Magnum V6-2.7L (2008)
Alignment: Service and Repair
Wheel Alignment
WHEEL ALIGNMENT
NOTE: If the vehicle is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the ACC module must be realigned following any wheel alignment
changes. See: Cruise Control/Cruise Control Module/Service and Repair/Procedures
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 vehicle's passenger and luggage compartments 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 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 tighten 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 (suspension
compressed/released). 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 individual front camber or caster is found not to meet alignment specifications, each can be adjusted by shifting the engine cradle if cross-camber and
cross-caster are within specifications, or by using an available service adjustment bolt package. Always try to shift the cradle first (if camber and caster
are off slightly) to correct the misalignment before installing an adjustment bolt package. If an adjustment bolt package installation is necessary, inspect
the suspension components for any signs of damage or bending first.
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.
ADJUSTMENT BY SHIFTING CRADLE
CAUTION: Always use care when shifting cradle to avoid damaging other components on the vehicle.