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Adjustment Cautions

Before making front end alignment adjustments, check the following points:

  1. Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted.
  2. Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. Check for wear in tie rod ball ends and ball joints.
  3. 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.
  4. Car must be at curb height with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place but no load in trunk.
  5. 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.
  6. If steering wheel not centered with front wheels in straight ahead position, correct by shortening one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthening opposite sleeve.
  7. 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