Riding Height Adjustment

2000 Saturn SC2 Automatic, MP6SECTION Riding Height Adjustment
NOTE: Before performing wheel alignment, perform preliminary visual and mechanical inspection of wheels, tires and suspension components. See PRE-ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS in WHEEL ALIGNMENT THEORY & OPERATION article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

Before adjusting wheel alignment, check riding height. Riding height must be checked with vehicle on level floor, tires properly inflated and fuel tank full. If fuel tank is not full it will be necessary to add a determined amount of weight based on fuel level. See FUEL WEIGHT COMPENSATION  table. Bounce vehicle several times and allow suspension to settle.

Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear, or side to side. Remove extra heavy items, if any, from passenger and luggage compartments. On "L" Series, measure distance "A" from center of front and rear bumper to locate riding height measuring points "J" and "K". See Fig 1 . On "S" Series, measure distance "A" or "B" to locate riding height measuring points "J" and "K". See Fig 2 . See RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS  table.

NOTE: Riding height between left side and right side of vehicle should vary less than 1.0" (25.4 mm).
FUEL WEIGHT COMPENSATION

Fuel Level Add Weight Lbs. (kg)
1/8 70 (31.8)
1/4 60 (27.2)
3/8 50 (22.7)
1/2 40 (18.1)
5/8 30 (13.6)
3/4 20 (9)
7/8 10 (4.5)
RIDING HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS

Application In. (mm)
"L" Series (1)
Distance "A" (Front) 15.4 (390)
Distance "A" (Rear) 20.9 (530)
Point "J" (Front) 14.6-16.5 (370-420)
Point "K" (Rear) 14.2-16.2 (361-411)
"S" Series (2)
Coupe
Distance "A" (Front) 5.9 (150)
Point "J" (Front) 7.8-9.1 (200-232)
Point "K" (Rear) 7.9-9.4 (201-233)
Distance "B" (Rear) 5.4 (138)
Sedan
Distance "A" (Front) 4.6 (117)
Point "J" (Front) 7.8-9.0 (201-233)
Point "K" (Rear) 8.0-9.3 (202-234)
Distance "B" (Rear) 4.1 (105)
Wagon
Distance "A" (Front) 4.6 (117)
Point "J" (Front) 7.8-9.1 (201-233)
Point "K" (Rear) 8.1-9.5 (202-234)
Distance "B" (Rear) 4.1 (105)
(1) See Fig 1 .
(2) See Fig 2 .
Fig 1: Identifying Riding Height Measuring Points ("L" Series)
G00005691Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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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.