Villager V6-181 3.0L SOHC VIN 1 EFI (1997)
Alignment: Service and Repair
Alignment Procedure
Before measuring and setting the front wheel alignment, rest the front wheels on turn plates.
Before setting the rear toe, rest the rear wheels on slider plates or turn plates. Before setting any alignment angle, bounce the vehicle three times at each
end. This establishes the actual standing curb height (trim height).
Always perform a wheel alignment on a level alignment rack. Do not attempt to check or adjust the front wheel alignment without first making a
preliminary inspection of the front end parts.
Check all the factors of the front wheel alignment except turning angle before making any adjustments. Check the turning angle only after the camber and
toe have been adjusted to specification. Check the front wheel alignment under the following curb load conditions:
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Standing curb height established.
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Heavy weights in cargo area removed (i.e., golf clubs, tool box, etc.).
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All tires inflated to specified pressure (cold).
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Fuel tank, oil pan and radiator filled to specification. If necessary, add six pounds of weight to the cargo area for each gallon of gasoline missing
from the fuel tank.
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Front seats in full rear position.
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Rear toe adjustment checked.
Always road test a vehicle after an alignment. If the vehicle still pulls, never condemn the alignment until first switching the front tires. This will usually
cure any pull problem. If the vehicle still pulls in the same direction, double check the alignment and rear tracking following manufacturer's instruction
for the alignment equipment used. If the vehicle pulls in the opposite direction, rotate the tires and road test the vehicle again.
When making a toe adjustment, turn both front wheel spindle tie rods in or out by equal amounts in order to avoid changing the steering wheel centering.
If the steering wheel is off-center after making a toe adjustment, center the steering wheel.
Camber
Camber is controlled by fixed vehicle dimensions and is not adjustable, but it is checked as a possible cause of a variety of suspension system problems.
If not within specification, look for damaged suspension components, deteriorated bushings, or distorted body mounting points.
Caster
Caster is controlled by fixed vehicle dimensions and is not adjustable, but it is checked as a possible cause of a variety of suspension system problems. If
not within specification, look for damaged suspension components, deteriorated bushings, or distorted body mounting points.
Centering Steering Wheel
1. Perform the steering angle check. See: Component Inspections/Steering Angle
2. Lock the steering wheel in the straight ahead position.
3. Adjust the front toe. See: Toe
4. Road test the vehicle to verify that the steering wheel is centered.
Pull or Drift
NOTE: Side-to-side ride height variation can cause side-to-side camber variation.
When trying to correct a pull/drift condition, check the following:
Vehicle will pull/drift;
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Toward the side with the most positive camber
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Toward the side with the least positive caster
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Toward the side to which the vehicle is leaning
Steering Angle
NOTE: Perform the steering angle check before toe measurement.
Inspect the steering angle (turning angle to left and right). The steering angle is measured by placing the front wheels on a turning-radius gauge and fully
turning the wheels to the left and right. If the angles are not equal from wheel to wheel, the front wheel spindle tie rods must be adjusted in or out until
the steering angles are equal and within specification.
Front wheel spindle tie rod adjustment affects the centering of the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. Steering wheel position can be fine-tuned
by adjusting the front wheel spindle tie rods a small amount in opposite directions after setting the steering angle. If the steering wheel cannot be
centered with the steering angles within specification, check for improper assembly or installation of the following steering components:
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Steering gear
