Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Mercury Sable II

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.

Scheme 1

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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Measure rear suspension "D" dimension. Rear riding height is difference between rear lower arm pivot attachment height and outer pivot Height.
5. 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).
6. 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).

Adjusting Front Riding Height

1. Front riding height is adjusted by changing height sensor link. See «FRONT RIDING HEIGHT SENSOR LINK DIMENSIONS (CONTINENTAL)»(/mercury/sable/ii-1991-1995/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) table. (Scheme 2)
2. When removing front link, carefully pry it off using a wide-blade screwdriver. When installing link, support height sensor from behind to prevent sensor damage. Any front link change must be made with reference to link which is to be removed.

FRONT RIDING HEIGHT SENSOR LINK DIMENSIONS (CONTINENTAL)

Scheme 2

Adjusting Rear Riding Height

To adjust rear height sensor, loosen and reposition height sensor lever adjustment screw. Each notch on rear height sensor lever gives about.6" (15 mm) of riding height adjustment. (Scheme 3)

Scheme 3

CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR

Note. Town Car is only equipped with air suspension on rear.

Rear suspension riding height is adjusted by moving rear height sensor attaching bracket up or down based on left rear upper control arm position. A slot adjustment is provided on bracket to adjust up or down as required.

Adjusting sensor attaching bracket one index mark will change riding height, vertical dimension "D", approximately.35" (9 mm). (Scheme 4)and (Scheme 5). If riding height is not correct, adjust to specified vertical dimension. See DIMENSION "D" (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR) table.

DIMENSION "D" (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR)

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Checking Riding Height

1. Drive onto alignment rack. Turn ignition off. Level rack as necessary. Turn ignition switch to RUN position (DO NOT start). Allow one minute for vehicle to level. Push trunk release, turn ignition off and exit vehicle.
2. Allow 20 seconds for vehicle to vent to trim height (all doors closed). Turn air suspension system switch to OFF position. Switch is located in trunk, on left front side panel. Check for proper riding height. (Scheme 6) Adjust as necessary.

Scheme 6

Adjusting Riding Height

1. Adjust front riding height by moving front left and/or right lower sensor attaching stud. Three adjustment positions are provided on bracket. Loosen attaching bolt, and adjust as necessary. A one position change to sensor attachment point will result in 1/2" (12.7 mm) change, up or down. (Scheme 7)
2. Rear suspension riding height is adjusted by moving rear sensor attaching bracket up or down relative to right rear arm (slot adjustment is provided on bracket).
3. Loosen attaching nut, and adjust up or down as required. One index mark change to sensor attachment point will result in 1/4" (6.4 mm) change, up or down. (Scheme 8)

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Measuring Riding Height

1. Vehicle must pass Auto Test twice before performing riding height measurement and adjustment procedure. See ADJUSTMENTS in appropriate SUSPENSION article. Codes 11, 29 and/or 45 accepted as passed.
2. Ensure suspension switch, located on left side panel of trunk, is OFF position. Measure vertical distance from bottom edge of wheel to wheel well lip. See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII) table.

RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)

Adjusting Riding Height (Front)

Move lower sensor attaching stud up or down in adjusting slot as required. (Scheme 9) Changing the height of sensor attachment point by.039" (1.0 mm) will change the riding height by.118 (3.0 mm). If either front height sensor is adjusted, check adjustment of other sensor.

Scheme 9

Note. Rear suspension uses only one height sensor, mounted between subframe and left rear control arm.

Adjusting Riding Height (Rear)

Move rear height sensor upper ball stud in slot provided in subframe bracket. (Scheme 9) Changing the height of sensor attachment point by.039" (1.0 mm) will change the riding height by.118" (3.0 mm).

ALL OTHERS

Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Riding height must be checked with vehicle on level floor and tires properly inflated. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.

Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear or side to side. Check passenger and luggage compartments for extra heavy items and remove if present. Measure distance from sill to floor behind front tires and in front of rear tires. Riding height between left and right sides of vehicle should vary less than 1" (25.4 mm). If riding height is not within specification, check, repair or replace suspension components.

JACKING & HOISTING

Note. On vehicles with air suspension, disconnect electrical power by removing negative battery cable or setting air suspension switch to OFF position. Switch is located in trunk on left front side of inner panel.

FLOOR JACK

Note. DO NOT lift vehicle by placing jack under front or rear control arms, axle shafts or CV joints.

FWD

Front of vehicle may be raised using floor jack by placing jack under front engine crossmember. Rear of vehicle may be raised by placing jack forward of tie rod bracket or under either rear lower control arm-to-chassis mounting bracket. (Scheme 10)

Scheme 10

RWD

1. Front of vehicle may be lifted by positioning a jack under center of front crossmember, lower control arm-to-spindle connection or side rail where stabilizer is connected. Rear end may be lifted by positioning floor jack under rocker flange at contact points used for vehicle jack or under differential housing.
2. Ensure jack does not contact differential housing cover. Position jackstands under front lower control arms or rear axle housing between suspension arm brackets and differential housing. DO NOT place jackstands under suspension arm brackets. (Scheme 11)

Scheme 11

BUMPER JACK

A bumper type jack may only be used on Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Mark VII and Town Car. DO NOT raise other vehicles by bumper at any time.

HOIST

Frame Contact Hoist

On frame contact hoists, adapters must be placed at 4 contact points. Position adapters so they are centered on contact area. All 4 contact points must contact adapters. On FWD models, rear contact points are located forward of tie rod-to-body attaching brackets.

Note. On Cougar, Mustang and Thunderbird, DO NOT position hoist pads under No. 3 crossmember, located to rear of lower suspension control arm crossmember.

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 12

1. To check subframe alignment, loosen subframe mount bolts. (Scheme 12) Install a 3/4" (19 mm) pipe or alignment bar into driver-side subframe and body alignment holes. Slightly tighten subframe mount bolts.
2. Repeat procedure for passenger side. Check driver-side alignment holes again. After both sides are aligned, tighten mount bolts. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/mercury/sable/ii-1991-1995/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures).
3. 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 13)
4. 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.
5. 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 14) Install 3 rivets.

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Cougar, Thunderbird & 1993 Mark VIII

Loosen lower control arm inner pivot-to-subframe adjusting nut. Turn adjusting bolt as necessary to obtain correct camber specification. Hold adjusting bolt in place while tightening nut to specification.

Crown Victoria & Grand Marquis

1. Camber/Caster Adjusters (T79P-3000-A) are needed to adjust camber angles. Insert Camber/Caster Adjusters into frame holes. (Scheme 15) Tighten adjuster hooks finger tight against upper arm inner shaft. Tighten hex nut of each adjuster one additional hex flat.
2. Loosen upper arm inner shaft-to-frame retaining bolts so lock washers are unloaded. Firmly tap bolt heads to ensure loosening of retaining bolts. Adjust camber angle. Tighten upper arm inner shaft-to-frame retaining bolts.

Scheme 15

Escort & Tracer

Top mounting stud bolts on front struts are offset. Raise and support front of vehicle. Remove strut mounting block nuts. Push mounting block downward and turn clockwise appropriate number of holes to change camber/caster specified amount. See CAMBER/CASTER ADJUSTMENT (ESCORT & TRACER) table.

CAMBER/CASTER ADJUSTMENT (ESCORT & TRACER)

Mark VII & Mustang

Remove rivet from camber plate. Loosen strut mount-to-strut tower attaching nuts. Move top of strut until desired camber is obtained. Tighten nuts to specification. Replacing rivet is not necessary.

Probe

1. Top mounting studs on front struts are offset. Camber is adjusted by rotating strut to different positions. See «CAMBER/CASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)»(/mercury/sable/ii-1991-1995/remont/wheel-alignment/#wheel-alignment-specifications-procedures) table. Lift vehicle to unload suspension.
2. Remove wheel. Remove top strut attaching nuts. Lower strut, and rotate strut bearing to desired position. (Scheme 16)and (Scheme 17). Reinstall strut into tower. Install and tighten attaching nuts.

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

CAMBER/CASTER SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)

Tempo & Topaz

Camber is preset at factory and cannot be adjusted. If camber is not within specification, repair or replace bent or broken parts.

Town Car

Adjusting cams are provided for camber/caster adjustment. (Scheme 15) Loosen 2 nuts on top of adjusting cams. Turn hex cams to adjust camber/caster angle. Hold each cam and tighten nuts. Checking camber angle is not necessary after adjustment has been performed.

Continental, Crown Victoria, Escort, Grand Marquis, Probe, Sable, Taurus, Town Car, Tracer & 1993 Mark VIII

See CAMBER ADJUSTMENT .

Cougar & Thunderbird

Loosen front tension strut-to-bracket lock nuts from both sides of bracket. Turn lock nuts to obtain correct caster specification. Tighten lock nuts to 103-118 ft. lbs. (140-160 N.m).

Mark VII, Mustang, Tempo & Topaz

Caster is factory set and is not adjustable. If caster is not to specification, repair or replace bent or broken parts.

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 18)

Scheme 18

Continental, Sable, Taurus, Tempo & Topaz

Loosen rear control arm-to-body retaining bolt. Rotate adjusting cam to obtain correct toe-in. While holding adjusting cam, tighten rear adjusting cam attaching nut. (Scheme 19)or (Scheme 20).

Scheme 19

Scheme 20

Loosen rear lower control arm inner pivot-to-frame bracket adjusting nut. Turn 2 adjusting cams as necessary to obtain correct rear toe-in specification. Hold adjusting bolt in place while tightening nut to specification.

Toe adjustment is performed on right side of vehicle only. Loosen lateral link lock nuts. (Scheme 21) Turn lateral link adjustment link to adjust toe-in. After adjustment is made, tighten both lock nuts.

Scheme 21

Loosen lock nuts on right and left control arms. To increase rear toe-in, rotate right control arm adjusting rod counterclockwise and turn left control arm adjusting arm clockwise. To decrease rear toe-in, rotate right control arm adjusting rod clockwise and turn left control arm adjusting arm counterclockwise. After adjustment is made, tighten lock nuts.

CONTINENTAL

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINENTAL)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (COUGAR & THUNDERBIRD)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CROWN VICTORIA & GRAND MARQUIS)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (ESCORT & TRACER)

MARK VII

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VII)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)

MUSTANG

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (MUSTANG)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (1993 PROBE)

SABLE & TAURUS

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (SABLE & TAURUS)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (TEMPO & TOPAZ)

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (TOWN CAR)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINENTAL)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINENTAL)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (COUGAR & THUNDERBIRD)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (COUGAR & THUNDERBIRD)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (CROWN VICTORIA, GRAND MARQUIS & TOWN CAR)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (ESCORT & TRACER)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (ESCORT & TRACER)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VII)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VII)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MARK VIII)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MUSTANG)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (MUSTANG)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (PROBE)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (SABLE & TAURUS)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (SABLE & TAURUS)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (TEMPO & TOPAZ)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS (TEMPO & TOPAZ)

See also:
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION
• FRONT RIDING HEIGHT SENSOR LINK DIMENSIONS (CONTINENTAL)
• CAMBER ADJUSTMENT