RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Note. Before performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components.
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check riding height. Riding height must be checked with vehicle on level floor, tires properly inflated and fuel tank full. If fuel tank is not full it will be necessary to add a determined amount of weight based on fuel level. See FUEL WEIGHT COMPENSATION table. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.
Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear or side to side. Remove extra heavy items, if any, from passenger and luggage compartments. Measure width "A" or "B", as shown in illustration, to locate riding height measuring points "J" and "K". (Scheme 1) See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS table.
Note. Riding height between left side and right side of vehicle should vary less than one inch (25.4 mm). DO NOT measure riding height from rocker flange.
| Fuel Level | Add Weight Lbs. (Kg) |
|---|---|
| 1/8 | 70 (31.8) |
| 1/4 | 60 (27.2) |
| 3/8 | 50 (22.7) |
| 1/2 | 40 (18.1) |
| 5/8 | 30 (13.6) |
| 3/4 | 20 (9) |
| 7/8 | 10 (4.5) |
FUEL WEIGHT COMPENSATION
| Application | In. (mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Coupe | ||
| Front "A" | 5.9 (150) | |
| Rear "B" | 5.4 (137) | |
| Front "J" | 7.8-9.1 (198-231) | |
| Rear "K" | 7.9-9.4 (201-239) | |
| Sedan | ||
| Front "A" | 4.6 (117) | |
| Rear "B" | 4.1 (104) | |
| Front "J" | 7.8-9.0 (198-229) | |
| Rear "K" | 8.0-9.3 (203-236) | |
| Wagon | ||
| Front "A" | 4.6 (117) | |
| Rear "B" | 4.1 (104) | |
| Front "J" | 7.8-9.1 (198-231) | |
| Rear "K" | 8.1-9.5 (206-241) | |
| (1) 1999 Riding height measurements not available. | ||
| (1) | 1999 Riding height measurements not available. |
RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS (1)
Scheme 1
ORDER OF ALIGNMENT
| CAUTION | To ensure accurate alignment, align wheels in order as follows: Rear camber. Rear toe-in. Front caster. Camber. Front toe-in. . |
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT & REAR)
- 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 2) While holding wheel in position, tighten 2 strut-to-steering knuckle bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-1220-S09555555312000031300000) table.
- If more than 1.5 degrees of adjustment is required, check for bent or damaged suspension components. If suspension is okay, raise and support vehicle. Remove affected wheel.
- Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts. Separate strut from knuckle. Using a file, remove material from lower strut mounting hole. (Scheme 3) 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 as necessary.
Scheme 2
Scheme 3
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 4) Tighten lateral link bolt to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
Scheme 4
CASTER ADJUSTMENT (FRONT & REAR)
Note. Rear wheel caster is nonadjustable. If rear wheel caster is not to specification, repair or replace damaged suspension components.
- If front wheel caster is not to specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components. If suspension is okay, adjust caster as follows.
- Lock steering wheel in straight-ahead position. Remove strut-to-body attaching nuts. Slide strut forward or rearward to obtain desired caster setting.
- Move top of strut forward or rearward to decrease or increase positive caster, respectively. (Scheme 5) If necessary, file strut mounting holes to allow enough movement. DO NOT exceed 0.35" (9 mm) in width of slot.
- To complete procedure, reassemble removed components. Prime and paint exposed metal to match body color. Check caster and readjust if necessary.
Scheme 5
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 6) 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 table. Ensure steering gear dust boot is straight after adjustment. Tighten dust boot clamp.
