How to Adjust caster and camber Alignment on 2001 jeep grand Cherokee.
- Also tie rod end is loose at steering knuckle.
Both the Above mentioned issues will be discussed below.
As its already mentioned that problem is noticed on 2001 jeep grand Cherokee model.This model is similar to other year jeep models from year 2001 to 2005.
CAN THE CASTER AND CAMBER SETTING BE ALIGNED?
Yes of course it can be aligned.All vehicles can be aligned.Caster and camber weren't originally adjustable.
From the factory the only adjustable alignment angle on your Jeep is toe. By Toe it refers to the left and right angle of the front wheels along with their fitting to the steering wheel.
WHAT IS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CASTER AND CAMBER?
Both this caster and camber aligns vehicle on different regions.
Caster is the angle of the wheels front to back, camber is the amount of inward or outward lean of the wheels at the top.
OK,WHAT TOOL IS REQUIRED AND HOW TO ALIGN?
Any special tool is not required.You will require offset ball joint to start this adjusting procedure.
The steering knuckle attaches to the axle tube by a ball joint and they pivot when you turn the steering to any left/right direction. These Offset ball joints have a stud that is offset in relation to it's base, which presses into the end of the axle tube. Turning the direction of the ball joint and pressing it in at the right direction allows you to adjust caster and camber settings.
If caster or camber is out of its specification then aligning it is required.To align install an offset ball joint to correct the issue. After that is installed you will have to set toe to complete the alignment.
PROFESSIONAL GARAGE SHOP INSPECTED AND SUGGESTED NEW BALL JOINT,BECAUSE BOOT WAS MISSING?
If a ball joint is required because a boot was missing then this issue is not related to the offset ball joint that I previously mentioned, unless garage professional specifically said that they would be replacing it with an offset one. It sounds like maybe they were recommending a ball joint just because of the boot torn and not to fix the alignment.
But i suggest get the alignment issue fixed first.They are just pointing to replace ball joints but not fixing the alignment.
Also get the issue inspected by another garage store and ask them they look into installing the offset ball joints to fix the alignment issue.Also get the axle inspected it may be bent
HINT:-- If you notice abnormally fast wear on the inside edges of the front tires? That would be a sign of a camber problem.
OK,AND WHAT ABOUT LOOSE TIE ROD END?
If a tie rod end is loose that means the steering is loose and toe cannot be correctly set.
So first get the tie rod end replaced or repaired that should be a priority, without that done dont set toe.As it will not get aligned properly.
It is also a safety hazard and I would recommend having it repaired as soon as you can.
This details will help.
Thanks.
