Wheel Alignment Specifications & Procedures Volkswagen Golf Mk1

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)

Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, ensure that tires are properly inflated. Refer to manufacturer's specifications given in owner's manual.

Vanagon

Adjust by changing length of strut bar at crossmember mount. After adjusting caster, check and adjust camber.

Note. Proper sequence for adjustments are caster, camber and toe-in.

All Other Models

Caster angle is not adjustable. If not within specifications, inspect front suspension for wear or damage and repair or replace components as necessary.

Quantum (Front)

1. Loosen ball joint mounting nuts on control arm. Install Tools US (4490) and VW (552). Camber can be adjusted by moving ball joint sideways in elongated holes in control arm.
2. Tighten tensioner nut to break ball joint loose from control arm. Loosen tensioner nut until wheel has negative camber. When nut is loosened, weight of vehicle on wheels will move wheel to negative camber position.
3. Adjust camber to specifications. Tighten both mounting bolts. Remove Tools US (4490) and VW (552). Recheck camber.

Vanagon (Front)

Loosen nut on upper control arm shaft and rotate shaft until camber angle is set to specifications. Tighten nut and recheck camber.

All Other Models (Front)

Loosen nuts and bolts of suspension strut-to-steering knuckle. Turn eccentric bolt (upper mounting bolt) until specified camber angle is obtained. Tighten mounting bolts and recheck camber.

Vanagon (Rear)

Loosen outer bolt on trailing arm and adjust camber by using a screwdriver to move trailing arm up or down. Tighten trailing arm bolt and recheck camber.

All Other Models (Rear)

Rear camber is not adjustable. If camber angle is not within specifications, inspect rear suspension for wear or damage and repair or replace components as necessary.

Quantum (Front) - Vehicles With One Adjustable Tie Rod

Loosen inner and outer lock nut on adjustable tie rod. Adjust toe by turning rod. Tighten lock nuts on tie rod. Recheck toe.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

1. Turn steering gear to center position. Remove front bolt "A" from cover. (Scheme 1) (Scheme 1): Cover Bolt "A" Location
2. Attach Centering Tool (3075) with bracket "B" over mounting nut of left tie rod. (Scheme 2) Remove bolt from spacer on chain of centering tool. (Scheme 2): Attaching Centering Tool (3075) with Bracket "B" NOTE: Steering gear Centering Tool (3075) must be used to adjust toe on vehicles with two adjustable tie rods.
3. Place spacer under hole marked with "L". Insert bolt through this hole and hole in spacer. Then, tighten to steering gear. NOTE: On vehicles with power steering, it is advisable to install bolt from underneath vehicle.
4. Measure and divide total toe in half. Loosen clamps and outer lock nut on both tie rods.
5. Turn both tie rods until specified setting for toe is reached. Tighten clamp and lock nuts on tie rods. Check and reposition steering wheel in center position if necessary. Remove centering tool and tighten bolt "A".

1. Set steering gear to center position by counting number of turns. Lug nut on rubber washer of pinion shaft must be aligned with notch in steering gear housing.
2. Loosen jam nuts and rotate both tie rods equal amounts until toe-in specifications are obtained. Tighten jam nuts.
3. Steering wheel must be centered on steering shaft and dust boots must not be twisted on tie rods. If steering wheel is not in center position, remove and center on splines.

Place wheels in straight ahead position. Loosen jam nuts on adjustable tie rod end. Hold axle boot to avoid twisting. Adjust tie rod until specified toe-in is obtained. Tighten jam nut and recheck toe-in.

Loosen inner bolt on trailing arm. Using a screwdriver, adjust toe-in by moving trailing arm forward or rearward until correct toe-in specification is obtained. Tighten trailing arm inner bolt.

Toe-in is not adjustable. If toe-in is not within specifications, inspect rear suspension for wear or damage and repair or replace components as necessary.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS