WHEEL ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment is the positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. This is accomplished through suspension and steering linkage adjustments. An alignment is essential for efficient steering, good directional stability and to minimize tire wear. The most important measurements of an alignment are caster, camber and toe position.
It is highly recommended you not attempt to perform service or repair to your Dodge Ram truck without a factory repair manual handy. Important service information, illustrations and safety precautions may be present.
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The repair manual covers every aspect of repair for the 2001 Dodge Ram truck and covers all of the following models: 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 3.9L 6-Cylinder, MPI Gasoline 5.9L 8-Cylinder, 5.2L V8, MPI Gasoline (Heavy Duty) Turbo Diesel (5.9L), 8.0L 10 Cylinder Models. Basically, it covers all 2001 Dodge Ram trucks.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen- sion or steering components by heating and bend- ing.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/ steering system components may be required. Rub- ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended maintenance schedule.
DESCRIPTION
Wheel alignment is the positioning of the wheels in relation to the vehicle. This is accomplished through suspension and steering linkage adjustments. An alignment is essential for efficient steering, good directional stability and to minimize tire wear. The most important measurements of an alignment are caster, camber and toe position.
It is highly recommended you not attempt to perform service or repair to your Dodge Ram truck without a factory repair manual handy. Important service information, illustrations and safety precautions may be present.
1
CLICK HERE>>>DOWNLOAD 2001 DODGE RAM REPAIR MANUAL
CAUTION: Do not attempt to modify any suspen- sion or steering components by heating and bend- ing.
NOTE: Periodic lubrication of the front suspension/ steering system components may be required. Rub- ber bushings must never be lubricated. Refer to Lubrication And Maintenance for the recommended maintenance schedule.
OPERATION
• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster. Caster is a directional stability angle which enables the front wheels to return to a straight ahead posi- tion after turns.
• CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the top of the wheel inward provides negative camber. Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the inside or outside edge of the tire.
• WHEEL TOE POSITION is the difference between the leading inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position is the most common cause of unstable steering and uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is the final front wheel alignment adjustment.
• CASTER is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering knuckle from vertical. Tilting the top of the knuckle rearward provides positive caster. Tilting the top of the knuckle forward provides negative caster. Caster is a directional stability angle which enables the front wheels to return to a straight ahead posi- tion after turns.
• CAMBER is the inward or outward tilt of the wheel relative to the center of the vehicle. Tilting the top of the wheel inward provides negative camber. Tilting the top of the wheel outward provides positive camber. Incorrect camber will cause wear on the inside or outside edge of the tire.
• WHEEL TOE POSITION is the difference between the leading inside edges and trailing inside edges of the front tires. Incorrect wheel toe position is the most common cause of unstable steering and uneven tire wear. The wheel toe position is the final front wheel alignment adjustment.
6 - KING PIN
7 - VERTICAL
8 - POSITIVE CASTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be com- pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size and tread wear.
(2) Set tire air pressure.
(3) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(4) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(5) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(6) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - ALIGNMENT I.F.S.
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and down several times. Always release the bumper in the down position. Set the front end alignment to specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR- MALLY LOADED CONDITION. Camber and caster angle adjustments involve changing the position of the upper suspension arm pivot bar (Fig. 3). Refer to the Alignment Specification Chart for the correct setting.
CASTER:
Move the rear position of the pivot bar in or out. This will change the caster angle significantly and camber angle only slightly. To retain camber move the forward pivot very slightly in the opposite direction.
NOTE: For example, to increase a positive caster angle, move the rear position of the pivot bar inward (toward the engine). Move the front of pivot bar outward (away from the engine) slightly until the original camber angle is obtained.
7 - VERTICAL
8 - POSITIVE CASTER
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - PRE-ALIGNMENT
Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be com- pleted. Refer to Suspension and Steering System
Diagnosis Chart for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size and tread wear.
(2) Set tire air pressure.
(3) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(4) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lat-
eral runout and balance.
(5) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and
steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(6) Inspect suspension components for wear and
noise.
(7) Road test the vehicle.
STANDARD PROCEDURES - ALIGNMENT I.F.S.
Before each alignment reading the vehicle should be jounced (rear first, then front). Grasp each bumper at the center and jounce the vehicle up and down several times. Always release the bumper in the down position. Set the front end alignment to specifications while the vehicle is in its NOR- MALLY LOADED CONDITION. Camber and caster angle adjustments involve changing the position of the upper suspension arm pivot bar (Fig. 3). Refer to the Alignment Specification Chart for the correct setting.
CASTER:
Move the rear position of the pivot bar in or out. This will change the caster angle significantly and camber angle only slightly. To retain camber move the forward pivot very slightly in the opposite direction.
NOTE: For example, to increase a positive caster angle, move the rear position of the pivot bar inward (toward the engine). Move the front of pivot bar outward (away from the engine) slightly until the original camber angle is obtained.
CAMBER: Move the forward position of the pivot
bar in or out. This will change the camber angle sig-
nificantly and caster angle only slightly. The camber
angle should be adjusted as close as possible to the
preferred service specification. After adjustment
is made tighten pivot bar nuts to specifications.
TOE POSITION:
The wheel toe position adjust- ment should be the final adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the wheels. Center and secure the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts/nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for one-half of the total toe position specification. This will ensure the steering wheel will be centered when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie rod adjustment sleeves as necessary.
TOE POSITION:
The wheel toe position adjust- ment should be the final adjustment.
(1) Start the engine and turn wheels both ways before straightening the wheels. Center and secure the steering wheel and turn off engine.
(2) Loosen the tie rod adjustment sleeve clamp bolts/nuts.
NOTE: Each front wheel should be adjusted for one-half of the total toe position specification. This will ensure the steering wheel will be centered when the wheels are positioned straight-ahead.
(3) Adjust the wheel toe position by turning the tie rod adjustment sleeves as necessary.
