Front Wheel Alignment: Notes

Before checking front wheel alignment, be sure to make a preliminary inspection (Unladen^* ).

^* : Fuel, radiator coolant and engine oil full. Spare tire, jack, hand tools and mats in designated positions.

Preliminary Inspection 

1. Check tires for wear and improper inflation.
2. Check wheels for deformation, cracks and other damage.

   If deformed, remove wheel and check wheel runout.

   1. Remove tire from wheel and mount wheel on a tire balance machine.
   2. Set dial indicator as shown in the illustration.
      • Wheel runout (Dial indicator value):Refer to  WHEEL RUNOUT  
3. Check front wheel bearings for looseness.
4. Check front suspension for looseness.
5. Check steering linkage for looseness.
6. Check that front shock absorbers work properly.
7. Check vehicle posture (Unladen).

Camber, Caster and Kingpin Inclination 

Camber, caster and kingpin inclination are preset at factory and cannot be adjusted. 

1. Measure camber, caster and kingpin inclination of both right and left wheels with a suitable alignment gauge.
   • Camber, caster and kingpin inclination: Refer to  FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN*1)  
2. If camber, caster or kingpin inclination is not within specification, inspect front suspension parts. Replace damaged or worn out parts.

Toe-in 

Measure toe-in using the following procedure. 

1. Bounce front of vehicle up and down to stabilize the posture.
2. Push the vehicle straight ahead about 5 m (16 ft).
3. Put a mark on base line of tread (rear side) of both tires at the same height as hub center. These are measuring points.
4. Measure distance "A" (rear side).
5. Push the vehicle slowly ahead to rotate the wheels 180 degrees (1/2 turn).

   If the wheels have rotated more than 180 degrees (1/2 turn), try the above procedure again from the beginning. Never push vehicle backward. 

6. Measure distance "B" (front side).
   • Total toe-in: Refer to  FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT (UNLADEN*1)   . 
   Fig 3: Measure Distances

   Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.