Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Saturn SL I

PRE-ALIGNMENT INFORMATION

Note. Prior to performing wheel alignment, perform visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See the PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS article. For basic wheel alignment theory, refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION article in the GENERAL INFORMATION section.

ORDER OF ALIGNMENT

CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT & REAR)

1. Lock steering wheel in straight-ahead position. Loosen 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts. Move top of wheel in or out to obtain correct camber specification. (Scheme 1) While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts.
2. If more than 3 degrees of adjustment is required, check for bent or damaged suspension components. If suspension is okay, raise and support vehicle. Remove affected wheel.
3. Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts. Separate strut from knuckle. Using a file, remove material from lower strut mounting hole. (Scheme 2) To increase negative camber, remove material from outside of lower strut mounting hole. To increase positive camber, remove material from inside of lower strut mounting hole. Reassemble components and adjust if necessary.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (REAR)

Loosen rearmost inboard lateral link at rear wheel. Using Toe-In Adjuster (SA9158S), move lateral link to obtain desired toe-in setting. (Scheme 3) Tighten lateral link bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS.

Scheme 3

CASTER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT & REAR)

Note. Rear wheel caster is non-adjustable. If rear wheel caster is not to specification, repair or replace damaged suspension components.

1. If front wheel caster is not to specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components. If suspension is okay, adjust caster as follows.
2. Lock steering wheel in straight-ahead position. Remove strut-to-body attaching nuts. Slide strut forward or rearward to obtain desired caster setting.
3. Move top of strut forward or rearward to decrease or increase positive caster, respectively. (Scheme 4) If necessary, file strut mounting holes to allow enough movement. DO NOT exceed 0.35" (9 mm) in width of slot.
4. To complete procedure, reassemble removed components. Prime and paint exposed metal to match body color. Check caster and readjust if necessary.

Scheme 4

TOE-IN ADJUSTMENT (FRONT)

Note. If front wheel toe-in requires adjustment, check and adjust rear wheel camber and toe-in and front camber and caster first.

Lock steering wheel in straight-ahead position. Loosen tie rod end lock nut. (Scheme 5) Loosen steering gear dust boot clamp(s) at tie rod end. Turn tie rod end to obtain correct toe-in. Tighten lock nut to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. Ensure steering gear dust boot is straight after adjustment. Tighten dust boot clamp.

Scheme 5

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS
• WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY/OPERATION
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS