Note. Checking and adjusting the geometry of the front suspension requires special knowledge and equipment.
The only one that lies within the qualifications of the average amateur mechanic is checking the convergence of the front wheels. The compilers of this manual recommend that you contact the specialists of the dealership of the car manufacturer to perform the adjustments described below.
Before proceeding with the adjustments, carefully check the condition of the components of the steering gear, and the setting of the preload of the wheel bearings. Assess the condition of the ball joints, springs and suspension fasteners. Make any necessary repairs.
Check the treads of the front tires for signs of uneven wear, as the nature of wear often allows you to draw quite definite conclusions about the condition of the components of the chassis of the car (see section on wheel failure diagnostics at the beginning of the guide). Replace defective and worn tires.
During the test, the vehicle must be completely unloaded, which implies that there is a normal amount of fuel in the tank. Tire inflation pressure must be correct (see tables of sizes and adjustments at the end of the guide).
Angles of transverse and longitudinal inclinations of the axis of rotation of the wheel
Angles of transverse and longitudinal (run-out) Tilts of the axis of rotation of the wheel are set at the factory 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 factory set and cannot be adjusted. Any changes should be taken as a sign of wear or damage to suspension components.
Note. Some workshops that specialize in adjusting the geometry of the suspension of all-wheel drive vehicles undertake to correct the angles of inclination of the axis of rotation of the wheels and camber by installing shims, eccentric bearings or special wedges. The compilers of this manual recommend that before proceeding with the replacement of chassis components, consult with specialists from one of these workshops.
Convergence
1. Park the car on a flat level ground. Jack up the front of the car and place it on jack stands.
2. Alternately rotating both front wheels, 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 straighten the wheels.
4. Chalk the center lines of both wheels approximately 20 to 25 cm above the ground in front of the suspension hub.
5. Insert a measuring bar of suitable length between the wheels at the level of the marks. Record the distance between the centers of the tires at the level of the center marks.
6. Keeping the wheels in a straight line, 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 centers of the tires at the level of the marks.
8. The result of the first measurement must differ from the second one by the amount specified in the standards (see tables of sizes and adjustments at the end of the guide).
9. If adjustment is necessary, loosen the clamps on both tie rod ends.
10. Adjust toe by rotating the tie rod tube.
11. Tighten the tip clamps without changing the position of the boom tube.
12. Repeat the convergence check procedure.