Front Wheel Alignment: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Lexus RX 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT

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

Measure the distance from the ground to the center of the front side strut rod mounting bolt.

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Vehicle Height (Front And Rear)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSTALL CAMBER-CASTER-KINGPIN GAUGE OR POSITION VEHICLE ON WHEEL ALIGNMENT TESTER
Follow the specific instructions of the equipment manufacturer.

Fig 3: Positioning Wheel On Wheel Alignment Tester
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS INCLINATION

Fig 4: Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination Specifications
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

HINT:

If the caster and steering axis inclination are not within the specification, after the camber has been correctly adjusted, recheck the suspension parts for damaged and/or worn out parts.
INSPECT TOE-IN

Fig 5: Toe-In Specifications
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If the toe-in is not within the specification, adjust it at the rack ends.

Fig 6: Inspecting Toe-In
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
ADJUST CAMBER
NOTE: After the camber has been adjusted, inspect the toe-in.
1. Remove the front wheels and ABS speed sensor clamp.
2. Remove the 2 nuts on the lower side of the shock absorber.
3. Coat the threads of the nuts with engine oil.
4. Temporarily install the 2 nuts.
  
  Fig 7: Removing Nuts On Lower Side Of Shock Absorber
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Adjust the camber by pushing or pulling the lower side of the shock absorber in the direction in which the camber adjustment is required.
  
  Fig 8: Adjusting Camber By Pushing Or Pulling Lower Side Of Shock Absorber
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
6. Tighten the nuts.
  1. Torque: 210 N.m (2,150 kgf.cm, 155 ft.lbf)
7. Install the front wheels.
  1. Torque: 103 N.m (1,050 kgf.cm, 76 ft.lbf)
8. Check the camber.
  HINT:
  - Try to adjust the camber to the center value.
  - Adjusting value for the set bolts is 6' - 30' (0.1° - 0.5°).
  If the camber is not within the specification, using the following table, estimate for how much additional camber adjustment will be required, and select the camber adjusting bolt.
  
  Fig 9: Bolts Adjusting Specifications
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Follow the steps described above again. Between step (b) and (c), exchange 1 or 2 selected bolts.
  HINT:
  
  When exchanging the 2 bolts, exchange 1 bolt for each time.
ADJUST TOE-IN
1. Remove the boot clamps.
2. Loosen the tie rod end lock nuts.
3. Turn the left and right rack ends by an equal amount to adjust the toe-in.
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust the toe-in to the center value.
  
  Fig 10: Loosening Tie Rod End Lock Nuts
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Make sure that the lengths of the left and right rack ends are the same.
  1. Rack end length difference: 1.5 mm (0.059 in.) or less
5. Torque the tie rod end lock nuts.
  1. Torque: 74 N.m (750 kgf.cm, 55 ft.lbf)
6. Place the boot on the seat and install the clip to it.
  HINT:
  
  Make sure that the boots are not twisted.
Fig 11: Tightening Rod End Lock Nuts
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT WHEEL ANGLE
Turn the steering wheel fully, and measure the turning angle.

Fig 12: Wheel Angle Specifications
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If the wheel angles differ from the specification, check the lengths of the left and right rack ends.

Fig 13: Inspecting Wheel Angle
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002