Wheel Alignment Specifications & Adjustment Procedures GMC Savana I

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

Note. Specific information for Envoy and Escalade was not available from manufacturer. For Envoy, use "T" series information and specifications. For Escalade, use "K" series information and specifications.

Vehicle model is identified by fifth character of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). VIN is stamped on metal pad on top of left end of instrument panel, near windshield (except Tracker). See MODEL IDENTIFICATION table.

MODEL IDENTIFICATION

RIDE HEIGHT

Note. Proper ride height is necessary for correct wheel alignment. Before measuring ride height, ensure tire inflation pressure is correct, cargo compartment is empty, and fuel tank is full (at least half full on Tracker). Envoy uses Automatic Level Control (ALC) system. If suspension height is not as specified, check ALC system.

Except "C " (1999 Rear), "G", "P" & "U" Series, & Tracker

Bounce vehicle several times to normalize suspension. Measure ride height ("Z"). (Scheme 1), (Scheme 6), (Scheme 7) and (Scheme 9). If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES.

1999 Sierra & Silverado C1500 & C2500 (Rear)

1. Ensure vehicle is completely unloaded. Using hands, lift rear bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height ("D"). (Scheme 2) Repeat this procedure 2 more times. Note measurements.
2. Push rear bumper down 1.5" (38 mm), then let vehicle rise. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height ("D") 2-3 times using this procedure. To obtain ride height, average the high and low measurements of steps 1) and 2). If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures)

"L" & "M" Series (Rear)

1. Using hands, lift rear bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height. (Scheme 3)
2. Repeat step 1 2 more times. To obtain ride height, average the high and low measurements. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures).

"G" Series (Front)

1. Using hands, lift front bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height ("Z"). (Scheme 1)
2. Push front bumper down about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to rise on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height. (Scheme 1) To obtain ride height, average high and low measurements.
3. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures).

"G" Series (Rear)

1. Lift front bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height ("D") on right side of vehicle. (Scheme 4)and (Scheme 5).
2. Push front bumper down about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to rise on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure ride height on right side of vehicle again. Average measurements.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on left side of vehicle. Compare right and left side measurements. Rear trim height should not exceed 0.5" (13 mm) from side-to-side (left to right). If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures).

"P" Series

Information is not available.

Tracker (1998 Front)

Bounce vehicle several times to stabilize the suspension. Measure trim height "Z". (Scheme 8) Do this 2-3 times and average measurements. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES.

Tracker (1998 Rear)

Bounce vehicle several times to stabilize the suspension. Measure trim height "D". (Scheme 8) Do this 2-3 times and average measurements. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES.

"U" Series (Front)

1. Lift front bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure and record dimensions "Z" and "J". (Scheme 10)
2. Push front bumper down about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to rise on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure and record dimensions "Z" and "J" again. To obtain ride height, average the high and low measurements.
3. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures).

"U" Series (Rear)

1. Lift front bumper about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to settle on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure and record dimensions "D" and "K". (Scheme 10)
2. Push front bumper down about 1.5" (38 mm). Gently remove hands and allow vehicle to rise on its own. Do this 2 more times. Measure and record dimensions "D" and "K" again. (Scheme 10) To obtain ride height, average the high and low measurements.
3. If ride height is not as specified, repair or replace suspension components as necessary. See «RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. If ride height is okay, align wheels. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures).

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

Scheme 10

RIDE HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

JACKING & HOISTING

Put floor jack or vehicle hoist under vehicle at proper lifting points. (Scheme 11)- (Scheme 17). If raising vehicle on a twin post hoist, do not damage suspension components, rear axle cover, or steering linkage.

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

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 ride height (see «RIDE HEIGHT»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__ride-height) ).
2. Incorrect tire pressure, mismatched tires (differing size or type), excessive tire runout, unbalanced 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.

"C", "G" & "K" Series Except 1999 Sierra & Silverado C1500 & C2500 (Caster Adjustment)

1. Check frame angle. See «"C", "G", "K" & "P" (FRAME ANGLE)»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__c-g-k-p-frame). If corrected caster is not within specification, remove frame bracket slots. See «"C", "G" & "K" SERIES (FRAME BRACKET SLOT REMOVAL)»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__c-g-k-series-frame). Reset caster by loosening nut on end of each cam bolt securing upper control arm to frame brackets. (Scheme 18)
2. Rotate cam bolts until caster is within specification. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. Tighten nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table.

"C", "G" & "K" Series Except 1999 Sierra & Silverado C1500 & C2500 (Camber Adjustment)

1. If camber is not within specification, remove frame bracket slots. See «"C", "G" & "K" SERIES (FRAME BRACKET SLOT REMOVAL)»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures__c-g-k-series-frame). Reset camber by loosening nut on end of each cam bolt securing upper control arm to frame brackets. (Scheme 18)
2. Rotate cam bolts until camber is within specification. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. Tighten nuts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table.

"C", "G", "K" & "P" (Frame Angle)

1. 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 is not within specification, adjust caster to specified setting.

"C", "G" & "K" Series (Frame Bracket Slot Removal)

1. 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 18)
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 (J-38794) on frame brackets. (Scheme 19) 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.

1999 Sierra & Silverado C1500 & C2500 (Caster Adjustment)

If caster is not within specification, remove and discard pinned adjusting cam insert. Loosen upper control arm adjusting cam nuts. Rotate cambolts until caster is within specification. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. (Scheme 20)

1999 Sierra & Silverado C1500 & C2500 (Camber Adjustment)

If camber is not within specification, remove and discard pinned adjusting cam inserts. Loosen upper control arm adjusting cam nuts. Rotate cambolts until camber is within specification. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. (Scheme 20)

"L", "P" & "S" Series (Caster & Camber)

On "P" series, check frame angle. See "C", "G", "K" & "P" (FRAME ANGLE). On all models, loosen nuts securing upper control arm shaft to frame. (Scheme 21) Remove original shims from bolts, and add or remove shims until caster and camber are within specification. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

"M" & "T" Series (Caster & Camber)

Loosen nut on end of each bolt securing upper control arm to frame brackets. (Scheme 22) Rotate bolts until camber and caster are within specification. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Tighten nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.

Tracker (Caster & Camber)

Caster and camber is not adjustable. Measure caster and camber to check for bent or damaged parts. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Replace damaged components if necessary.

"U" Series (Caster)

Caster is not adjustable. Measure caster to check for bent or damaged parts. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS table. Replace damaged components if necessary.

"U" Series (Camber)

1. Raise and support vehicle. Remove rear wheel. Remove strut. Put strut in a vise. File bolt hole at lower end of strut to make it oblong. (Scheme 23)
2. Install strut, but DO NOT fully tighten strut mounting bolts at steering knuckle. Lower vehicle. Adjust camber to specification. See «WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table.

Scheme 18

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT

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»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table.
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»(/gmc/savana/i-1996-2002/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-adjustment-procedures) table.

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• MODEL IDENTIFICATION
• "G" SERIES (REAR)
• RIDE HEIGHT
• "C", "G", "K" & "P" (FRAME ANGLE)
• "C", "G" & "K" SERIES (FRAME BRACKET SLOT REMOVAL)