LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone
Home >> Ford >> 2000 >> Contour SE, 2.0 3, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 1236 (Suspension System - General Information) >> General Procedures >> Camber and Caster Adjustment

Camber and Caster Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford Econoline. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
    CAUTION: Do not bend axles or radius arms to change alignment.
  1. Using an alignment rack and manufacturer's instructions, measure the caster and camber.
    • For additional information, refer to ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS  for optimal alignment settings.
    • Note any difference between the actual measurements and the specification. This information will be used to select the correct service adjuster.
  2. Remove the front wheel(s). For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
  3. Check the type and orientation of the installed adjuster.
    • Production adjusters have a round flange, a side tab and the amounts of caster and camber stamped in the top of the adjuster.
      • The first number is the amount of caster; the second number is the amount of camber in degrees if the adjuster is installed in the right-hand axle position.
      • If the adjuster is in the left-hand axle, the caster number is the opposite sign of the number shown. For example, a positive amount in the right-hand axle is a negative amount in the left axle, and a negative amount in the right-hand is a positive in the left-hand position.
    • Service adjusters have a hex flange, no side tab and the adjustment amount of the caster and camber stamped into the top.
    Fig 1: Identifying Production Adjuster
    G04025914Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    Fig 2: Identifying Service Adjuster
    G04025915Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
    4. NOTE: The assembly plant sometimes builds vehicles with adjusters that are not 0-degree type to control alignment.
  4. Select a new service adjuster and its orientation in the axle to obtain the optimum caster/camber. Refer to the CAMBER/CASTER SERVICE ADJUSTER . This chart shows the alignment changes that will occur if the vehicle was originally built with 0-degree adjusters
    • Note that the caster change or camber change required to obtain the optimum settings must be added to amounts of caster/camber in the old or production adjuster.
    • Use this example as a guide. If caster must be reduced 1 degree and camber increased +0.75 degree at the LH wheel, and the existing adjuster has +0.25-degree caster as installed, select the 1-degree service adjuster and orient the slot 225 degrees from the straight-ahead position. In all cases, select the adjuster and orientation that will bring the alignment closest to the optimal settings.
  5. Remove the pinch bolt and if necessary, use a suitable puller to remove the adjuster from the axle.
    Fig 3: Removing Adjuster From Axle
    G04025916Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  6. Install the new service adjuster. Orient the slot as noted in Step  5.
    1. Position the new adjuster as specified in the chart.
    2. Install the pinch bolt.
    Fig 4: Installing New Service Adjuster
    G04025917Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
  7. Install the front wheel. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES .
  8. Check the alignment. If not at optimal caster/camber specification, additional adjustment of the rotational orientation of the adjuster is required.
  9. Once optimal caster/camber has been achieved, reset the toe and clear vision to optimal settings.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals