Front Wheel Alignment: Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Lexus GX 470. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT TIRE (See INSPECTION )
MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT
Vehicle height:

Fig 1: Identifying Vehicle Height Specification Chart
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Measuring points:
1. A: Ground clearance of front wheel center
2. B: Ground clearance of lower suspension arm No.2 set bolt center
3. C: Ground clearance of rear wheel center
4. D: Ground clearance of strut rod set bolt center
NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to the specified value.
If the vehicle height is not the specified value, try to adjust it by pushing down on or lifting the body.

Fig 2: Measuring Ground Clearance
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT TOE-IN
Toe-in:

Fig 3: Identifying Toe-In Specification
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

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

Fig 4: Inspecting Toe-In
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
ADJUST TOE-IN
1. Remove the rack boot set clips.
2. Loosen the tie rod end lock nuts.
3. Turn the right and left rack ends by an equal amount to adjust the toe-in.
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust the toe-in to the center of the specified value.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Rack
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Make sure that the lengths of the right and left rack ends are the same.
5. Torque the tie rod end lock nuts.
  1. Torque: 88 N.m (897 kgf.cm, 65 ft.lbf)
6. Place the boots on the seats and install the clips.
  HINT:
  
  Make sure that the boots are not twisted.
INSPECT WHEEL ANGLE
1. Turn the steering wheel fully, and measure the turning angle.
  Wheel angle:
  
  Fig 6: Identifying Wheel Angle Specification Table
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If the wheel angles differ from the standard of the specification, inspect the toe-in.
Fig 7: Inspecting Wheel Angle
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS INCLINATION
1. Install the camber-caster-kingpin gauge or position vehicle on a wheel alignment tester.
2. Inspect the camber, the caster and the steering axis inclination.
  Camber, caster and steering axis inclination:
  
  Fig 8: Identifying Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination Specification
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
If the steering axis inclination is not as specified after adjusting the camber and the caster have been correctly adjusted, recheck the steering knuckle and the front wheel for distortion or looseness.

Fig 9: Identifying Alignment Tester
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
ADJUST CAMBER AND CASTER
NOTE: After adjusting the camber, inspect the toe-in.
1. Loosen the nut and the bolt.
2. Turn the camber adjust cam No.2 and the toe adjust plate No.2 in the circumference direction, and adjust the camber and the caster.
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust the camber and caster to the center value.
  
  Fig 10: Adjusting Camber And Caster To Center Value
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. How to read adjustment chart (using examples).
  1. Measure the alignment.
    1. Camber: 0°15' (0.25°)
    2. Caster: 2°45' (2.75°)
  2. Make the difference between the standard value (A) and the measured value (B) on the adjustment chart.
    Standard value:
    1. Camber: 0°35' (0.58°)
    2. Caster: 2°55' (2.92°)
    3. Formula: B - A = C
    4. Camber: 0°15' - (0°35') = - 0°20'
    5. Caster: 2°45' - (2°55') = - 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.
    1. Toe adjust cam: - (Shorter) 2.8
    2. Camber adjust cam: - (Shorter) 1.8
  Fig 11: Identifying Distance Chart (1 Of 2)
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Fig 12: Identifying Distance Chart (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002