Adjustment Cautions
Before making front end alignment adjustments, check the following points:
- Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted.
- Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. Check for wear in tie rod ball ends and ball joints.
- Tires should be approximately equal in tread wear and runout must not be excessive. Tires and wheels should be in balance and inflated to manufacturers specifications.
- Car must be at curb height with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place but no load in trunk.
- Car must be on level floor and at normal running height. Bounce front end of car several times and allow it to settle to running height.
- If steering wheel not centered with front wheels in straight ahead position, correct by shortening one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthening opposite sleeve.
- Ensure wheel lug nuts are tightened to manufacturers specifications as shown in following table.WHEEL LUG NUTS TIGHTENING SPECIFICATIONS
Application Ft. Lbs. American Motors 75 Buick Century, Regal, Skyhawk, & Apollo 70 LeSabre, Estate Wagon, Electra, & Riviera 90 Cadillac Eldorado 115 All Others 90 Chevrolet Vega & Monza Standard Wheels 70 Aluminum Wheels 80 Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, & Caprice 90 All Others 70 Chrysler Corp. Valiant & Dart 55 All Others 65 Ford Motor Co. 95 Oldsmobile 88 & 98 100 Toronado 135 All Others 80 Pontiac Catalina, Bonneville, & Grand Ville 75 All Others 70