Isuzu Amigo / Axiom / Trooper / Rodeo / VehiCross. Service manual — part 1716

POWER-ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM

2A–13

Caster (1) is the vertical tilting of the wheel axis either
forward or backward (when viewed from the side of the
vehicle). A backward tilt is positive (+) and a forward tilt
is negative (-). On the short and long arm type
suspension you cannot see a caster angle without a
special instrument, but if you look straight down from
the top of the upper control arm to the ground, the ball
joints do not line up (fore and aft) when a caster angle
other than 0 degree is present. With a positive angle,
the lower ball joint would be slightly ahead (toward the
front of the vehicle) of the upper ball joint center line.

Toe-in:

This illustration shows view from the top of the vehicle.

480RS003

Toe-in is the measured amount the front wheels are
turned in. The actual amount of toe-in is normally a
fraction of a meter. Toe-in is measured from the center
of the tire treads or from the inside of the tires. The
purpose of toe-in is to insure parallel rolling of the front
wheels and to offset any small deflections of the wheel
support system which occurs when the vehicle is rolling
forward. Incorrect toe-in results in excessive toe-in and
unstable steering. Toe-in is the last alignment to be set
in the front end alignment procedure.

Inspection

Before making any adjustments affecting caster,
camber or toe-in, the following front end inspection
should be made.

1. Inspect the tires for proper inflation pressure. Refer

to Main Data and Specifications in Wheel and Tire
System section.

2. Make sure that the vehicle is unladen condition

(With no passenger or loading).

3. Make sure that the spare tire is installed at the

normal position.

4. Inspect the front wheel bearings for proper

adjustment. Refer to Front Hub and Disc Overhaul
in Suspension section.

5. Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends. If excessive

looseness is noted, correct before adjusting. Refer
to Steering Linkage in this section.

6. Inspect the wheel and tires for run-out. Refer to

Wheel Replacement in Wheel and Tire System
section.

7. Inspect the trim height. If not within specifications,

the correction must be made before adjusting
caster.

8. Inspect the steering unit for looseness at the frame.

9. Inspect shock absorbers for leaks or any noticeable

noise. Refer to Shock Absorber in Suspension
section.

10. Inspect the control arms or stabilizer bar attachment

for looseness. Refer to Suspension section.

11. Inspect the front end alignment using alignment

equipment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

12. Park the vehicle on a level surface.

Trim Height Adjustment

Adjust the trim height (1) by means of the adjusting bolt
on the height control arms.

CAUTION: When adjusting front end alignment, be
sure to begin with trim height first, as it may change
other adjusted alignments.

450RS003

410RS001

2A–14

POWER-ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM

1. Check and adjust the tire inflation pressures.

2. Park the vehicle on a level ground and move the

front of the vehicle up and down several times to
settle the suspension.

3. Make necessary adjustment with the adjusting bolt

on the height control arms.

Trim height: 119

± 5mm (4.69 ± 0.2in)

Caster Adjustment

The caster angle can be adjusted by means of the
caster shims (1) installed between the chassis frame (2)
and fulcrum pins.

Caster angle: 2

°30' ± 45'

CAUTION: Left and right side must be equal within
30'.

450RW006

450RS002

NOTE: Difference of the caster shim front/rear
thickness should be 3.6 mm (0.142in) or less. Overall
thickness of caster shim and camber shim should be
10.8 mm (0.425 in) or less.
Tighten the fulcrum pin bolt to the specified torque.

Torque: 152 N·m 112 (lb ft)

Camber Adjustment

The camber angle can be adjusted by means of the
camber shims (2) installed in position between the
chassis frame (1) and fulcrum pins.

Camber angle: 0

° ± 30'

King pin inclination: 12

°30' ± 30'

CAUTION: Left and right side must be equal within
30'.

450RW007

450RS005

POWER-ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM

2A–15

NOTE: Overall thickness of caster shim and camber
shim should be 10.8mm (0.425 in) or less.
Tighten the fulcrum pin bolt to the specified torque.

Torque: 152 N·m (112 lb ft)

Toe-in Adjustment

1. To adjust the toe-in angle, loosen the lock nuts (2)

on the tie rod (1) and turn the tie rod. Turn both rods
the same amount, to keep the steering wheel
centered .

Toe-in: 0 to +2mm (0 to +0.08in)

433RW003

2. Tighten the lock nut to the specified torque.

Torque: 118 N·m (87lb ft)

Position of shims

Camber angle

Caster angle

Front side

Rear side

Caster shim

When added

When removed

Decreases

Decreases

When removed

When added

Increases

Increases

—

When removed

Unchanged

Decreases

—

When added

Unchanged

Increases

Camber shim

When added

Decreases

Unchanged

When removed

Increases

Unchanged

2A–16

POWER-ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEM

Main Data and Specifications

General Specification

Torque Specification

E02RX001

Caster

2

°30' ± 45'

Camber

0

° ± 30'

King pin inclination

12

°30' ± 30'

Toe-in

0 to +2 mm (0 to +0.08in)

Max. steering angle

inside

32.6

° (+0°30' to –2°30' )

outside

31.8

°