Definitions
The geometry of the steering and suspension of the car is determined by four angular values - all angles are expressed in degrees (convergence can also be expressed in linear units); the steering axis is taken to be an imaginary line passing through the axles of the suspension strut, extended, where necessary, until contact with the ground.
Camber is the angle between each wheel and a vertical line through its center and the point where the tire touches, as viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Positive camber is when the tops of the wheels are tilted outward from the vertical line; negative camber when they are tilted inward.
The front camber angle is adjusted by loosening and rotating the lower arm axle front bolt and can be adjusted using a camber gauge. Rear camber is not adjustable and is for reference only. It can be checked using a tool and, if the value obtained is significantly different from the required one, the car should be checked at a service station, since the deviation may be caused by damage to the body or suspension parts.
Pillar pitch is the angle between the steering axle and a vertical line through the center of each wheel and the fulcrum of the tire as viewed from the side of the vehicle. Positive slope when the axis is tilted so that it crosses the horizontal line ahead of the perpendicular; negative slope when the line crosses the horizontal line beyond the vertical.
The tilt of the front wheels is adjusted by loosening and rotating the rear bolt of the lower arm axle and can be adjusted using a special device for determining the longitudinal inclination of the rack axle. Rear wheel pitch is not adjustable and is for reference only. It can be checked using a tool and, if the value obtained is significantly different from the required one, the car should be checked at a service station, since the deviation may be caused by damage to the body or suspension parts.
Toe-in is the difference between the lines through the centers of the wheels and the center line through the vehicle when viewed from above. Toe in if the wheels are facing in, and toe out when the wheels in front are facing out (from each other).
The toe-in of the front wheels is adjusted by turning the tie rod in or out of the ball joints to change the effective length of the tie rod.
The rear wheel alignment is also adjustable. It is changed by loosening and turning the inner axle bolt of the lower rear wishbone.
Check and adjustment
Since a precise check of the toe-in of the front wheels requires special equipment and skill in its use, this check and adjustment is recommended to be carried out at service stations. If the car owner himself decides to perform such an adjustment, then the description of this procedure is given below. Note that most tire shops have in their assortment devices for checking wheel alignment.
Setting the convergence of the front track
To check the installation, first of all, you should purchase a fixture. There are two types of fixtures. The first tuyu measures the distance between the front and rear inner rims of the discs when the vehicle is stationary. as previously described. The second type, known as the 'abrasion lining'", measures the actual position of the tire contact surface on the road surface while the vehicle is in motion. This is achieved by placing the car's front wheels on a plate, which then shifts slightly according to tire wear and shows this movement on a scale. Both types of devices have their advantages and disadvantages, but if the method is applied correctly, each gives a satisfactory result.
When checking, make sure that the steering wheel is in the direction of straight ahead.
If adjustment is necessary, apply the parking brake, then jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on jack stands.
First of all, clean the threads of the tips. If the lugs are rusty, apply a loosening compound to the lugs before making any adjustments. Loosen the inner pivot clamp bolt, locknut, and outer pivot clamp ring.
Change the length of the steering rod by screwing in or out of the ball joints by rotating the steering rod using pliers; shortening the tie rod will decrease in toe/increase out toe.
At the end of the adjustment, while holding the steering rod, tighten the bolt of the inner joint clamp with the required torque. Torque tighten the outer pivot clamp ring and tighten the locknut securely.
If, after adjusting, the steering wheel spokes deviate from the horizontal position with the wheels installed in the straight-line direction of travel, remove the steering wheel and rearrange it (see paragraph 17).
Check that the toe has not changed when the vehicle is lowered to the ground; readjust if necessary.
Camber and caster setting
If you have access to devices that measure camber and caster angles, you can check the angles as follows. Both angles are adjusted at the same time, since any change in camber also affects the caster axis and vice versa.
Fit the tools to the vehicle and check that the camber and caster angles of the kingpin are within acceptable limits.
If adjustment is required, loosen the anti-roll bar clamps on both front lower control arms. Loosen also the nuts of the axle bolts of the lower arm.
Turn the bolts until you reach the required camber and strut angles. Then, while holding the bolt still, tighten the axle bolt nuts to the correct torque.
Check that both corners are set correctly, then tighten the anti-roll bar mounting clamp nuts to the correct torque and remove the tools.
Installation of a convergence of back wheels
The procedure for checking the toe-in of the rear wheels is similar to that described for the front wheels.
To adjust the setting, loosen the nut on the inner axle bolt of the lower cross member. Turn the bolt until the toe is set correctly. Then, while holding the bolt still, tighten the bolt nut to the correct torque.
Check that the toe has not changed by lowering the vehicle to the ground. If necessary, repeat the adjustment.