Monday, January 30, 2012

Saab 1963-73 Wheel Alignment Repair Guide

1963-73 SAAB SPECIFICATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, ensure that tires are properly inflated.


CASTER
All Models (1963-73) - To adjust caster, add or remove shims under bearing brackets of the upper control arms. Changing shims from front bracket to rear bracket increases caster. Moving shims from rear to front decreases caster. NOTE - The same thickness of shims removed from one bracket must be placed under other bracket. Change in caster adjustment affects camber. Check camber to specifications.

CAMBER
All Models (1963-73) - To adjust camber, add or remove shims under bearing brackets of the upper control arms. Increasing shims under both brackets reduces camber and decreasing shims under both brackets increases camber. NOTE - Always add or remove some thickness of shims at front and rear brackets. Change in camber adjustment affects caster. Recheck caster to specifications.

TOE-IN
All Models (1963-73) - Position front wheels in straight ahead position. Loosen tie rod lock nut on outer end of tie rod. Turn tie rod to set toe-in to specifications. Tighten lock nuts.
NOTE - After adjustment of toe-in, measurement A (see illustration) of tie rod must not exceed 1.6" (with key grip) or 1.2" (without key grip). For tie rods opposite to each other the difference between the measurements A must not exceed .08".