Adjusting Front Axle Toe

→ After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. → 456005 INITIALIZING AND CALIBRATING STEERING-ANGLE SENSOR

→ Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.

→ Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.

The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) have been changed!

Tighten lock nut on the tie rod -3-  to Tightening torque 70 Nm (52 ftlb.)  , together with accessory for torque wrench: open-jawed wrench insert a/f 22 Nr.95  .

Fig 1: Identifying Open-Jawed Wrench

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

If the specified tightening torque has not been reached after alignment on the alignment platform (due to reasons of space), turn the steering to left and right and tighten the tie rod screws! Counter with an open-ended wrench!

The toe is adjusted at the tie rod screws used to secure the tie rod to the tie-rod ball (ball joint) -3-  .

Fig 2: Adjusting Camber, Caster, Toe And Front Axle

Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Preliminary work:

1. Check whether the steering wheel is displaced with respect to the steering gear.
2. To do this, center the steering gear as described below.
3. Turn wheels to straight-ahead position.
4. Remove front underbody panelling. → 519219 REMOVING AND INSTALLING COVER FOR FRONT UNDERBODY
5. Remove front-axle support → 400819 REMOVING AND INSTALLING FRONT-AXLE SUPPORT .
6. Remove heat shield -1-  .
   1. 6.1. Unscrew and remove fastening screws -2-  .
   2. 6.2. Remove heat shield -1-  .
   Fig 3: Identifying Heat Shield Mounting
   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
7. The steering center position marking -1-  is under the heat shield at the rear in direction of travel on the steering gear housing (shown here on a removed unit for clarity, shown in direction of travel).
   1. Steering center position marking
   2. Remains of break (retaining pin in new steering gears. Breaks off when the steering is actuated for the first time.)
      Fig 4: Identifying Steering Centre Position

      Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

   No. -2-  is the remains of the desired breaking point from the locking pin on new steering gears! This locks the steering gear in center position! After installation of the new steering gear, the lower part of the pin is sheared off at the desired breaking point by turning the steering wheel.

8. Afterwards, adjust front wheel alignment if necessary until marking on steering housing (triangle) is aligned with the marking lug -1-  of the driver.
   WARNING: Incorrect handling of airbag units

   • Triggering of airbag unit
   • System faults can occur

   → Switch off ignition and remove ignition key or remote control (hand-held transmitter).

   → A voltage supply (e.g. battery charger) must not be connected to the external power supply/jump-lead starting terminals.

   → Disconnect the battery and insulate the ground strap so that all contact with a ground carrier is avoided.

   → Wait 1 minute after disconnecting the battery.

   → Only detach connector on the triggering unit after the waiting time has elapsed.

   → Make sure that no foreign objects are located in front of the airbag unit during installation.

   → Replace damaged parts during removal.

   → Always position airbag units so that the blow-out opening is facing upwards, e.g. crest on driver's airbag.

   → Do not position anything on the airbag units.

   → If removed for an extended period, the airbag units must be stored in a safe place.

   → Airbag units must not come into contact with grease, oil, detergents, liquids, or similar substances.

   → Do not expose airbag units to temperatures above 90°.

   → Do not remove the short-circuit spring on the plug-in contacts.

   → Ignition and preparations may only be carried out by skilled staff, supervised by a second responsible person.

   → Before disposal, the airbag unit must be rendered harmless by electrical ignition performed in accordance with all precautionary measures, thereby preventing it from being used incorrectly.

   If necessary, re-position the steering wheel → 481019 REMOVING AND INSTALLING STEERING WHEEL . When repositioning the steering wheel, try to get the best position.

   Information 

   • Use only steering-wheel holders -A- that do not project into the area of the airbag unit -B-. 
   • Shorten guide rod at the top -arrow- if necessary. 
     Fig 5: Adjusting Steering-Wheel Holder

     Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
9. Clamp steering wheel in center position with the steering-wheel holder.

   For fast and reliable steering wheel alignment in center position, use steering wheel balance WE 1343  . → Steering wheel balance, shown on Sports Car as an example 

   Fig 6: Identifying Steering Wheel Balance (Sports Car)

   Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
10. Adjust toe at the hexagon of the tie rod(s) after loosening the lock nut(s). The steering-angle sensor must subsequently be calibrated by PSM.

    Specified tightening torque for lock nut(s) -3-  : Tightening torque 70 Nm (52 ftlb.)  .

    Fig 7: Adjusting Camber, Caster, Toe And Front Axle

    Courtesy of PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.