Note: Checking and adjusting front suspension geometry requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
The only check that is within the skill level of the average amateur mechanic is toe-in of the front wheels. The authors of this Manual recommend that you contact the dealership of the vehicle manufacturer to perform the adjustments described below.
Before making adjustments, carefully check the condition of the steering components and the preload setting of the wheel bearings. Assess the condition of the ball joints, springs and suspension fasteners. Perform the necessary repairs.
Check the front tire treads for signs of uneven wear, as the wear pattern can often provide very specific information about the condition of the vehicle's undercarriage components (see the section on diagnostics of wheel faults at the beginning of the Manual). Replace defective and worn tires.
During the check, the vehicle must be completely unloaded, which means that there is a normal amount of fuel in the tank. The tire inflation pressure must comply with the standards (see size and adjustment tables at the end of the Guide).
Angles of transverse and longitudinal inclination of the wheel rotation axis
The transverse and longitudinal (run-out) tilt angles of the wheel pivot axis are set at the manufacturer and are not subject to adjustment. Any changes in these parameters indicate wear or damage to the suspension components.
Collapse
The camber angle is also set at the factory and is not subject to adjustment. Any changes should be considered as a sign of wear or damage to the suspension components.
Note: Some workshops specializing in adjusting the geometry of the suspension of all-wheel drive vehicles undertake to perform corrections to the angles of the steering axis of the wheels and camber by installing adjusting washers, eccentric bearings or special wedges. The authors of this Guide recommend that before starting to replace the components of the chassis, you consult with specialists from one of these workshops.
Convergence
1. Park the car on a level horizontal surface. Jack up the front of the car and place it on supports.
2. While rotating both front wheels alternately, draw a line with chalk on the tread of their tires, preferably as close to the center as possible.
3. Lower the vehicle to the ground and set the wheels in a straight-ahead position.
4. Draw the center lines of both wheels with chalk approximately 20-25 cm above the ground in front of the suspension hub.
5. Place a measuring rod of suitable length between the wheels at the level of the marks. Record the distance between the tire centers at the level of the center marks.
6. Keeping the wheels straight, roll the car forward so that the marks made earlier are again at a height of 20-25 cm above the ground, but this time behind the wheel hubs.
7. Repeat the measurement of the distance between the tire centers at the level of the marks.
8. The result of the first measurement must differ from the second by the amount specified by the standards (see size and adjustment tables at the end of the Guide).
9. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the clamps on both ends of the connecting tie rod.
10. Adjust the toe-in by rotating the tie rod tube.
11. Tighten the end clamps without changing the position of the rod tube.
12. Repeat the convergence check procedure.