Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Pontiac Firebird III

CASTER ADJUSTMENT

Note. Jounce vehicle several times to settle suspension. Release on down stroke. Check for proper tire pressure, worn steering or suspension components.

1. Before alignment, relay rod height must be checked and adjusted. If relay rod height is not correct, vehicle could exhibit "Orbital Steer" (different handling on right and left-hand turns).
2. To check height, clean both flats on bottom of relay rod. Install Relay Rod Adjustment Gauge (J 33093) on flat near Pitman arm. Install socket onto head of front pivot bolt on left side lower control arm. (Scheme 3)
3. Measure dimension "A" between flange of gauge and bottom of socket. (Scheme 3)
4. Transfer socket and adjustment gauge into position on idler arm end of relay rod. (Scheme 3) Adjust idler arm position until dimension "B" matches dimension "A" within.04" (1 mm).
5. Caster is adjusted by moving position of upper strut mount assembly forward or backward. Adjust by loosening 3 nuts on top of mount. The weight of vehicle will normally cause strut assembly to move to full inboard position.
6. Install Alignment Adjuster (J 29724) by bolting bracket end to fender with original fender bolt. Install turnbuckle hook on upper strut mount assembly. Tighten until proper camber reading is obtained. Tap mount forward or backward with rubber mallet to adjust caster. Tighten nuts to specification. (Scheme 2)

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT

Note. Jounce vehicle several times to settle suspension. Release on down stroke. Check for proper tire pressure, worn steering or suspension components.

Note. Before adjusting camber, check relay rod height. See caster adjustment.

1. Camber can be adjusted by moving position of upper strut mount assembly inboard (negative) or outboard (positive). Remove dust cap and fender bolt. Adjust by loosening 3 nuts at top of mount.
2. Install Alignment Tool (J-29724) with hook on upper strut mount and bracket on fender (using original fender bolt). Tighten turn-buckle until the proper camber reading is obtained. Tighten nuts to specification. (Scheme 2)

Camber & Caster Adjustment. Scheme 2

Checking Relay Rod Height Adjustment. Scheme 3

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT

1. Toe-in is changed by adjusting length of tie rods. When tie rods are mounted ahead of steering knuckle, decrease length in order to increase toe-in. Loosen clamp bolts at each end of steering tie rod adjustment sleeve.
2. On models with rack and pinion steering loosen jam nut. With steering wheel set straight ahead, turn tie rod adjusting sleeves to obtain the proper toe-in adjustment.
3. With adjustment completed, ensure number of threads showing on each end of sleeve are equal and tie rod end housing is at right angles to steering arm. Also ensure steering wheel spokes are level.
4. Position tie rod clamps and sleeves correctly. (Scheme 4) Tighten to specifications. On rack and pinion models, tighten jam nut after toe is set to specifications.

Toe-In Adjuster Tube Clamp & Bolt Positions. Scheme 4

CAMARO

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (CAMARO) (1)

FIREBIRD

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS (FIREBIRD) (1)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS