Wheel Alignment System: Adjustments Pontiac Vibe II

Wheel Alignment Measurement

Steering and vibration concerns are not always the result of improper wheel alignment. One possible cause is wheel and tire imbalance. Another possibility is a tire lead/pull condition due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. 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. Refer to Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in order to determine if the vehicle has a tire lead/pull condition.

Before adjusting the wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct wheel alignment measurements

1. Measure the inflation pressure of each tire. Adjust the tire pressure to the specification on the tire placard.
2. Verify the sizes of the tires and the wheels match the specifications on the tire placard.
3. Inspect the tires and the wheels for damage and debris.
4. Inspect the tires for irregular or premature wear. Refer to «Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear»(ref-341894-S03504000682009091700000) .
5. Inspect the tires and the wheels for runout. If necessary, measure the runout of the tires and the wheels. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Assembly Runout Measurement - On-Vehicle»(ref-341942-S28680213992009091700000) .
6. Inspect the wheel bearings for backlash and excessive play. Refer to «Wheel Bearings Diagnosis»(ref-341926-S38986877932009091700000) .
7. Inspect the following components for looseness or wear. Repair the components as necessary. The knuckles The control arms The ball joints The bushings The tie rods The steering gear The stabilizer shafts The springs
8. Inspect the struts and the shock absorbers for wear, leaks, and any noticeable noises. Refer to «Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle»(ref-341926-S13068640442009091700000) .
9. Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to «Trim Height Inspection (AWD and GT)»(ref-341926-S17835400582009091700000) or «Trim Height Inspection (Except AWD and GT)»(ref-341926-S15680860862009091700000) .
10. Inspect the steering system for excessive drag or poor return due to stiff or corroded components.
11. Inspect the fuel level. If the fuel tank is not full, add weight to the vehicle in order to simulate a full fuel tank.

Give consideration to excess loads, such as toolboxes or sample cases. If normally carried in the vehicle, these items should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Also, give consideration 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 wheel alignment angles. However, if the wheel alignment angles are not within the range of specifications, adjust the wheel alignment to the specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .

Perform the following steps in order to measure and adjust the wheel alignment angles

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable for more than 2 seconds. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(ref-341923-S02887538462009091700000) .
2. Connect the negative battery cable.
3. Using the scan tool, perform the yaw rate sensor zero point calibration under the special functions menu.
4. Center the vehicle on the alignment rack.
5. Push down on the front bumper 3 times.
6. Push down on the rear bumper 3 times.
7. Install the alignment heads to the vehicle.
8. Select the program on the alignment equipment.
9. Compensate, level, and lock all of the alignment heads.
10. Measure the wheel alignment.
11. Record the measurements.
12. Compare the measurements to the specifications. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-341897-S10355886662009091700000) .
13. If equipped with upper control arms in the rear suspension, and adjustment is necessary, adjust the rear caster and camber. Refer to «Rear Caster and Camber Adjustment (GT and AWD)»(ref-341897-S31570020742009091700000) .
14. If necessary, adjust the front camber. Refer to «Front Camber Adjustment»(ref-341897-S38791138402009091700000) .
15. If necessary, adjust the front toe. Refer to «Front Toe Adjustment»(ref-341897-S31315281402009091700000) .
16. Ensure the front tires are in the straight ahead position.
17. Disconnect the negative battery cable for more than 2 seconds. Refer to «Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection»(ref-341923-S02887538462009091700000) .
18. Connect the negative battery cable.
19. Using the scan tool, perform the yaw rate sensor zero point calibration under the special functions menu.
20. Perform the steering angle sensor zero point calibration. Refer to «Steering Angle Sensor Initialization and Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Zero Point Calibration (Manual)»(ref-341893-S31464900062009091700000) or «Steering Angle Sensor Initialization and Steering Shaft Torque Sensor Zero Point Calibration (Scan Tool)»(ref-341893-S18688170452009091700000) .
21. Lower the vehicle from the alignment rack.

Front Camber Adjustment

1. If the front camber is not within the 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. The thickness (a) of each bolt is different than the thickness of the other bolts. Refer to «Wheel Alignment Specifications»(ref-341897-S10355886662009091700000) . 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-341890-S00567921082009091700000) .
3. If necessary in order to access the fasteners on the lower side of the strut, remove the front tire and wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer to «Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation»(ref-341894-S18473159452009091700000) .
4. Remove the bolt (1) and separate the front speed sensor harness from the strut bracket.
5. Remove the 2 nuts (3, 4) on the lower side of the strut.
6. If necessary, remove the old bolt from the upper bolt position (2) and install the new bolt.
7. If necessary, remove the old bolt from the lower bolt position (1) and install the new bolt.
8. Install and hand tighten the 2 nuts.
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-341894-S18473159452009091700000) .
10. Lower the vehicle onto the alignment equipment.
11. Measure the alignment.
12. Push or pull on the top of the tire and wheel assembly in order to move the camber to the specification.
13. Verify the cross camber is within the specification.
14. Hold the bolts and tighten the nuts that retain the strut to the knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the nuts to 240 N.m (177 lb ft).
15. Install the bolt (1) in order to retain the front speed sensor harness to the strut bracket. Tighten: Tighten the bolt to 29 N.m (21 lb ft).
16. Measure the alignment.
17. Adjust the camber if necessary.
18. Lower the vehicle.

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-341897-S10355886662009091700000) .
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 Caster and Camber Adjustment (GT and 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-341897-S10355886662009091700000) .
4. Measure the distance (b) from the lower left control arm bracket bolt to the right rear crossmember bolt.
5. Measure the distance (a) from the lower right control arm bracket bolt 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.