Online Guide and Manuals

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, make sure tires are properly inflated. Refer to manufacturers specifications given in owner's manual.

CASTER
If caster angle is not to specifications, adjust length of strut rods by loosening both (front and rear) lock nuts. Caster angle is decreased by shortening rods and increased by lengthening rods.

CAMBER
Camber angle is not adjustable. If not to specifications, check suspension for wear or damage and replace components as necessary

TOE-IN
Measure difference of distance between front of front tires and rear of front tires. If not to specifications, adjust by loosening outer sterring links and adjusting both equally to obtain specifications.

1973 Wheel Alignment Specifications

1974 Wheel Alignment Specifications

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, make sure tires are properly inflated. Refer to owner's manual for manufacturer's specifications.

RIDING HEIGHT
XJ6 & XJ12 (Front) - Check that vehicle is full of gasoline oil and water, and that tires are properly inflated. Press down on front bumper and slowly release, then lift up on bumper and slowly release, this will settle front suspension. Measure distance between center of headlight and ground on both sides of vehicle. Correct height should be 24.6" (611 mm) minimum. To adjust, install or remove spring spacers from front coil spring. NOTE - Spring spacers are 1/8" (3.2 mm) thick, and will change riding height approximately 5/16" (7.9 mm).
XKE V-12 (Front) - Check that vehicle is full of gasoline, oil, and water and that tires are properly inflated. Roll vehicle forward three car lengths to settle suspension system. Measure distance from lower front sub-frame to ground on each side of vehicle. This measurement should be 6 1/4±1/4". If necessary to adjust, loosen lock nut on cam adjuster of lower control arm. Rotate cam adjuster to give correct height. Tighten locknut and recheck riding height.
All Models (Rear) - Check that vehicle is full of gasoline water and oil, and that tires are properly inflated. Roll forward three car lengths to settle suspension system. Measure distance between lower surface of rear crossmember and ground on both sides of vehicle. Correct height should be 7.45±.25" (189±6mm) on XJ6 and XJ12 models or 7.9±.25" (201±6 mm) on XKE V-12. If height is incorrect, it will be necessary to replace all four rear springs.

Caster and Camber Setting Tool (XJ6 & XJ12)

PREPARATION FOR CASTER AND CAMBER ADJUSTMENT (XJ6 & XJ12)
Ensure vehicle is on level ground and that tires are properly inflated. Before checking or adjusting caster or camber it will be necessary to fabricate two setting tools (see illustrations). Compress front suspension and insert tools under upper control arms adjacent to control arm rubber stops and over brackets welded to bottom of control arms. Compress rear suspension and install suitable suspension setting links (J.25), to lock rear suspension in place (see illustration). Vehicle is now locked in half-loaded condition and caster and camber can be checked and adjusted.

LOCKING REAR SUSPENSION (All Models)

CASTER
NOTE - Before adjusting caster angle, make sure car is standing at normal riding height.

XJ6 and XJ12 - If caster angle is not within specifications, adjust by moving shims on front and rear of upper control arm ball joint. To increase caster, loosen bolts securing upper ball joint and move shims from rear of ball joint to front of ball joint. To decrease caster, reverse procedure. Tighten ball joint attaching bolts and recheck caster angle
XKE V-12 - Before attempting to check or adjust caster angle, it will be necessary to simulate a half-loaded condition. This is accomplished by use of wooden blocks 6.25" high placed under caster of front sub-frame lower crossmember.. Load vehicle until crossmember contact wooden block. If caste ris not to specifications, adjust by rotating threaded shaft of upper control arm. With lock nuts loose and control arm bushing brackets loosened on sub-frame, rotate threaded shaft clockwise to decrease caster or counterclockwise to increae caster. Tighten shaft lock nuts and bolts on control arm bushing brackets.

CAMBER
NOTE - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle it will be necessary to make sure that vehicle is standing at normal riding height.

XJ6 & XJ12 (Front) - With wheels in straight-ahead position, measure camber angle. NOTE - Two front wheels must be within 1/4 degrees of each other. Adjustment is accomplished by means of shims placed between control arm mounting bracket and the frame. Adding shims decreases camber angle. NOTE - Be sure to use the same number of shims on each bolt otherwise castor angle will be affected.
XKE V-12 (Front) - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle, it will be necessary to simulate a half-loaded condition. This is accomplished by use of wooden blocks 6.25" high. Place wooden blocks under center of front sub-frame and load vehicle until sub-frame touches wooden blocks. If camber is not to specifications, adjust be adding or subtracting shims between upper control arm shaft and sub-frame. Shims are available in several thicknesses. The addition of one 1/16" shim will change camber angle 1/4 degrees.
All Models (Rear) - Before checking rear wheel camber, rear suspension must be in the half-loaded position. See Preparation for Caster and Camber Adjustment. To adjust, remove suspension setting links (JD.25), raise and support rear of vehicle and remove wheels. Loosen nuts securing half-shaft to brake disc, then add or remove shims as required to bring camber angle within specifications. NOTE - Addition of one .020" (5 mm) shim will alter camber 1/4 Degrees. Retighten nuts and bolts and check camber angle.

TOE-IN
All Models - Place wheels in straight ahead position and measure toe-in. If not to specifications, adjust by loosening steering link lock nuts and rotating adjuster sleeves to obtaining correct toe-in. Tighten lock nuts and recheck toe-in.

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, make sure tires are properly inflated. Refer to owner's manual for manufacturer's specifications.

RIDING HEIGHT
XJ6 (Front) - Vehicle should be loaded with sufficient weight to equal driver, three passengers and ten gallons of gasoline, or 850 lbs.
XJ6 (Rear) - Set rear riding height using two setting links (Churchill No. J25). Hook link into lower hole of rear mounting and depress body until end of tool can be slid over the hub carrier fulcrum nut.
XJ12 (Front) - With vehicle full of gasoline, water and oil, press downward on front bumper and release. Measure distance from lower (front) crossmember to ground. Make this measurement at both left and right sides of flat surface on crossmember. Now pull upward on front bumper and slowly release. Again measure distance. Calculate the average riding height for each side. This measurement should be 6 3/4 ± 1/8". If necessary to adjust, install or remove spring spacer from front coil springs.
XJ12 (Rear) - Check contents of each fuel tank and use appropriate weights to compensate for unequal weight distribution. Roll vehicle forward three car lengths, to level suspension. Measure distance between lower surface of rear crossmember and ground at both sides of vehicle. This distance should be 7.45±25". If dimension is incorrect, it will be necessary to change all four rear springs.

Jaguar Suspension Setting Links

XKE V-12 (Front) - Check that vehicle is full of gasoline oil, and water and that tires are properly inflated. Roll vehicle forward three car lengths to settle suspension system. Measure distance from lower front sub-frame to ground on each side of vehicle. This measurement should be 6 1/4±1/4". If necessary to adjust, loosen locknut on cam adjuster of lower control arm. Rotate cam adjuster to give correct height. Tighten locknut and recheck riding height.
XKE V-12 (Rear) - Check contents of each fuel tank and use appropriate weights to compensate for unequal weight distribution. Roll vehicle forward three car lengths to settle suspension system. Measure distance between lower surface of rear crossmember and ground on both sides of vehicle. This measurement should be 7.9±.25". If dimension is incorrect, it will be necessary to change all four rear springs

CASTER
NOTE - Before adjusting caster angle, make sure car is standing at normal riding height.
XJ6 - If caster angle is not to specifications, adjust by moving shims on front and rear of upper control arm ball joint. To increase positive caster, loosen bolts securing upper ball joint and move shims from rear of ball joint to front of ball joint. To decrease caster, reverse the procedure. NOTE - There must always be at least four shims (total for front and rear) used at one time. More may be used if necessary, but never less than four.
XJ12 - Before attempting to check or adjust caster angle, it will be necessary to place enough weight in vehicle to simulate a half-loaded condition (approx. 425 lbs.). If caster angle is not to specifications, adjust by moving shims on front and rear of upper control arm ball joint. To increase positive caster, loosen bolts securing upper ball joint and move shims from rear of ball joint to front of ball joint. To decrease caster, reverse the procedure.
XKE V-12 - Before attempting to check or adjust caster angle, it will be necessary to simulate a half-loaded condition. This is accomplished by use of wooden blocks 6.25" high placed under center of front sub-frame lower crossmember. Load vehicle until crossmember contacts wooden block. If caster is not to specifications, adjust by rotating threaded shaft of upper control arm. With lock nuts loose and control arm bushing brackets loosened on sub-frame, rotate threaded shaft clockwise to decrease caster or counterclockwise to increaes caster. Tighten shaft lock nuts and bolts on control arm bushing brackets.

CAMBER
NOTE - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle it will be necessary to make sure that vehicle is standing at normal height.
XJ6 & XJ12 (Front) - With wheels in straight ahead position, measure camber angle. NOTE - Two front wheels must be within 1/4 degrees of each other. Adjustment is accomplished by means of shims placed between control arm mounting bracket and the frame. Adding shims decreases camber angle. Be sure to use the same number of shims on each bolt otherwise caster angle will be effected.
XKE V-12 (Front) - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle, it will be necessary to simulate a half-loaded condition. This is accomplished by use of wooden blocks 6.25" high. Place wooden blocks under center of front sub-frame and load vehicle until sub-frame touches wooden blocks. If camber is not to specifications, adjust by adding or subtracting shims between upper control arm shaft and sub-frame. Shims are available in several thicknesses. The addition of one 1/16" shim will change camber angle 1/4 degrees.
All Models (Rear) - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle, it will be necessary to place enough weight in vehicle to simulate a half-loaded condition (approx. 425 lbs.). If camber angle is not to specifications, adjust by adding or subtracting shims between the half-shaft and brake disc. Shims are available in .020", which will alter camber angle 1/4 degrees.

TOE-IN
All Models - Place wheels in straight ahead position and measure toe-in. If not to specifications, adjust by loosening stering link lock nuts and rotating adjuster sleeves to obtain correct toe-in. Tighten lock nuts and recheck toe-in.

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

RIDING HEIGHT
Mk II, 3.8 and Mk 10 Front - Vehicle should be in unloaded condition with full tank of gas.
Mk II Rear - Vehicle should be in unloaded condition with full tank of gas.

FRONT SUSPENSION SETTING LINKS

3.8, 420 Series, Mk 10, XKE 3.8, XKE 4.2 AND XJ6 Rear - Set rear riding height using two setting links (Churchill No. J25). Hook link into lower hole of rear mounting and depress the body until other end of tool can be slid over hub carrier fulcrum nut.
420 and 420 G Front - Place block (3 3/8" high) between upper wishbone (adjacent to bump stop rebound rubber) and bracket welded to bottom of turret. Load vehicle until wishbone is resting on block.
XJ6 Front - Vehicle should be loaded with weights equivalent to four persons and have a full tank of gas.
XKE III V12 Front - With full tanks of gas in vehicle, set block (6.125" high) under center of front sub-frame lower crossmember. Load vehicle with weights until crossmember contacts block.
XKE III V12 Rear - Measure distance between lower surface of rear crossmember and ground. If not within specifications (7.90" ± .25"), check all bushings and bearing points of rear suspension. If not defects discovered, replace rear road spring.
XKE 3. AND XKE 4.2 Front - Set links which fit over the top and bottom shock absorber mountings to hold vehicle in mid-ladden condition (see illustration for link dimensions).

CASTER
Mk II, Mk 10, 420 Series and XJ6 - If caster is not within specifications, loosen bolts securing upper wishbone member. To adjust, shims are located at upper wishbone ball joint. To increase caster, move shims from the rear side to front side of wishbone member. To decrease, move shims from front to rear. NOTE - A total of 8 shims must be used at all time exc. XJ6 which has total of 4 shims. Tighten bolts and recheck caster angle.
XKE III V12, XKE 3.8 & XKE 4.2 - If caster is not within specifications, loosen lock nuts on fulcrum shaft and wishbone clamping bolts. Rotate fulcrum shaft until caster is within specifications. Tighten wishbone clamping bolts. Remove test block and load to allow full weight of vehicle to rest on front suspension. Tighten fulcrum shaft lock nuts. NOTE - Undue torsional loading of rubber bushings will occur if weight of torsional loading of rubber bushings will occur if weight of vehicle is not on front suspension. Recheck caster. 

CAMBER
Mk II, 420 Series, 3.8 Mk 10 and XJ6 Front - If camber is not within specifications, support lower wishbone at outer mounting point and remove bolts securing upper wishbone bracket. To increase camber, remove equal amount of shims from front and rear bolts. To decrease camber, add equal amount of shims to both bolts. Install and tighten bolts. Remove support and check camber angle. NOTE - Always change shims in equal amount so caster will not be affected.
XKE III V12, XKE 3.8 & XKE 4.2 Front - If camber is not within specifications, loosen bolts securing front and rear fulcrum shaft mounting brackets to sub-frame. To increase camber, add shims in equal amounts to front and rear mounting brackets. To decrease, remove shims in equal amounts. Tighten bolts and recheck camber angle.
All Models Rear (Exc. XKE III V12) - If rear camber is not within specifications, raise vehicle and remove wheel. Remove nut and washer securing forward road spring and shock absorber to wishbone mounting pin. Drift mounting pin through wishbone until assembly is free from pin. Remove nut and bolt securing top of road spring and shock absorber to cross beam and remove assembly. Loosen nuts securing half shaft to brake disc and pull hub and half shaft away from shims enough to clear disc mounting stud. Remove or ad shims as necessary to adjust camber to specifications. Reverse removal procedure and recheck camber.
XKE III V12 Rear - If rear camber is not within specifications, raise vehicle, remove wheel and use stands to support body. Remove lower wishbone outer fulcrum grease nipple. Remove nuts securing half shaft to brake disc and separate half shaft from disk. Add or remove shims to set camber to specifications. Reverse removal procedure and recheck camber angle.

TOE-IN
Mk II, 3.8 and 420 Series (Standard Steering) - Place front wheels in straight ahead position and check toe-in measurement. Move vehicle ahead so front wheels rotate 180 Degrees and take second reading. Take average of two readings to determine toe-in. If not within specifications, loosen clamp bolt at each end of center tie rod. Rotate rod, setting toe-in to specifications. Tighten clamp bolts and recheck toe-in.
XJ6 MK 10, XKE III V12, 420 Series (Power Steering) and XKE 3.8 & 4.2 - Place front wheels in straight ahead position and check toe-in measurement. Move vehicle ahead so front wheels rotate 180 degrees and take second reading. Take average of two readings to determine toe-in. If not within specifications, loosen lock nuts on side tie rod. To adjust toe-in, turn side tie rods by equal amounts to set toe-in to specifications. Tighten lock nuts and recheck toe-in

Model X1/9 Front and Rear - Camber is nonadjustable. If not within specifications, inspect suspension for damage and repair or replace parts as necessary.

TOE-IN
Model 128, 131 and X1/9 Front - Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen sleeve locking nut on tie rods. To adjust, rotate hexagon on ball pin to set toe-in to specifications. Hold hexagon in position and lock nut against tie rod sleeve.

Model 128 Rear - If rear toe-in is not within specifications raise rear of vehicle and compress one end of leaf spring, shifting it from flexible guide anchoring spring to control arm. Remove guide and slowly release spring. Remove nuts attaching pivot to body and loosen screws to free adjustment shims. To increase toe-in, add shims to rear screw or remove shims from front screw. To decrease, add shims to front screw or remove shims from rear screw.

Model 124 Front - Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen four clamps securing sleeves on tie rods. Rotate tie rods in opposite direction (by equal amounts) to set toe-in to specifications. Tighten clamp nuts. NOTE - Expansion slot in sleeve must coincide with clamp joint when clamp is fully tightened.

Model X1/9 Rear - If rear wheel toe-in is not within specifications, loosen clamps securing sleeves to reaction  rods. Adjust toe-in by lengthening or shortening reaction rods. Tighten clamps and recheck toe-in.

ADJUSTMENT
TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before checking or adjusting wheel alignment, make sure tires are correctly inflated. Refer to manufacturers specifications located in glove box.
RIDING HEIGHT
Make sure tires are properly inflated. Measure from bottom of side marker lamps to ground. If height measurement is not within specifications, check rear height before attempting to repair front suspension

CASTER
Caster is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.
CAMBER
Camber is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.
TOE-OUT
Front, CVCC and Accord - Loosen lock nuts at each end of tie rods. Turn tie rod until toe-out is within specifications. Use same procedure for both sides. To center steering wheel after toe has been adjusted, turn both tie rods in same direction til steering wheel (spokes) are centered. Tighten lock nuts.
TOE-IN
Rear, CVCC and Accord - To adjust toe-in, loosen nuts on radius rods. Rotate radius rods until toe-in is within specifications, then tighten lock nuts. NOTE - Each notch on cam plate is equal to 5/64" movement.

ADJUSTMENTS
TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, make sure tires are properly inflated. Refer to owner's manual for manufacturer's specifications.
RIDING HEIGHT
All Models (Front) - 1) Check that vehicle is full of fuel, oil and water, and that tires are properly inflated. Press down on front bumper and slowly release, then lift up on bumper and slowly release, this will settle front suspension.
2) On XJ6 and XJ12 models, measure distance between center of outer headlight and ground on both sides of vehicle. Height should be 24.6" (611 mm) minimum.
3) On XJS models, measure distance between lower face of crossmember and ground on both sides. Height should be 6.0" (152 mm) minimum, plus thickness of slip plates.
4) On all models, adjust by installing or removing spring spacers from front coil spring. NOTE - Spring spacers are 1/8" (3.2 mm) thick and will change riding height approximately 5/16" (7.9 mm).
All Models (Rear) - Check that vehicle is full of gasoline, water and oil, and that tires are properly inflated. Roll vehicle forward three car lengths to settle suspension system. Measure distance between lower surface of rear crossmember and ground on both sides of vehicle. Correct height should be 7.45±.25 (189±6 mm). If height is correct, it will be unnecessary to proceed further, however if height is incorrect, all four rear springs will need to be replaced.

Fig. 1 Dimensions for Fabricating the Two Necessary Setting Tools

PREPARATION FOR CASTER AND CAMBER ADJUSTMENT
1) Ensure vehicle is on level ground and that tires are properly inflated. Before checking or adjusting caster or camber it will be necessary to fabricate two setting tools (See Fig. 1.)
2) Compress front suspension and insert tools under upper control arms, adjacent to control arm rubber stops and over brackets welded to bottom of control arms.
3) Compress rear suspension and install suitable suspension setting links (J.25), to lock rear suspension in place (See. Fig. 2). Vehicle is now locked in half-loaded condition and caster and camber can be checked and adjusted.

Rear Suspension in Locked Position with Special Tool

CASTER
NOTE - Before adjusting caster angle, make sure car is standing at normal riding height.
All Models - If caster angle is not within specifications , adjust by moving shims on front and rear of upper control arm ball joint. To increase caster, loosen bolts securing upper ball joint and move shims from rear of ball joint to front of ball joint. To decrease caster, reverse procedure. Tighten ball joint attaching bolts and recheck caster angle
CAMBER
NOTE - Before attempting to check or adjust camber angle will be necessary to make sure that vehicle is in half-loaded condition
All Models (Front) - With wheels in straight-ahead position measure camber angle. NOTE - Two front wheels must be within 1/4 degrees of each other. Adjustment is accomplished by means of shims placed between control arm mounting bracket and the frame. Adding shims increases camber angle NOTE - Be sure to use the same number of shims on each bolt, otherwise caster angle will be affected.
All Models (Rear) - Before checking rear wheel camber, rear suspension must be in the half-loaded position. See Preparation for Caster and Camber Adjustment. To adjust, remove suspension setting links (JD.25), raise and support rear of vehicle and remove wheels. Loosen nuts securing half-shaft to brake disc, then add or remove shims as required to bring camber angle within specifications. NOTE - Addition of one .020" (5 mm) shim will alter camber 1/4 degrees. Retighten nuts and bolts and check camber angle.
TOE-IN
All Models - Place vehicle in straight-ahead position. Remove greae nipple from rack adjuster nut. Put centralizing tool 12279 (or equivalent) into locating hole. Push tool on to back of rack bar. Slowly turn steering wheel until tool drops into back of rack bar. Measure toe-in. If toe-in is now within specifications, adjust by loosening steering link lock nuts and rotating adjuster sleeves equal amounts, as necessary. Tighten lock nuts and recheck to-in

TIRE INFLATION
Before checking or adjusting wheel alignment, ensure tires are correctly inflated. Refer to manufacturers specifications located in glove box or on right hand door jam.
RIDING HEIGHT
1) Place vehicle on smooth level surface. Bounce vehicle several times. Raise vehicle and allow to settle at normal height. Measure distance as shown in Fig. 1 and 2

NOTE -  Height check should be made with a full tank of gas, spare tire installed, and jack included. No passengers should be in vehicle.
2) Difference between measurements of each side must not be more than 1/2". If an adjustment is necessary, it can be made at bolt on height control arm.
Riding Height Specifications
Front= 4.6"    Rear = 6.0"
CASTER
Adjustmen is made with shims inserted between upper control arm pivot shaft and frame. Adding or subtracting shims from either front or rear bolts will effect a change in caster. Shims may be transferred from front to rear or from rear to front. Transfer of one shim from front bolt to rear bolt will decrease positive caster. For correct specifications, refer to table.
CAMBER
Camber is adjusted by adding or subtracting shims. Adding equal number of shims at both front and rear of pivot shaft will decrease positive camber. For correct specifications, refer to table.
TOE-IN
NOTE - Toe-in must be adjusted after caster and camber adjustment.
Toe in can be adjusted by rotating the intermediate rod after loosening lock nuts. Rotating intermediate rod towards front of vehicle reduces toe-in and towards rear of vehicle increases toe-in. For correct specifications, refer to specifications table.

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before checking or adjusting wheel alignment, make sure tires are correctly inflated. Refer to manufacturers specifications located in glove box

RIDING HEIGHT
Make sure tires are properly inflated. Measure from bottom of side marker lamps to ground. If height measurement is not within specifications, check rear height before attempting to repair front suspension

CASTER
Caster is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.

CAMBER
Camber is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.

TOE-IN
Front - To adjust toe-in, loosen lock nuts at each of the tie rods. To increase toe-in, turn the right tie rod in the direction of wheel rotations when the vehicle moves forward and turn left tie rod in the opposite direction. Turn both tie rods an equal amount until toe-in is within specifications. Tighten lock nuts of each tie rod.

Rear (CVCC Only) - To adjust toe-in, loosen lock nuts on radius rods. Rotate radius rods until toe-in is within specifications, then tighten lock nuts.

TIRE INFLATION (COLD)
Before checking or adjusting wheel alignment, make sure tires are correctly inflated. Refer to manufacturers specifications located in glove box.

RIDING HEIGHT
Make sure tires are properly inflated. Measure from bottom side marker lamps to ground. This distance should be 25.78" in front and 24.01" in rear. NOTE - If height measurement is not within specifications, check rear height before attempting to repair front suspension.

CASTER
Caster is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.

CAMBER
Camber is nonadjustable. If alignment is not within specifications, inspect for damaged parts and replace as necessary.

TOE-IN
To adjust toe-in, loosen lock nuts at each of the tie rods. To increase toe-in, turn the right tie rod in the direction of wheel rotation when the car4 moves forward and turn the left tie rod in the opposite direction. Turn both tie rods an equal amount until toe-in is within specifications. Tighten lock nuts of each tie rod.