Wheel Alignment System: Adjustments Pontiac Vibe I рестайлинг

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-200122-S06099559282005102000000) in Maintenance and Lubrication and «Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear»(ref-200080-S30366606392005102000000) in Tires and Wheels.
2. Inspect the runout of the wheels and the tires. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Runout Specifications»(ref-200118-S21543124312005102000000) in Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
3. Inspect the wheel bearings for backlash and excessive play. Refer to «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(ref-200106-S21920610392005102000000) 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-200081-S11838127072005102000000) 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-200106-S24131404522005102000000) in Suspension General Diagnosis.
8. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to «Trim Height Inspection Procedure»(ref-200106-S02150227142005102000000) 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-200083-S27323375832005102000000) .

Front Camber Adjustment

1. If the front camber is not within the service allowable range, estimate how much you need to move the front camber. Select the appropriate combination of bolts in order to move the front camber to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-200083-S27323375832005102000000) . In order to move the camber +/- 0.25 degree, use bolt (1) in the upper bolt position and bolt (2) in the lower bolt position. In order to move the camber +/- 0.50 degree, use bolt (1) in the upper bolt position and bolt (3) in the lower bolt position. In order to move the camber +/- 0.75 degree, use bolt (1) in the upper bolt position and bolt (4) in the lower bolt position. In order to move the camber +/- 1.00 degree, use bolt (2) in the upper bolt position and bolt (4) in the lower bolt position. In order to move the camber +/- 1.25 degree, use bolt (3) in the upper bolt position and bolt (4) in the lower bolt position. In order to move the camber +/- 1.50 degree, use bolt (4) in the upper bolt position and bolt (4) in the lower bolt position.
2. Raise and support the front of the vehicle with the alignment equipment. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-200076-S37188174922005102000000) in General Information.
3. Remove the front tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-200080-S33140753802005102000000) in Tires and Wheels.
4. Remove the 2 nuts (3, 4) on the lower side of the strut.
5. If necessary, remove the old bolt from the upper bolt position (2) and install the new bolt.
6. If necessary, remove the old bolt from the lower bolt position (1) and install the new bolt.
7. Temporarily install the 2 nuts.
8. Install the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-200080-S33140753802005102000000) in Tires and Wheels.
9. Lower the vehicle onto the alignment equipment.
10. Measure the alignment.
11. Push or pull on the top of the tire and wheel assembly in order to move the camber to the specification.
12. Verify the cross camber is within the specification.
13. Tighten the nuts and the bolts in order to retain the strut to the knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the nuts and the bolts to 220 N.m (162.3 lb ft).
14. Measure the alignment.
15. Adjust the camber if necessary.

Front Toe Adjustment

1. Verify the steering wheel is in the straight-ahead position.
2. Loosen the nut (3).
3. Remove the clamp from the steering gear boot.
4. Rotate the inner tie rod (1) in order to adjust the toe to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-200083-S27323375832005102000000) .
5. Verify the number of threads visible on the right inner tie rod is the same as the number of threads on the left inner tie rod.
6. Tighten the nut to the outer tie rod (4). Tighten: Tighten the nut to 74 N.m (54.6 lb ft).
7. Measure the alignment.
8. Adjust the toe if necessary.
9. Verify the boots are not twisted.
10. Install the clamps to the steering gear boots.

Rear Camber and Toe Adjustment (AWD)

1. Loosen the nut on the upper control arm cam bolt.
2. Loosen the nut on the lower control arm cam bolt.
3. Rotate the cam bolts in order to adjust the camber and the toe to the specification. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-200083-S27323375832005102000000) .
4. Measure the distance from the lower left control arm bracket to the right rear crossmember bolt.
5. Measure the distance from the lower right control arm bracket to the left rear crossmember bolt.
6. Verify the difference between measurement (a) and measurement (b) are within the specification. Specification: The difference between measurement (a) and measurement (b) should be 6 mm (0.24 in) or less.
7. Tighten the nuts on the control arm cam bolts. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 74 N.m (54.6 lb ft).
8. Measure the alignment.
9. Adjust the rear camber and toe if necessary.