RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Note. Before performing wheel alignment, check and adjust riding height as necessary. Riding height is adjustable only on models equipped with air suspension.
| WARNING | DO NOT remove air spring under any circumstances when air spring is pressurized. DO NOT remove components supporting air spring without releasing air. Air suspension system must be shut off prior to hoisting, jacking or towing vehicle. Air suspension system can be deactivated by disconnecting battery or turning air suspension service switch to OFF position. Air suspension switch is located on left side of trunk area. Failure to deactivate air suspension system may result in unexpected inflation or deflation of air springs causing vehicle to shift |
Scheme 1
- Place vehicle on alignment rack. To ensure riding height is measured at a consistent point, height should only be measured after SERVICE BAY DIAGNOSTICS routine has been completed and Super Star II tester displays a Code 12. See DIAGNOSIS & TESTING in appropriate ELECTRONIC SUSPENSION article in the SUSPENSION section for diagnostic routine.
- Air suspension diagnostics will not work using a Super Star tester. After SERVICE BAY DIAGNOSTICS routine is completed and Code 12 is displayed, remove Super Star II tester. Turn suspension power switch to OFF position. Power switch is located in left side of trunk. Leave ignition switch in RUN position.
- Vehicle should now be at top of trim band. Measure front riding height "C" dimension. (Scheme 1) Dimension "C" is vertical difference between lower arm inner pivot and bottom center of ball joint retainer disc.
- Measure rear suspension "D" dimension. Rear riding height is difference between rear lower arm pivot attachment height and outer pivot Height.
- Suspension heights for top of trim band are: "C": 1.72" (44 mm) ±.39" (10.0 mm). "D": -.36" (-9.3 mm). Tolerance is +.39" (10 mm) and -.20" (5 mm).
- For reference purposes, riding heights at center of trim band are about.35" (9.0 mm) lower for front and.47" (12.0 mm) lower for rear than heights listed in step 5).
WHEEL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURES
Note. Before performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION article in the WHEEL ALIGNMENT section.
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT
Note. Before adjusting caster or camber on Continental, Sable or Taurus, check subframe alignment.
Scheme 2
- To check subframe alignment, loosen subframe mount bolts. (Scheme 2) Install a 3/4" (19 mm) pipe or alignment bar into driver-side subframe and body alignment holes. Slightly tighten subframe mount bolts.
- Repeat procedure for passenger side. Check driver-side alignment holes again. After both sides are aligned, tighten mount bolts. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-54894-S26892835832001011800000).
- For minor adjustments to camber and caster, loosen subframe mount bolts, and shift subframe. If this does not allow enough adjustment, loosen 3 upper strut mounting bracket-to-strut tower attaching nuts. Drill out 4 or 5 spot welds at upper strut alignment plate. (Scheme 3)
- DO NOT drill deeper than necessary to move alignment plate. Remove 3 upper strut mounting bracket-to-strut tower attaching nuts and alignment plate. Clean burrs from strut tower and alignment plate. Paint exposed metal surfaces.
- Position strut and alignment plate. Loosely install attaching nuts. Adjust camber/caster by moving top of strut. Tighten attaching nuts to specification. Drill 3 holes for rivets in perimeter of alignment plate. (Scheme 4) Install 3 rivets.
| CAUTION | DO NOT drill deeper than 3/8" (9.6 mm) into strut tower. |
Scheme 3
Scheme 4
TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)
Ensure steering wheel is centered. Loosen tie rod end adjusting sleeve clamp bolts or lock nuts. Turn adjusting sleeve or tie rod to adjust toe-in. Tighten tie rod end adjusting sleeve clamp bolt or lock nut. On Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis or Town Car (Scheme 5)
