Adjusting Front Axle Toe

Adjust front axle toe with steering gear centered.

Due to the variable steering transmission ratio and therefore the fact that the steering angle is the same on the right and left, the exact center position must be ensured.

First check whether the steering wheel is displaced with respect to the steering gear when the steering is centered -arrow- . If the steering wheel is displaced by more than half a tooth (more than 2.5 degrees) with respect to the center steering position -arrow- , reposition the steering wheel accordingly.
Moving the steering wheel by one tooth on the steering shaft corresponding to a change in angle of approx. 4.2 degrees.

Centre the steering gear as described below:

Fig 1: Locating Mark Of Centre Steering Position
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
1. 1.1. Turn wheels to the straight-ahead position.
2. 1.2. Then readjust the front wheel alignment, if necessary, until the pin -2- in the driver -1- and the lug on the steering gear housing -4- line up. This is the center steering gear position.
  -3- is the desired breaking point for pins in new steering gears. The (new) pin -2- is inserted into the driver -1- and its underside sits in the lug -4- . This locks the steering gear in the center position. After installation of a new steering gear, the lower part of the pin is sheared off (at the desired breaking point -3- ) by turning the steering wheel. The upper part of the pin -2- remains in the driver -1- .
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Steering Centre Position
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
3. 1.3. If the steering wheel (when the steering gear is in the center position) is not centered and is displaced by more than one half tooth, reposition it accordingly. When doing this, try to find the best position.
  Moving the steering wheel by one tooth on the steering shaft corresponding to a change in angle of approx. 4.2 degrees.
  WARNING:
  Unsuitable steering-wheel holder used
  - Triggering of airbag unit
  → Use only steering wheel holders that do not project into the area of the airbag unit during suspension alignment work.
  
  → Observe the safety regulations for handling airbag units.
Clamp the steering wheel in the center position with the steering wheel holder -A- . Use only steering wheel holders that do not project into the area of the airbag unit -B- . If necessary, shorten the guide rod of the steering-wheel holder at the top -arrow- .
For fast and reliable steering wheel alignment in the center position use a -steering wheel balance- , with integrated angle measurement box.

→ WE1343 steering wheel balance.

Fig 3: Locating Steering Wheel Holder
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Fig 4: Identifying Steering Wheel Balance
Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Adjust the toe of the corresponding tie rod or at both tie rods (depending on the actual value).
1. 3.1. Loosen the tie rod lock nut(s) -2- at the corresponding tie rod or at both tie rods. Apply counter-pressure with a spanner when loosening or tightening tie rod lock nuts on the square part of the tie rod -3- .
  Next, adjust the toe at the hexagonal part -1- of the tie rod(s). Then tighten the tie rod lock nut(s) -2- to the specified tightening torque.
  
  Fig 5: Adjusting Toe Rod
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  
  To loosen and tighten the tie-rod lock nut(s), use special tool (socket-wrench insert) P 9730 -A- together with a torque wrench -B- . The tightening torque for the tie rod lock nut(s) of 50 Nm (37 ft.lb.), when using a socket-wrench insert 9730 , corresponds to a value of approx. 32.5 Nm (24 ftlb.) on the torque wrench.
  
  Fig 6: Tightening Tie Rod Lock Nut
  Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.