Nissan 240sx Wheel Alignment (s13): pre-alignments, ride height adjustments and etc

1989-1994 Nissan 240sx S13

FYI: It is recommended that you have a reputable automotive service shop handle the wheel alignment process. This may save you time and headaches down the road. Most auto shops may have wheel alignment specials so check with your local shop.

PRE-ALIGNMENT CHECKS

Before making wheel alignment adjustment, perform the following checks:
1. Tires should be equal in size and runout must not be excessive. Tires and wheels should be in balance, and inflated to manufacturer's specifications.
2. Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted. Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints.
3. Steering gear box must not have excessive play. Check and adjust to manufacturer's specifications.
4. Vehicle must be at curb height with full fuel load and spare tire in vehicle. No extra load should be on vehicle.
5. Vehicle must be level with floor and with suspension settled. Jounce front and rear of vehicle several times and allow it to settle to normal curb height.
6. If steering wheel is not centered with front wheels in straight-ahead position, correct by shortening one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthening opposite sleeve equal amounts.
7. Ensure wheel lug nuts are tightened to torque specifications.

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RIDING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

On vehicles with electronic chassis controls, all systems should be functional before attempting riding height or wheel alignment adjustment.

1. Before adjusting alignment, check riding height. Riding height must be checked with vehicle on level floor and tires properly inflated. Bounce vehicle several times, and allow suspension to settle. Measure from ground to top center of wheel opening.
2. Visually inspect vehicle for signs of abnormal height from front to rear and side to side. Check passenger and luggage compartments for extra heavy items and remove if present. If riding height is not within specification, check, repair or replace suspension components.

• Nissan 240sx S13 1989-1994 Ride Height Specification:
  • Front: In. (mm): 27.32 (694)
  • Rear: In. (mm): 26.38 (670)

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WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS

• Camber in degrees:
  • Front:
    • Preferred: -0.75
    • Range: -1.5 To 0
  • Rear:
    • Preferred: -1.1
    • Range: -1.6 to 0.6
• Caster in degrees:
  • Preferred: 6.75
  • Range: 6 To 7.5
• Toe-In in inches (mm)
  • Front:
    • Preferred: 0.05 (1.3)
    • Range: 0.01 to 0.09 (0.3 To 2.3)
  • Rear:
    • Preferred: 0.1 (2.5)
    • Range: 0.02 to 0.18 (0.5 To 4.5)
• Toe-In in degrees
  • Front:
    • Preferred: 0.13
    • Range: 0.03 To 0.22
  • Rear:
    • Preferred: 0.24
    • Range: 0.05 To 0.42
• Toe-out on Turns in degrees
  • Inner:
    • Preferred: 41
  • Outer:
    • Preferred: 33

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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS Ft. Lbs. (N.m)

• Adjusting Bolt Lock Nut: (R) 51-65 (69-88)
• Tie Rod Lock Nut: 27-34 (37-46)
• Wheel Lug Nut: 72-87 (98-118)

Did you find this repair info helpful or are improvements needed? Please leave comments below.

1989-1994 Nissan 240sx S13

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