Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Jeep TJ (CANADA) L4-2.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Caster
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CASTER
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 three times. Always release the bumper in the down position. Check the caster of the front axle for correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted. Road test the vehicle and observe the steering wheel return-to-center position. Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnability. During the road test, turn the vehicle to both the left and right. If the steering wheel returns to the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. However, if steering wheel does not return toward the center position unassisted, a low caster angle is probable. Caster can be adjusted by installing cam bolts and rotating the cams on the lower suspension arm.
NOTE: Changing caster angle will also change the front propeller shaft angle. The propeller shaft angle has priority over caster.
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 three times. Always release the bumper in the down position. Check the caster of the front axle for correct angle. Be sure the axle is not bent or twisted. Road test the vehicle and observe the steering wheel return-to-center position. Low caster will cause poor steering wheel returnability. During the road test, turn the vehicle to both the left and right. If the steering wheel returns to the center position unassisted, the caster angle is correct. However, if steering wheel does not return toward the center position unassisted, a low caster angle is probable. Caster can be adjusted by installing cam bolts and rotating the cams on the lower suspension arm.
NOTE: Changing caster angle will also change the front propeller shaft angle. The propeller shaft angle has priority over caster.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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