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How do I Align a 1997 Toyota Camry Vehicle

A typical front end alignment consists of adjusting caster -- forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis; camber -- inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire; and toe -- inward or outward tilt of the front of the tire -- to prevent excessive tire wear, improve handling, and straighten an off center steering wheel. Many manufacturers, like Toyota, do not provide adjustment for caster and camber from the factory. In the 1997 Toyota Camry the toe angle is adjustable on all four wheels and, while caster is not adjustable, camber can be adjusted using aftermarket bolts in the struts.

Instructions

1

Apply the parking brake and start the engine. Center the steering wheel and turn off the engine. Apply the brakes and lock them in place using the brake pedal depressor. Clamp the alignment machines targets securely to all four wheels and level the targets using the built in bubble level. Compensate for wheel run-out according to the machines procedure.

2

Determine which wheels need a camber adjustment by comparing the initial readings of the alignment machine with the factory specifications. Remove the upper strut-to-steering knuckle mounting bolt using a wrench, socket, and ratchet.Install the adjustable aftermarket bolt in upper bolt hole and tighten it securely.

3

Loosen both strut-to-spindle mounting bolts on the right rear strut. Rotate the upper, adjustable aftermarket, bolt to adjust rear camber until it is within specifications. Rear camber in the 1997 Camry should be -.75 degrees +/- .75 degrees. Camber should also be equal on both sides. Tighten the strut bolts to 145 psi using a torque wrench. Adjust the left rear camber in the same manner.

4

Adjust the right rear toe angle by loosening the jam nuts on the right rear toe arm using a 21 mm wrench and twisting the adjuster nut until the toe is within manufacturers specification. The rear toe on the 1997 Camry should be .10 degrees +/- .05 degrees. Tighten the jam nuts securely. Adjust the left rear toe in the same manner.

5

Adjust the front camber to -.8 degrees +/- .75 degrees in the same manner as the rear camber and tighten the strut bolts to 156 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Loosen the jam nut on the right front tie-rod and rotate the tie rod to adjust toe to 0 degrees +/- .05 degrees and tighten the jam nut securely.

6

Start the engine and center the steering wheel. Verify that the front toe angle is within specifications. Readjust front toe, if necessary. Remove the targets from the wheels and test drive the car to verify it drives properly.

Posted by Unknown at 5:45 PM

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