Front Caster and Camber Adjustment

Front Caster and Camber Adjustment

WARNING:

Refer to Safety Glasses Warning .

WARNING:

To avoid any vehicle damage, serious personal injury or death when major components are removed from the vehicle and the vehicle is supported by a hoist, support the vehicle with jack stands at the opposite end from which the components are being removed and strap the vehicle to the hoist.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
2. Remove the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
Fig 1: Identifying Strut Assembly To Steering Knuckle Retaining Bolts, Nuts & Washers
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

The strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), nuts (1) and washers (2) are single use parts. They must be discarded after removal.

3. Remove the strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), nuts (1) and washers (2).

   Discard the bolts, nuts and washers.

NOTE:

The strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (2) and nuts (1) are not to be fully tightened until after the front camber has been adjusted.

4. Install NEW strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (3), washers (2) and nuts (1).

   Do not fully tighten at this stage.

5. Install the front wheel. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation .
6. Remove the safety stands.
7. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
NOTE:

Before checking and adjusting any wheel alignment angles bounce the vehicle to settle the suspension to normal ride height.

8. Bounce the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
Fig 2: Identifying Actual Caster Angle
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

For accurate readings do not push or pull on the tire and wheel assembly during the alignment process.

9. Determine the actual caster angle (1).
Fig 3: Caster Control Washer And Retaining Clip
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2) are single use components and must be discarded after removal.

10. Remove the front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2), caster control washer (1) retaining clip (3) and bracket with captive nut (6).
NOTE:

The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5) included in the front suspension adjustment kit are used to adjust the caster of the front suspension by a set amount.

NOTE:

The front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2), offset washers (1 and 5) and retaining nut (4) are available in the front suspension adjustment kit.

Make sure both the NEW front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5) have been installed in the same orientation.

11. Adjust the caster to specification by selecting and installing the correct front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame offset washers (1 and 5). For caster specifications, Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
12. Install the NEW front lower control front arm to the drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining bolt (2).
13. Install the NEW front lower control front arm to the drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining nut (4).
14. Tighten the front lower control front arm to drivetrain and front suspension frame retaining nut (4).
Fig 4: View Of Positive Or Negative Camber
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

For accurate readings do not push or pull on the tire and wheel assembly during the alignment process.

15. Determine the actual camber, Positive (1) or Negative (2).
Fig 5: Identifying Strut Assembly To Steering Knuckle Retaining Bolts & Nuts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
NOTE:

Should the camber adjusting bolt (3) require replacement, only use the genuine GM part.

16. Adjust the camber to specification using the camber adjusting bolt (3). Turning clockwise will reduce negative camber. For camber specifications, Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
17. Tighten the strut assembly to steering knuckle retaining bolts (2) and nuts (1). Refer to Steering Knuckle Replacement
18. Verify that the caster and camber are still within specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications .
19. If further adjustment is required, adjust as necessary.