Front Wheel Alignment
This check procedure must be carried out after each operation on the front suspension mechanical components since its purpose is to define the position of the wheels in relation to the body (e.g.: wishbones, steering knuckles, shock absorbers, springs etc.).
- OPERATING CYCLE
The wheel geometry/angle checks must be carried out using appropriate optical equipment after checking and adjusting tire inflation pressure to the specified values and ensuring that the vehicle follows the following load condition: unloaded vehicle with tools, accessories, fluid refills and full fuel tank. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
- GEOMETRY CHECK
Check that the geometry of the front wheels is within prescribed values; to measure the geometry, check the distance from the wheel center to the maximum point of curvature on the front wing (protrusion). Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
- TOE-IN CHECK
Check that the front wheel toe-in is within required limits. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
If the front wheel toe-in value is not within the recommended figures, adjust it according to the instructions given below.
- Make sure the steering wheel is perfectly straight and lock it using a suitable tool.
- Loosen the steering boot bands (1).
- Loosen the locking nuts (2a) of the left and right outer tie rod ends (2b).
- Lock the right and left outer tie rod ends (2b) of the steering case and tighten or loosen the adjuster (3a) until reaching the toe-in value prescribed, keeping the front wheels aligned.
When the adjustment is completed, the number of free threads on the right steering rod should be the same as the number of free threads on the left rod.
- Tighten the nuts (2a) locking the left and right steering box rods to the proper specification. Refer to TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
- Tighten the steering boot bands (1).
- Remove the tool for locking the steering wheel.
- CAMBER CHECK
Check that the front wheel camber is within the prescribed limits. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
If the front wheel camber value is not within the recommended figures, adjust it according to the instructions given below.
Loosen the eccentric bolt nut for the lower control arm, tighten or undo the eccentric bolt screw until reaching the camber value prescribed.
After adjustment, tighten to the prescribed torque the eccentric bolt to the proper specification. Refer to FRONT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
FRONT CAMBER CHECK ADJUSTMENT MODES.Left Side Right Side Positive Camber Clockwise Counterclockwise Negative Camber Counterclockwise Clockwise FRONT CAMBER CHECK ADJUSTMENT ACCORDING TO THE MARKS ON THE ECCENTRIC BOLT.Mark on Eccentric Bolt Control Arm Movement Camber Variation (degrees) 1 1.20 mm (0.05 in.) -0.38° 2 2.30 mm (0.09 in.) -0.75° 3 3.20 mm (0.13 in.) -1.05° 4 3.90 mm (0.15 in.) -1.30° 5 4.30 mm (0.17 in.) -1.45° 6 4.50 mm (0.18 in.) -1.50° - CASTER CHECK
Check that the front wheel caster is within prescribed limits. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
If the front wheel caster value is not within the recommended figures, adjust it according to the instructions given below.
Loosen the eccentric bolt nut for the lower control arm, tighten or undo the eccentric bolt screw until reaching the caster value prescribed.
After adjustment, tighten to the prescribed torque the eccentric bolt. Refer to FRONT, TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .
FRONT CASTER CHECK ADJUSTMENT MODES.Left Side Right Side Caster Increase Clockwise Counterclockwise Caster Decrease Counterclockwise Clockwise FRONT CASTER CHECK ADJUSTMENT ACCORDING TO THE MARKS ON THE ECCENTRIC BOLT.Mark on Eccentric Bolt Control Arm Movement Caster Variation (degrees) 1 1.6 mm (0.06 in.) 0.57° 2 3.8 mm (0.15 in.) 1.08° 3 5.3 mm (0.21 in.) 1.53° 4 6.5 mm (0.26 in.) 1.88° 5 7.2 mm (0.28 in.) 2.10° 6 7.5 mm (0.30 in.) 2.18°