Toe-in is measured across the wheel rims at hub height, and can be expressed as a distance difference (in millimeters) between the front and rear points of the rims of the right and left wheels, or in the form of an angle (in degrees), by which each wheel deviates from the longitudinal plane of the car during rectilinear motion (pic. L:6). If the wheels "watching" inside (the distance between the front points of the rims is less than between the rear ones), then the convergence is considered positive, if outward - negative.
Check the front wheel toe-in after any repair involving the removal or repositioning of front suspension and steering components, and after a severe impact from the front wheels, such as hitting a curb even at low speed.
You can determine the angle of installation of the front wheels by the pattern of tire tread wear. Availability "sawtooth" tread wear indicates incorrect front wheel toe adjustment. If sharp edges are located on the outside of the tread pattern, this indicates excessive negative convergence, if on the inside - excessive positive convergence (see chapter "Technical inspection").
It is recommended to have the fine adjustment of the front wheels performed by a VW dealer or another person with the necessary specialized equipment. However, as a temporary measure, front wheel toe-in can be adjusted using the telescopic ruler as described below.
Preconditions
Before checking or adjusting the front wheels, do the following:
- A) Check steering and front suspension pivots, bushings and mounts, and wheel bearings for wear and play.
- b) Check for proper steering adjustment (see section "Steering gear").
- V) Check tire pressure.
- G) The vehicle must be in an unloaded condition (spare wheel in place, trunk empty, etc.).
- d) Park the vehicle on a level, level ground.
- e) Rock the car a few times around each corner to eliminate residual stresses in the suspension. After that, do not change the suspension position by raising or getting into the vehicle.
- and) Set the wheels in a straight direction, roll the car forward a few meters and stop it without using the brakes. After that, do not move the car back.
Checking and adjusting the convergence
By setting the toe-in of the front wheels with a telescopic ruler, with great care, fine adjustment can be achieved.
The telescopic ruler is a sliding rod with a pair of supports, installed between the rims of the front wheels at the desired height. The length of the ruler is adjustable and can be fixed with a wing nut (telescopic ruler is best to take somewhere for temporary use).
1. Place a telescopic ruler behind the front wheel axle and adjust its length so that the ends of the ruler touch the wheel rims at hub height. Mark the readings on the ruler scale.
2. Take a second measurement of the distance between the front wheel rims, this time in front of the axle.
3. Difference (in millimeters) between two measurements will give the convergence value. The normal convergence value is given in the section "Technical data".
4. Move the vehicle forward so that the wheels turn 180°and repeat the measurements. Take the average of the two results.
5. Adjust the toe only with the right tie rod (even if an adjustable tie rod is installed on the left side).
6. To adjust, loosen the clamp on the outer end of the steering gear boot. Loosen the locknut at the tie rod end, while holding the tie rod body with a second wrench. If you try to unscrew the locknut with only one wrench, the ball pin will most likely be pulled out of the joint. By turning the tie rod with a gas wrench, achieve the required wheel toe value.
7. Tighten the locknut at the tie rod end. Tighten also a collar of a cover of the steering mechanism.
8. If the spokes of the steering wheel in the straight position of the wheels are not in a horizontal position, remove the steering wheel and rearrange it on the splines of the steering column shaft.
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