Front Wheel Alignment: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus LS 430. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension: MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT
When the radius of a wheel is 315 mm (12.40 in.) or 318 mm (12.52 in.) vehicle height will be the value described in the chart below.

Vehicle Height:

Fig 1: Vehicle Height Chart (W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 2: Measuring Vehicle Height (W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to specification.

If the vehicle height is not within the standard, try to adjust it by pushing down on or lifting the body.
W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension (Sports Package): MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT
When the radius of a wheel is 318 mm (12.52 in.) vehicle height will be the value described in the chart below.

Vehicle Height:

Fig 3: Vehicle Height Chart (W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension (Sports Package))
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 4: Measuring Vehicle Height (W/O Electronic Modulated Air Suspension (Sports Package))
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to specification.

If the vehicle height is not within the standard, try to adjust it by pushing down on or lifting the body.
W/ Electronic Modulated Air Suspension: MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT
1. Bounce the vehicle up and down several times to stabilize the suspension.
2. Move the vehicle forward and backward by pushing it to settle the wheels.
3. Place the shift lever in the N range.
4. Release the parking brake.
  NOTE: Block the wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling.
5. Start the engine.
6. Set the height control switch in the HIGH position, then after waiting 1 minute with the vehicle height in the raised condition, set the switch in the NORM position to lower the vehicle's height.
  Wait 50 seconds with it in this condition. Repeat this operation once more.
  
  HINT:
  
  Be sure to perform this operation 2 times so that each suspension part settles down.
7. When the radius of a tire is 315 mm (12.40 in.) or 318 mm (12.52 in.) vehicle height will be the value described in the chart below.
Vehicle Height:

Fig 5: Vehicle Height Chart (W/ Electronic Modulated Air Suspension)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 6: Measuring Vehicle Height (W/ Electronic Modulated Air Suspension)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Left-Right Error: 10 mm (0.39 in.) Or Less

Hf - Hr = 27.5 +/- 15 mm (1.08 +/- 0.59 in.)

Hf = Measured Value Of The Front Vehicle Height

Hr= Measured Value Of The Rear Vehicle Height

*¹ : Front measuring point

Measure from the ground to the center of the lower suspension arm mounting bolt.

*² : Rear measuring point

Measure from the ground to the center of the lower suspension arm No. 2 mounting bolt.

NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to specification.

If the vehicle height is not standard, adjust it by turning the height control sensor link (See VEHICLE HEIGHT ).
INSTALL CAMBER-CASTER-KINGPIN GAUGE ONTO WHEEL ALIGNMENT TESTER
Follow the specific instructions of the equipment manufacturer.

Fig 7: Installing Camber-Caster-Kingpin Gauge
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination:

Fig 8: Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination Chart
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 9: Inspecting Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If the steering axis inclination is not as specified, after camber and caster have correctly adjusted, recheck the steering knuckle and front wheel for bearing or looseness.
INSPECT TOE-IN Toe-in:

Fig 10: Inspecting Toe-In
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 11: Adjusting Tie Rod End
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If the toe-in is not within the specification, adjust it at the tie rod end.
ADJUST CAMBER
HINT:
- After adjusting the camber, inspect the caster and toe-in.
- Try to adjust the camber to the center value.
1. Loosen the camber adjusting cam nut.
2. Turn the camber adjusting cam and adjust camber.
  HINT:
  
  Camber changes about 6'18" (0.11°) with each graduation of the cam.
  
  Fig 12: Adjusting Camber
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Torque the camber adjusting cam.
  Torque: 172 N.m (1,755 kgf.cm, 127 ft.lbf)
ADJUST CASTER
HINT:

The caster can be adjusted by replacing the No. 2 bushing brackets.
1. Jack up the vehicle and make the wheels in full rebound condition.
2. Remove the nut and washer from the rear of the lower No. 2 bushing.
3. Remove the bolts from the right and left sides of the lower No. 2 bushing bracket and take out the bracket from the lower arm.
  
  Fig 13: Adjusting Caster
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Using SST and a press, remove the lower No. 2 bushing from the bracket. According to the table below, replace the bracket and press-fit the removed bushing.
  
  Fig 14: Removing Lower No. 2 Bushing
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  SST 09613-26010, 09950-00020, 09950-60010 (09951-00650)
  
  Fig 15: Part Number/Adjustment Chart
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT:
  - Push the part shown in the illustration to remove.
  - For SST 09613-26010, use 2 thicker half-rings as a pair.
5. Using SST and a press, reinstall a bushing as shown in the illustration.
  SST 09613-26010, 09950-60010 (09951-00650)
  
  HINT:
  - For SST 09613-26010, use 2 thicker half-rings as a pair.
    
    Fig 16: Installing Bushing
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  - Set a projection of the bushing to the position shown in the illustration.
    
    Fig 17: Setting Bushing Projection Into Position
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Install the lower bracket into the lower arm shaft. Temporarily install the washer and nut removed in (b) until it goes by hand.
  NOTE: Do not install them completely in this stage.
7. Install the 2 bolts that removed in (c).
  Torque:
  
  Vehicle Inside: 60 N.m (612 kgf.cm, 44 ft.lbf)
  
  Vehicle outside: 137 N.m (1,395 kgf.cm, 101 ft.lbf)
8. Put down the vehicle and, with its wheels completely grounded, tighten the nut that is temporarily installed in step (e).
Torque: 137 N.m (1,395 kgf.cm, 101 ft.lbf)
ADJUST TOE-IN
HINT:

Toe-in adjustment should be performed after caster adjustment.
1. Remove the boot clips.
2. Loosen the tie rod end lock nut.
3. Turn the left and right rack ends an equal amount to adjust the toe- in.
  HINT:
  - Try to adjust the toe-in the center value.
  - Make sure that the length of the left and right rack ends length is same.
  Fig 18: Adjusting Toe-In
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  Rack End Length Difference: 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) or less
4. Torque the tie rod end lock nuts.
  Torque: 56 N.m (570 kgf.cm, 41 ft.lbf)
5. Place the boot on the seat and clamp it.
  HINT:
  
  Make sure that the boots are not twisted.
INSPECT WHEEL ANGLE
Turn the steering wheel fully, and measure the turning angle.

Fig 19: Inspecting Wheel Angle
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Wheel Turning Angle:

Fig 20: Wheel Turning Angle Chart
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If the wheel angles differ from the standard of the specification, inspect the toe-in.