Pacifica V6-3.8L (2008)
Alignment: Service and Repair
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
PRE-WHEEL ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before any attempt is made to change or correct the wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be made to ensure proper
alignment.
1. Verify that the fuel tank is full of fuel. If the tank is not full, the reduction in weight will affect the curb height of the vehicle and the alignment
angles.
2. The passenger and luggage compartments of the vehicle should be free of any load that is not factory equipment.
3. Check the tires on the vehicle. All tires must be the same size and in good condition with approximately the same amount of tread wear. Inflate all
the tires to the recommended air pressure.
4. Check the front wheel and tire assemblies for excessive radial runout.
5. Inspect lower ball joints and all steering linkage for looseness, binding, wear or damage. Repair as necessary.
6. Check suspension fasteners for proper torque and retighten as necessary.
7. Inspect all suspension component rubber bushings for signs of wear or deterioration. Replace any faulty bushings or components before aligning
the vehicle.
8. Check the vehicle's curb height to verify it is within specifications. See:
WHEEL ALIGNMENT SETUP
1. Position the vehicle on an alignment rack.
2. Install all required alignment equipment on the vehicle per the alignment equipment manufacturer's instructions. On this vehicle, a four-wheel
alignment is recommended.
NOTE: Prior to reading the vehicle's alignment readouts, the front and rear of vehicle should be jounced. Induce jounce (rear first, then
front) by grasping the center of the bumper and jouncing each end of vehicle an equal number of times. The bumper should always be
released when vehicle is at the bottom of the jounce cycle.
3. Read the vehicle's current front and rear alignment settings. Compare the vehicle's current alignment settings to the vehicle specifications for
camber, caster and toe-in. See: Specifications
4. If front camber and caster are not within specifications, proceed to CAMBER AND CASTER below. If caster and camber are within
specifications, proceed to TOE which can be found following CAMBER AND CASTER. Rear camber and caster are not adjustable. If found not
to be within specifications, reinspect for damaged suspension or body components and replace as necessary. If rear toe is not within specifications,
adjust rear toe before proceeding to adjust front toe.
CAMBER AND CASTER
Camber and caster settings on this vehicle are determined at the time the vehicle is designed, by the location of the vehicle's suspension components.
This is referred to as NET BUILD. The result is no required adjustment of camber and caster after the vehicle is built or when servicing the suspension
components. Thus, when performing a wheel alignment, caster and camber are not normally considered adjustable angles. Camber and caster should be
checked to ensure they meet vehicle specifications.
If front camber is found not to meet alignment specifications, it can be adjusted using an available camber adjustment bolt package. Before installing a
camber adjustment bolt package on a vehicle found to be outside the specifications, inspect the suspension components for any signs of damage or
bending.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to adjust the vehicles wheel alignment by heating, bending or by performing any other modification to the vehicle's
front suspension components or body.
If front camber readings are not within specifications, use the following procedure to install a camber adjustment bolt package, then adjust front camber.
CAMBER ADJUSTMENT BOLT PACKAGE INSTALLATION
The camber adjustment bolt package contains two flange bolts, two cam bolts, two dog bone washers, and two nuts. This package services both sides of
the vehicle. Use the package to attach the strut clevis bracket to the steering knuckle after the strut clevis bracket has been modified. To install and adjust
the camber adjustment bolt package, follow the procedure below.
NOTE: Use the following steps to service each side of the vehicle as necessary.
1. Raise the vehicle until its tires are not supporting the weight of the vehicle.