Wheel Alignment System: Adjustments Pontiac GTO IV

Measuring Wheel Alignment

Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. One possible cause is wheel and tire imbalance. Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead/pull is defined as follows: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle's straight path. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in Tires and Wheels in order to determine if the vehicle has a tire lead problem.

Before performing any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct alignment readings

1. Inspect the tires for the proper inflation and irregular tire wear. Refer to «Tire Inflation Pressure Specifications»(ref-201102-S29816944872005102400000) in Maintenance and Lubrication and «Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear»(ref-201065-S33082739832005102400000) in Tires and Wheels.
2. Inspect the runout of the wheels and the tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Runout Specifications»(ref-201097-S28829102952005102400000) in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
3. Inspect the wheel bearings for backlash and excessive play. Refer to «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(ref-201089-S29828649862005102400000) in Suspension General Diagnosis.
4. Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends for looseness or wear.
5. Inspect the control arms and stabilizer shaft for looseness or wear.
6. Inspect the steering gear for looseness at the frame. Refer to «Fastener Tightening Specifications»(ref-201073-S42012386642005102400000) in Power Steering System.
7. Inspect the struts/shock absorbers for wear, leaks, and any noticeable noises. Refer to «Struts or Shock Absorbers On-Vehicle Testing»(ref-201089-S13742841222005102400000) in Suspension General Diagnosis.
8. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to «Trim Height Inspection Procedure»(ref-201089-S22259692022005102400000) in Suspension General Diagnosis.
9. Inspect the steering wheel for excessive drag or poor return due to stiff or rusted linkage or suspension components.
10. Inspect the fuel level. The fuel tank should be full or the vehicle should have a compensating load added.

Give consideration to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If normally carried in the vehicle, these items should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Give consideration also to the condition of the equipment being used for the alignment. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Satisfactory vehicle operation may occur over a wide range of alignment settings. However, if the setting exceeds the service allowable specifications, correct the alignment to the service preferred specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

Perform the following steps in order to measure the front and rear alignment angles

1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Jounce the front and the rear bumpers 3 times prior to checking the wheel alignment.
3. Measure the alignment angles and record the readings.
4. Adjust alignment angles to vehicle specification, if necessary. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-201080-S27896661652005102400000) .

Front Caster Adjustment

1. Remove the front lower control arm rod insulator bushing. Refer to «Front Lower Control Arm Rod Insulator Bushing Replacement»(ref-201072-S06333472842005102400000) in Front Suspension.
2. On the side of the vehicle with the higher caster reading, install 1 washer (7) to the front of the control arm rod.
3. Install the rod insulator bushing. Refer to «Front Lower Control Arm Rod Insulator Bushing Replacement»(ref-201072-S06333472842005102400000) in Front Suspension.

Front Camber Adjustment Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle on the alignment rack. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-201059-S03425061632005102400000) .
2. If necessary, remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-201065-S26739138132005102400000) .
3. Remove and discard the 2 nuts (5,6).
4. If equipped, remove the 2 washers (4,7) from the bolts.
5. Remove and discard the 2 bolts (2,3) that retain the strut to the knuckle.
6. Install the 2 NEW bolts in order to retain the strut to the knuckle.
7. Install the 2 washers to the bolts.
8. Install the 2 NEW nuts to the bolts.
9. If you removed the front tire and wheel assembly, install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-201065-S26739138132005102400000) .
10. Lower the vehicle onto the alignment rack in order to place the weight of the vehicle onto the tires.
11. Push down on the front bumper 3 times in order to stabilize the suspension.
12. Measure the alignment. Refer to «Measuring Wheel Alignment»(ref-201080-S06462768922005102400000) .
13. Rotate the camber adjustment screw in order to adjust the front camber to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-201080-S27896661652005102400000) .
14. Tighten 2 nuts (2) that retain the strut to the knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 85 N.m (63 lb ft). Tighten the nuts to 100 N.m (74 lb ft). Use the J 45059 in order to tighten the nuts an additional 90 degrees.
15. Lower the vehicle.

Front Toe Adjustment

1. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position.
2. Verify the steering gear is in the straight ahead position.
3. Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to «Measuring Wheel Alignment»(ref-201080-S06462768922005102400000) .
4. Loosen the clamp (4) on the steering gear boot.
5. Loosen the lock nut (2) that retains the outer tie rod end.
6. Rotate the inner tie rod (3) in order to adjust the front toe to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-201080-S27896661652005102400000) .
7. Verify the number of threads on the right inner tie rod is the same as the number of threads on the left inner tie rod.
8. Tighten the lock nut in order to retain the outer tie rod end. Tighten: Tighten the lock nut to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).
9. Verify the boot is not twisted.
10. Install the clamp to the boot.

Rear Toe Adjustment

1. Measure the wheel alignment. Refer to «Measuring Wheel Alignment»(ref-201080-S06462768922005102400000) .
2. Loosen the 2 lock nuts (2, 4) on the rear adjustment link assembly.
3. Rotate the center adjuster in order to adjust the rear toe to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-201080-S27896661652005102400000) . Increasing the length of the adjustment link assembly will increase the rear wheel toe.
4. Use a wrench on the hexagonal crimped section of the outer adjustment link (9) in order to hold the position of the ball joint.
5. Tighten the 2 lock nuts. Tighten: Tighten the 2 lock nuts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).