Front Caster and Camber Adjustment (RWD)

The caster and the camber adjustments are made by inserting shims between the upper control arm shaft and the frame bracket. The shims may be added, subtracted, or transferred in order to change the readings.

Important: 

• Before adjusting the caster and the camber angles, jounce the front bumper 3 times to allow the vehicle to return to the normal height.
• Measure and adjust the caster and the camber with the vehicle at curb height. The front suspension Z dimension and the rear suspension D dimension are indicated in Trim Heights. Refer to TRIM HEIGHT INSPECTION PROCEDURE in Suspension General Diagnosis.
• When checking the left and the right side caster and camber, it must be equal within 1.0 degree.
• When setting the left and the right side caster and camber, it must be equal within 0.50 degree.
• The caster and the camber set is relative to the ground.

1. Loosen the upper control arm shaft to frame nuts (1).

   Important: 

   • A normal shim pack will leave at least 2 1/2 threads of the bolt exposed beyond the nut. The maximum shim pack cannot be thicker than 21.3 mm (0.84 in).
   • The difference between the front shim packs and the rear shim packs must not exceed 10 mm (0.40 in). If these requirements cannot be met, check for damaged control arms and damaged related parts.
   Fig 1: Identifying Upper Control Arm Shaft To Frame Nuts & Shims

   Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
2. If the caster is not within specifications, adjust the caster by transferring the front shims to the rear, or the rear shims to the front.

   The transfer of the one shim from the rear bolt to the front bolt will decrease the positive caster.

3. If the camber is not within specification, adjust the camber by changing the shims at both the front and the rear of the shaft. Add or subtract the shims (2) as required.

   Adding an equal number of shims at both the front and rear of the cross shaft will decrease positive camber.

   NOTE: Refer to FASTENER NOTICE in Cautions and Notices.
4. Tighten the nut on the thinner shim pack first.

   Tighten 

   Tighten the nuts to 110 N.m (81 lb ft).

   Tightening the nut on the thinner shim pack first improves the shaft to frame clamping force and torque retention.

5. Check the toe-in after changing the caster or the camber. Refer to FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT .