Measuring camber.
The preparatory
procedure that has to be performed before
measuring camber is further detailed in the
section on caster. Perform those steps first.
Then stabilize the front end. Next, visually
align the center of the bubble with the left- or
right-hand camber graduation to read the
camber from the camber scale. Camber is
positive if the bubble gravitates toward the
positive sign and negative if it gravitates
toward the negative sign. It should be
emphasized that the camber should be
checked but seldom has to be adjusted in
truck front ends.
4.2.0 Toe-in and Steering Wheel
Adjustment
Toe-in is the most important alignment
setting for tire life. Incorrect toe can also
Figure 9-23 - Tie-rod adjusting
sleeve.
cause poor handling. An extreme toe-in or toe-out condition is the only alignment
problem that can cause vibration, although this rarely happens. The toe must be set
correctly, or adjusting the other alignment settings is a waste of time.
To set the toe, turn the ignition switch to the ON position. If the vehicle has power
steering, start the engine. Then turn the steering wheel and install the steering wheel
holder. Turn the ignition switch to the locked position.
Carefully position the steering wheel before installing the steering wheel holder. If the
steering wheel is not centered correctly, it will be crooked when the vehicle is driven.
Next, observe the toe readings on each side and decide what must be done to correct it.
If centering the steering wheel causes the wheels to be severely toed to one side, the
steering wheel may be improperly installed.
Never attempt to adjust the toe to compensate for an incorrectly installed steering
wheel. If the tie-rod adjusters are moved excessively, they can cause the tie-rod ends to
bind. The lock bolts used on sleeve-type adjusters may contact the body and cause the
steering to jam. If the tie rods are turned too far out, there may not be enough threads
left to allow the tie-rod locknuts or bolts to be properly tightened. The steering linkage
may come apart when the vehicle is driven, causing an accident.
If the steering wheel is off by more than about Y of a turn (45°), check the steering
linkage to ensure that there are no bent parts. Ensure that the toe was not previously
misadjusted or that the steering component has not been improperly installed. If there
are no serious problems, it can usually be assumed that the steering wheel was
improperly installed in the past. In this situation, it is generally easier and safer to
reposition the steering wheel than to change the alignment.
Loosen the tie-rod adjusting sleeve clamp bolts, as shown in
Figure 9-23,
or the tie-rod
lockouts, as shown in
Figure 9-24
.If the vehicle has a metal bar preventing sleeve
movement, loosen its clamp or bend it out of the way. This bar is used during vehicle
assembly and does not have to be reinstalled.
Adjust toe by turning the sleeves or rods to obtain exactly half the needed toe on each
wheel. If the toe is not divided exactly, the steering wheel will not be straight. Some
NAVEDTRA 14050A
9-30