Front Wheel Alignment: Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lexus LS 600hL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

When the wheel alignment is performed, or a suspension related part is removed and installed/ replaced, make sure to the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal for 2 seconds or more after finishing, and then reconnect the cable and perform initialization.
If the vehicle is equipped with a VSC system, when the wheel alignment is performed, or a suspension related part is removed and installed/replaced, always perform the following initialization so that the system can function normally: (1) Disconnect the cable from the negative (-) battery terminal for 2 seconds or more and then reconnect it; then (2) perform the yaw rate sensor zero point calibration and test mode inspection.
If the vehicle has an object recognition camera, after the wheel alignment is performed, always adjust the object recognition camera.

ADJUST FRONT SUSPENSION MEMBER
1. Before removing the front suspension member, place matchmarks on the front suspension member and vehicle body with marking spray.
  HINT:
  
  Spray from the rear of the vehicle.
2. When installing the front suspension member, align the matchmarks on the front suspension member and vehicle body, and then install the front suspension member
  
  Fig 1: Align Matchmarks On Front Suspension Member And Vehicle Body
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

INSPECT TIRES

Check the tires for wear and proper inflation pressure.

Standard cold tire inflation pressure

STANDARD COLD TIRE INFLATION PRESSURE SPECIFICATION

Tire Size		Front Pressure	Rear Pressure
235/50R18 97W	For driving under 160 km/h (100 mph)	240 kPa (2.4 kgf/cm² , 35 psi)	240 kPa (2.4 kgf/cm² , 35 psi)
235/50R18 97W	For driving at 160 km/h (100 mph) or over	300 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm² , 44 psi)	300 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm² , 44 psi)
P235/50R18 97V	For driving under 160 km/h (100 mph)	230 kPa (2 3 kgf/cm² , 33 psi)	230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm² , 33 psi)
P235/50R18 97V	For driving at 160 km/h (100 mph) or over	270 kPa (2.8 kgf/cm² , 39 psi)	270 kPa (2 8 kgf/cm² , 39 psi)
245/45R19 98Y	For driving under 160 km/h (100 mph)	230 kPa (2 3 kgf/cm² , 33 psi)	240 kPa (2.4 kgf/cm² , 35 psi)
245/45R19 98Y	For driving at 160 km/h (100 mph) or over	300 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm² , 44 psi)	300 kPa (3.0 kgf/cm² , 44 psi)
P245/45R19 98V	For driving under 160 km/h (100 mph)	230 kPa (2.3 kgf/cm² , 33 psi)	240 kPa (2 4 kgf/cm² , 35 psi)
P245/45R19 98V	For driving at 160 km/h (100 mph) or over	270 kPa (2.8 kgf/cm² , 39 psi)	280 kPa (2.8 kgf/cm² , 41 psi)

Using a dial indicator, check the runout of the tires.
Standard tire runout: 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) or less

Fig 2: Checking Runout Of Tires
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

MEASURE VEHICLE HEIGHT

Bounce the vehicle at the corners up and down to stabilize the suspension and inspect the vehicle height.

Standard vehicle height

STANDARD VEHICLE HEIGHT

Front (A - B)	Rear (C - D)
146 mm (5.75 in.)	83 mm (3.27 in.)

Measuring points:

Ground clearance of front wheel center

Ground clearance of head center of bolt used to install the front No. 1 suspension lower arm to the front suspension member

Ground clearance of rear wheel center

Ground clearance of pit center of the attachment rear suspension arm

NOTE: Before inspecting the wheel alignment, adjust the vehicle height to the specified value.

If the vehicle height is not as specified, adjust the height by pressing down on the vehicle several times to stabilize the suspension

Fig 3: Identifying Vehicle Height

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

INSPECT CAMBER, CASTER AND STEERING AXIS INCLINATION

Put the front wheels on the center of the alignment tester.
Remove the center ornament.
Install the camber-caster-steering axis inclination gauge at the center of the axle hub or drive shaft.

Inspect the camber, caster and steering axis inclination.

Fig 4: Inspecting Camber, Caster And Steering Axis Inclination

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Standard camber inclination (unloaded)

CAMBER ANGLE REFERENCE

Camber Inclination
Camber	-0°40' +/-45' (-0.67° +/-0.75°)
Left - right error	30' (0.50°) or less

Standard caster inclination (unloaded)

CASTER ANGLE REFERENCE

Caster Inclination
Caster	4°58' +/-45' (4.97° +/-0.75°)
Left - right error	45' (0.75°) or less

Standard steering axis inclination (unloaded)

STEERING AXIS ANGLE REFERENCE

Steering Axis Inclination
Steering axis	9°41' +/-45' (9.68° +/-0.75°)
Left - right error	30' (0.50°) or less

NOTE:

Inspect while the vehicle is empty.
The maximum tolerance of right and left difference for the camber is 30' or less.
The maximum tolerance of right and left difference for the caster is 45' or less.

Remove the camber-caster-steering axis inclination gauge and attachment.
Install the center ornament.
If the caster and steering axis inclinations are not within the specified values, after the camber has been correctly adjusted, recheck the suspension parts for damaged and/or worn out parts.

ADJUST CAMBER AND CASTER

Put matchmarks on the adjusting cam (front side) and adjusting cam (rear side).
Loosen the nut of the adjusting cam (front side) and the bolt of the adjusting cam (rear side).
Turn the adjusting cam, and adjust the camber and caster.

Fig 5: Identifying Matchmarks On Adjusting Cam
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Fig 6: Turning Front Adjusting Cam And Rear Adjusting Cam
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Refer to the adjustment table to make adjusting easier

Refer to the following example on how to use the adjustment table

Standard value (reference)

STANDARD VALUE REFERENCE

Camber	Caster
-0°40' (-0.67°)	4°58' (4.97°)

Measured value (reference)

MEASURED VALUE REFERENCE

Camber	Caster
-1°	4°48' (4 8°)

Calculate the adjustment value by using the formula below.

Adjustment value (reference)

ADJUSTMENT VALUE REFERENCE

-	Camber	Caster
Adjustment Value	-0°20' (-0.3°)	-0°10' (-0.2°)

Formula.

Adjustment Value = Measured Value - Standard Value

Mark the adjustment value point on the adjustment table. Then obtain the adjusting cam turning distance from the adjustment table so that the adjustment value point becomes zero

Fig 7: Wheel Alignment And Adjustment Chart - Front Cam

Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

Amount to turn adjusting cams (by gradation)

ADJUSTING CAM TURNING DISTANCE

-	Adjusting Cam Turning Distance
Adjusting Cam (Front Side)	Approximately 2.5 notches in minus direction
Adjusting Cam (Rear Side)	Approximately 1.0 marking in minus direction

Adjustment Table

Fig 8: Wheel Alignment And Adjustment Chart - Rear Cam
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Tighten the nut of the adjusting cam (front side) and the bolt of the adjusting cam (rear side).
Torque: 210 N.m (2141 kgf.cm, 155 ft. lbf.)
Inspect the toe-in.
Inspect side slip

ADJUST CAMBER

If the right and left camber values are not within the specified value even though the camber and caster have been adjusted with the toe adjusting cam and camber adjusting cam, replace the inner No 1 and No. 2 arm attachment plates and perform the camber adjustment.

Fig 9: Adjusting Camber

Standard

CAMBER ANGLE REFERENCE

-		Inner No. 1 Arm Attachment Plate		Inner No. 2 Arm Attachment Plate		Camber Angle Change	Caster Angle Change
-		RH	LH	RH	LH	-	-
Arm Attachment Part No. and Distinguishing Color	Standard Part	48614-50010 (Yellow)	48617-50010 (Yellow)	48614-50020 (White)	48617-50020 (White)	0 (Standard)	0 (Standard)
Arm Attachment Part No. and Distinguishing Color	+ 2 mm Part	48614-50030 (Pink)	48617-50030 (Pink)	48614-50050 (Green)	48617-50050 (Green)	+ 12.0'	+ 1'

HINT:

For +2 mm parts, the upper arm installation hole is further toward the outside of the vehicle compared to standard parts

INSPECT TOE-IN

Bounce the vehicle up and down at the corners to stabilize the suspension and inspect toe-in

Toe-in

TOE-IN REFERENCE

Item	Standard toe-in
Toe-in (total)	B - A 0 +/-2 mm (0 +/-0.0787 in.)

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

Fig 10: Inspecting Toe-In

ADJUST TOE-IN
1. Measure the thread lengths of the right and left rack ends
  Standard:
  
  Difference in thread length of 1.5 mm (0.0591 in.) or less
2. Remove the rack boot set clips
3. Loosen the tie rod end lock nuts
4. Adjust the rack ends if the difference in thread length between the right and left rack ends is not within the specified range.
  1. Extend the shorter rack end if the measured toe-in deviates toward the outer-side.
  2. Shorten the longer rack end if the measured toe-in deviates toward the inner-side.
5. Turn the right and left rack ends by an equal amount to adjust toe-in.
  HINT:
  
  Try to adjust toe-in to the center of the specified range.
6. Make sure that the lengths of the right and left rack ends are the same
7. Tighten the tie rod end lock nuts
  Torque: 56 N.m (571 kgf.cm, 41 ft. lbf.)
  
  NOTE: Partially tighten the lock nut while holding the hexagonal part of the steering rack end so that the lock nut and the steering rack end do not turn together. Hold the width across flat of the tie rod end and tighten the lock nut.
8. Perform the VGRS system calibration (see CALIBRATION )
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Lock Nut
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
9. Place the boots on the seats and install the clips
  HINT:
  - Make sure that the boots are not twisted
  - Make sure that the clips' finger grips are positioned as shown in the illustration
    
    Fig 12: Identifying Clip Position
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

INSPECT WHEEL ANGLE

Turn the steering wheel fully to the left and right and measure the turning angle.

Standard wheel turning angle

STANDARD WHEEL TURNING ANGLE

Inside wheel	Outside wheel Reference
38°02' +/-2° (38.03°+/-2°)	33°39' (33.65°)

If the right and left inside wheel angles differ from the specified range, check the right and left rack end lengths

Fig 13: Inspecting Wheel Angle

INSPECT FRONT SUSPENSION
1. Inspect the front suspension member
  1. Measure the length between the installation bolts of the front No. 1 suspension lower arm and front No 2 suspension lower arm
    Standard length:
    
    846.8 mm (33.3 in.) (A)
    
    856 mm (33.7 in.) (B)
    
    If the result is not within the specification, replace the front suspension member.
    
    Fig 14: Identifying Front Suspension Member Length
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Inspect the front No 1 suspension lower arm
  1. Remove the front No. 1 suspension lower arm (see REMOVAL )
  2. Measure the dimension between the center of the front No. 1 suspension lower arm bush and position A
    Standard length:
    
    286.1 mm (11.3 in.)
    
    HINT:
    
    If the dimension of the front suspension lower arm changes 2 mm (0.0787 in.), the camber will change approximately 16' (0.3°)
    
    Fig 15: Identifying Dimension Between Center Of Front No. 1 Suspension Lower Arm Bush And Position A
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Inspect the front No 2 suspension lower arm
  1. Remove the front No. 2 suspension lower arm (see REMOVAL ).
  2. Measure the dimension between the center of the front suspension lower arm bush and the ball joint stud
    Standard length:
    
    399.5 mm (15.7 in.)
    
    HINT:
    
    If the dimension of the front suspension lower arm changes 2 mm (0 0787 in.), the camber will change approximately 1' (0 02°)
    
    Fig 16: Identifying Dimension Between Center Of Front Suspension Lower Arm Bush And Ball Joint Stud
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Inspect the front No 1 suspension upper arm
  1. Remove the front No 1 suspension upper arm (see REMOVAL )
  2. Measure the dimension between the center of the front No 1 suspension upper arm bush and the ball joint stud
    Standard length:
    
    235.8 mm (9.28 in.)
    
    HINT:
    
    If the dimension of the front suspension upper arm changes 2 mm (0.0787 in.), the camber will change approximately 7' (0 12°)
    
    Fig 17: Identifying Dimension Between Center Of Front No 1 Suspension Upper Arm Bush And Ball Joint Stud
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Inspect the front No 2 suspension upper arm.
  1. Remove the front No 2 suspension upper arm (see REMOVAL )
  2. Measure the dimension between the center of the front No. 2 suspension upper arm bush and the ball joint stud
    Standard length:
    
    233 mm (9.17 in.)
    
    HINT:
    
    If the dimension of the front suspension upper arm changes 2 mm (0.0787 in), the camber will change approximately 6' (0.1°)
    
    Fig 18: Identifying Dimension Between Center Of Front No. 2 Suspension Upper Arm Bush And Ball Joint Stud
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
DISCONNECT CABLE FROM NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
1. Remove the luggage compartment mat (see REMOVAL ).
2. Remove the battery service hole cover (see REMOVAL ).
3. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see REMOVAL )
  NOTE: Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal for 2 seconds or more.
CONNECT CABLE TO NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL
1. Connect the cable to the negative battery terminal (see INSTALLATION ).
2. Install the battery service hole cover LH (see INSTALLATION )
3. Install the luggage compartment mat (see INSTALLATION ).
PERFORM YAW RATE AND DECELERATION SENSOR ZERO POINT CALIBRATION
1. Perform the yaw rate and deceleration sensor zero point calibration (see CALIBRATION )
INITIALIZE ROTATION ANGLE SENSOR AND CALIBRATE TORQUE SENSOR ZERO POINT
1. Initialize the rotation angle sensor and calibrate torque sensor zero point (see CALIBRATION ).
PERFORM INITIALIZATION
1. Perform the initialization (see INITIALIZATION ).