Wheel alignment adjustment

PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS BEFORE CHECKING WHEEL ALIGNMENT

• Vehicle empty and in running order with full fluids (otherwise compensate with additional weights in the luggage compartment).
• Check the vehicle level at the front axle and rear axle using the inclinometer (Fig.1).

VEHICLE LEVELS - REQUIRED TOOLS

• [1]. Inclinometer with sensor (Fig.1).

Fig. 1

[1A]. Inclinometer.
[1B]. Measuring sensor.

CHECK

• Prepare for axle alignment check.

If the wheels have been lifted off the ground, bounce the vehicle firmly before taking measurements.

Front

• Place measuring sensor [1B] (Fig.2) on the lower control arm (1) and record the measured value at front left, then front right.

The sensor's electrical cable must face the front subframe of the vehicle.

Fig. 2

• Compare the recorded values with the specified values (see 'SPECIFICATIONS').
• If the values are out of tolerance, correct the level by replacing the springs.

Rear

• Fold back the protective cover located under the left and right rear springs.
• Place measuring sensor [1B] (Fig.3) in the lower spring seat (2) and record the measured value at rear left, then rear right.

The sensor's electrical cable must face the front of the vehicle.

Fig. 3

• Compare the recorded values with the specified values (see 'SPECIFICATIONS').
• If the values are out of tolerance, correct the level by replacing the springs.

TOE

REQUIRED TOOLS

• [2]. Wheel jack (Fig.4).

FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT

• Check the vehicle level and adjust it if necessary (see related operation).
• Position and lock the steering wheel in the centered position.
• Check that the steering gear is centered: the mark on the steering column must align with the mark on the steering gear (Fig.5).

Fig. 4

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Fig. 5

• Fit the wheel-pusher plate [2] (Fig.4).

Fitting the wheel jack simulates the vehicle being set in motion.

• Check and adjust the toe if necessary (Fig.6).

Fig. 6

1. 1
   Locknut.
2. 2
   Adjusting tie rod.

FRONT CASTER AND CAMBER

Adjusting the front axle caster also changes the front axle camber. When adjusting both camber and caster, adjust caster before camber.

REQUIRED TOOLS

• [3]. Counter-support (ref. 169 586 00 03 00) (Fig.8).

CHECK AND ADJUSTMENT

Check

• Check:

• the vehicle height (see the relevant operation),
• the camber, compare with the values in the table (see 'SPECIFICATIONS'),
• the caster, compare with the values in the table.

Adjustment

• Remove the nuts (1) securing the ball joint (2) to the lower wishbone (3) (Fig.7).
• Loosen the nut (4).
• Adjust the caster.
• Replace the nuts (1) and tighten nuts (1) and (2) to the specified torque.
• Recheck the front vehicle height (see 'SPECIFICATIONS').
• Loosen the nuts (5) (Fig.8) until the strut leg (6) can be moved off the steering knuckle (7).

Hold the bolts (8) with tool [3].

• Adjust the camber.
• Tighten the nuts (5) to the specified torque, starting with the upper nut.

Fig. 7

Fig. 8