Front Wheel Alignment: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus LX 470. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT

Fig 1: Vehicle Height Dimensions
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Measuring points:

A: Ground clearance of spindle center

B: Ground clearance of lower suspension arm front bolt center

C: Ground clearance of rear axle shaft center

D: Ground clearance of lower control arm front bolt center

Fig 2: Checking Vehicle Height
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NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to the specification.

If the vehicle height is not within the specification, try to adjust it by pushing down on or lifting the body.
INSTALL CAMBER-CASTER-KINGPIN GAUGE OR POSITION VEHICLE ON WHEEL ALIGNMENT TESTER
Follow the specific instructions of the equipment manufacturer.
INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS INCLINATION

Fig 3: Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination Specifications
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Fig 4: Checking Steering Axis Inclination
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If the steering axis inclination is not within the specification, after the camber and caster have been correctly adjusted, recheck the steering knuckle front wheel for bearing or looseness.
INSPECT TOE-IN

Fig 5: Toe-In Specifications
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If the toe-in is not within the specification, adjust the rack ends.

Fig 6: Measuring Toe-In
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ADJUST CAMBER AND CASTER
NOTE: After the camber has been adjusted, inspect the toe-in.
1. Loosen the front and/or rear adjusting cam nuts.
2. Adjust the camber and caster by front and/or rear adjusting cams.
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust the camber and caster to the center value.
  
  Fig 7: Adjusting Camber & Caster
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. How to read adjustment chart (using examples).
  1. Measure the present alignment.
    Camber: -0°20' (-0.33°)
    
    Caster: 3°15' (3.25°)
  2. Mark the difference between the standard value (A) and the measured value (B) on the adjustment chart.
    Standard value:
    
    Camber: 0°00' (0°)
    
    Caster: 3°05' (3.08°)
    
    Formula: A - B = C
    
    Camber: O°9O' - (-0°20') = 0°20'
    
    Caster: 3°05' - 3°15' = -0°10'
  3. As shown in the chart, read the distance from the marked point to 0 point, and adjust the front and/or rear adjusting cams accordingly.
    Front cam: - (Shorter) 1.6
    
    Rear cam: - (Shorter) 3.2
    
    Fig 8: Example Adjustment Chart
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    Fig 9: Identifying Adjustment Chart
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4. Torque the front and/or rear adjusting cam nuts.
  Torque: 98 N.m (1,000 kgf.cm, 72 ft.lbf)
ADJUST TOE-IN
1. Check or adjust the lengths of the rack ends, then adjust the toe-in.
  Rack end length difference: 3.0 mm (0.118 in.) or less
2. Remove the boot clamps.
3. Loosen the tie rod lock nuts.
4. Turn the left and right rack ends an equal amount to adjust the toe-in.
  
  Fig 10: Adjusting Toe-In
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust the toe-in to the center value.
5. Tighten the tie rod lock nuts.
6. Place the boot on the seat and clamp it.
HINT:

Make sure that the boots are not twisted.
INSPECT AND ADJUST WHEEL ANGLE
1. Turn the steering wheel fully, and measure the turning angle.
  
  Fig 11: Wheel Turning Angle Specifications
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Fig 12: Measuring Turning Angle
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If the wheel angles differ from the standard of the specification, inspect the toe-in.
2. When toe-in is normal after inspection, adjust wheel angle with the knuckle stopper bolt of the lower suspension arm.
Torque: 44 N.m (450 kgf.cm, 32 ft.lbf)

Fig 13: Adjusting Wheel Angle With Knuckle Stopper Bolt
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