curb height value (2) to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 12 mm (0.5 in.).
5. REAR - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance (2) from the flat surface below the rear toe adjustment cam bolt (1) to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge (3), placed from lift runway to runway, to get an accurate measurement.
6. REAR - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance (3) from the center of the rear spindle to the same surface that was used to measure to below the bolt in the previous step.
7. REAR - Subtract the mounting bolt height (1) (found in) from the spindle height (3) to obtain the curb height value (2). Refer to 5 . Compare the curb height value (2) to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 12 mm (0.5 in.).
8. If curb height is found to be out of specification and there is no sign of excessive body damage, curb height can be changed by replacing the applicable spring with a spring offering a different check load. Refer to «STRUT, SUSPENSION, ASSEMBLY, REMOVAL»(ref-485471-S15088437972012071300000) .

CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

REAR CAMBER

Rear camber settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle's suspension components. This is referred to as Net Build. The result is no required adjustment of camber after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, rear camber is not considered an adjustable angle.

FRONT CAMBER AND CASTER

Note. When using a camber adjustment bolt package to adjust the front end camber, service struts with oversized holes can be used to adjust camber instead of grinding the clevis holes on the front struts.

Front camber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle's suspension components. This is referred to as Net Build. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles but some adjustment can be made. Camber and caster should be checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, SPECIFICATIONS .

If individual front camber or caster is found not to meet alignment specifications, each can be adjusted by shifting the front crossmember or by using an available service adjustment bolt package. If an adjustment bolt package installation is necessary, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending first.