Online Guide and Manuals

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

If caster angle is not within specifications, loosen lock nuts "C" and "D" on strut rod. To reduce caster angle unscrew nut "B" and tighten nut "A". To increase caster angle, unscrew nut "A" and tighten nut "B". When caster angle is within specifications tighten all nuts.

Camber angle is not adjustable. If not within specifications, inspect front suspension fro wear or damage and repair or replace components as necessary.


If toe-in is not to specifications, disconnect steering arm at rock end. Loosen lock nut on steering end fitting. To increase unscrew end fitting. To decrease, screw in fitting. TIghen lock nut and connect steering arm. Recheck toe-in.

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


CASTER
Dauphine 1090, 1094 and 1095 - Caster is non adjustable. If not within specifications, check front suspension for worn or damage parts. Replace as necessary.

R-16 Models - If caster is not within specifications, loosen lower suspension arm bearing bolts. Lift bearing outwards with a lever to gain access to shims. Add or remove shims to adjust caster. Maximum thickness of shims must not exceed 1/8". With caster to specifications tighten bearing bolts.

R-8, R-10 and Caravelle - Before checking caster, install front suspension compressor (Sus 212) with hook over side rail and tip of compressor under lower control arm. Push down on compressor handle to compress spring. Place gauge (T. Av. 56A) between side rail and upper control arm and remove compressor. Repeat for both sides of vehicles.
If caster is not within specifications, place vehicle on stands and remove front wheels. Use suitable gauge (T. Av. 59) to measure height of steering ball joint shank. Measure distance between steering ball joint shank and reference face of gauge. If not within specifications. (0 to .078") adjust height of steering ball link ball joint so both sides of vehicle are identical To adjust, loosen nuts securing both lower suspension arm hinge bearings and adjust height by turning hexagon on rear bearing. Rotate hexagon by 1/4 turn increments. Tighten all nuts and recheck caster.

R-12, R15 and R-17 - If caster is not within specifications adjust tie rod mounting at side member end to other caster. Loosen lock nuts "C" and "D" (see illustrations). Unscrew nut "B" and screw nut "A" to reduce caster. To increase caster, unscrew "A" and screw "B". With caster within specifications, torque nuts "A" and screw in "B". With caster within specifications, torque nuts "A" and "B" to 40 ft. lbs. While holding "A" torque "C" to 50 ft. lbs. and repeat for lock nut "D". Recheck caster angle.


CAMBER
All Models Exc. R-16 - Camber is nonadjustable. If not within specifications, inspect front suspension for worn or damaged parts. Repair or replace as necessary.
R-16 - If camber is not within specifications, insert shims between upper suspension arm and cowl side to set camber within limits. Maximum thickness of shims is 1/8".

TOE-IN
Dauphine - Place wheels in straight ahead position and check toe-in measurement. Move vehicle ahead so front wheels rotate 180° and take second reading. Take average of two readings to determine toe-in. If not within specifications, loosen nut on steering link ball joints. Loosen link end fitting and rotate steering link ball joints to set toe-in to specifications. Tighten link end fitting and lock nut. Recheck toe-in.
R-8, R-10 & Caravelle - Before checking toe-in, install front suspension compressor (Sus 212) with hook over side rail and tip of compressor under lower control arm. Push down on compressor handle to compress spring. Place gauge (T. Av. 56A) between side rail and upper control arm and remove compressor. Repeat for both sides of vehicles.
IF toe-in is not within specifications, push rubber boot back form end fitting nut and use suitable wrench (Dir 211) to loosen end fitting nut. Remove tie rod clevis pin. Rotate end fitting to adjust toe-in to specifications. Lubricate tie rod clevis pin with spagraph grease and install clevis pin. Compress spring as outlined and remove gauge. Fit fork (Dir 210) on gauge and install assembly with fork jaws around clevis to hold clevis parallel with side rail. Tighten end fitting nut and recheck toe-in. If toe-in is within specifications, compress spring and remove fork and gauge assembly and compressor. Slide rubber boot over end fitting nut and repeat procedure on other wheel if necessary.
R-16 - If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen lock nut on steering end fitting. Unscrew end fitting to decrease toe-in, and screw end fitting in, to increase toe-in. Lubricate the pivot pin with Hatmo grease and reconnect the steering arm. Tighten lock nut while holding the steering arm to ensure that end fitting pivot pin remains horizontal. Recheck toe-in.
R-12, R-15 & R-17 - If toe-in is not within specifications, disconnect steering arm at the rack end. Loosen lock nut on steering end fitting. To increase toe-in, unscrew end fitting and screw fitting in to decrease toe-in, unscrew end fitting and screw fitting in to decrease toe-in. Tighten lock nut and connect steering arm. Recheck toe-in.

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

NOTE - Riding height should be set with full tanks of gasoline and spare tire included.

All Models (Front) - Checking or adjusting riding height can only be performed with vehicle on level surface. Mark center of front wheel hub cap (grease retainer cup). Bounce vehicle several times to settle suspension. Measure distance "a" as shown in illustrations, then measure distance "b". Difference "a" and "b" should be to specifications. If necessary to adjust, loosen or tighten torsion bar adjusting bolt until correct height is obtained. Bounce vehicle several times and recheck height. NOTE - Difference between right and left measurement must not exceed .20".


911 Series (Rear) - Checking or adjusting riding height can only be performed with vehicle on level surface. Mark center of rear wheel. Bounce vehicle on level surface. Mark center of rear wheel. Measure distance "a" as shown in illustrations. Distance "a" plus .468" euals "b"; however, distance "b" is difficult to measure because the torsion bar is mounted off center in its rubber bushing. Therefore, it is necessary to measure distance "b 1" and add .585" (radius of bushing). This total should be equal to "b" should be .468±.20". Difference in height from left to right should not exceed .197". If values are not within specifications, check front height and rear torsion bar adjustment. Correct as required.

All Models - If caster angle is not to specifications, it will be necessary to move adjuster plate which attaches to front shock absorber. Remove enough front compartment carpet to allow access to top of each shock absorber. Mark position of each movable plate, located below each Allen screw. Loosen each screw and upper shock absorber nut. Move assembly lengthwise to obtain correct caster angle. Tighten all three screws and shock absorber nut. NOTE - Movement of adjuster plate from side to side will affect camber angle.


911 Series (Rear) - Mandatory prerequisite, for obtaining permissible camber values at rear wheels, is proper adjustment of rear torsion bars. See Torsion Bar Adjustment. Loosen nuts on retaining bolts and nuts on eccentric bolt at rear axle flange. Turn camber eccentric until camber angle is within specifications. Tighten retaining nuts and eccentric bolt nuts.

914 Series (Rear) - Mark position of rear axle control arm on base plate and remove center bolt. Loosen remaining bolts. Change shims between control arm bushing and body. Shims are available in .039" thicknesses. Addition or removal of one shim changes camber angle by 10'. With camber angle to specifications tighten all bolts.

All Models - Place wheel in straight-ahead position. Adjust left and right steering links (tie rods) equally to obtain specified setting. Coat each steering link with anti-corrosive compound after adjustment.

911 Series (Rear) - Place torsion bar into transverse tube with inner end splines first. Slip radius arm onto outer end splines of torsion bar. Place suitable leveling tool (VW 261) on lower edge of door opening and adjust level so bubble is in center of glass. Check adjustment (degrees) of free hanging radius arm with some leveling tool. If not to specifications, adjust by turning torsion bar and radius arm in opposite directions. Adjustment of both radius arms must each equal 36°45'±15.

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


NOTE -  Riding height should be set with a full tank of gas and spare tire in proper position.
All Models (Exc. 356B/C and 911E) Front - Check or adjust riding height with vehicle on level ground. Mark center of front wheel hub cap. Bounce vehicle several times to settle front suspension. Measure dimension "a" as shown in illustration. When riding height is properly set, dimension "b" is 4.25" (911 & 912) or 3.54" (914) less than dimension "a" ± .2". To adjust riding height, if not properly set, loosen or tighten adjusting screw on torsion bar until correct dimension is obtained. Bounce vehicle several times and recheck. Difference between right hand and left hand measurement may not be more than .2".
911E (1969-72) - These models equipped with self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system. Spring struts must be brought to correct height before proceeding with wheel alignment checks. Insert the measuring pins of suitable tool (P 1036),  through the hollow of sub frame until they make contact with the left and right wishbones. Attach the measuring pins with a small amount of grease. Lift car at the front center with a car jack until dimension "b", shown in illustration, is 4.252. Carry out normal wheel alignment procedures. NOTE - If hydraulic car jack is used, make sure that the hack does not sink while checking alignment.

FRONT RIDING HEIGHT DIMENSIONS

REAR AXLE RIDING HEIGHT DIMENSIONS

911 & 912 Rear (1965-72) - Check rear axle height with vehicle on level ground. Bounce vehicle several times to set suspension at proper attitude. Mark center of rear wheel and measure dimension "a" as shown in illustration. To calculate "b1", add .472 in. to dimension "a" less radius of the bushing cover on torsion bar. Measure "b1". Calculated value should not differ from actual measurement by more than .197 in. The height difference between left and right side should not be more than .315 in. If values are not within limits, check height adjustment of front suspension and rear torsion bar adjustment. Correct if necessary.

All Models Exc. 356B/C - Remove sealing compound on pressure plates and supporting bearings. Mark position of single hole and double hole pressure plates . Loosen pressure plate bolts. Shift supporting bearing with shock absorber strut in vehicle lengthwise direction until caster is within specifications. NOTE - Any shifting of shock absorber strut in crosswise direction will change the camber adjustment. Tighten pressure plate bolts.
356B/C - If caster is not within specifications check torsion bar angle and correct if necessary. See Torsion Bar installation in SUSPENSION Section. If caster still not within specifications with torsion bar adjustment correct, remove and check suspension arms and the stub axles separately.

All Models Front Exc. 356B/C - To adjust camber, refer to Caster adjustment procedure and not the following. Shift supporting bearing with shock absorber strut in vehicle crosswise direction to adjust camber to specifications. Tighten pressure plate bolts and reseal supporting bearings and pressure plates with a permanent elastic sealing compound
356B/C Front - if camber not within specifications check torsion bar angle and correct if necessary. See Torsion Bar Installation in SUSPENSION Section. If camber still not within specifications with torsion bar adjustment correct, check suspension arm offset, suspension arm and stub axles. Replace as necessary.
911 & 912 Rear (1965-72) - Mandatory prerequisite for obtaining permissible camber values at rear wheels is proper adjustment of torsion bars. See Torsion Bar Adjustment. Loosen retaining bolt nuts and eccentric bolt nuts at the rear axle flange. Turn camber eccentric so camber angle within specifications. Tighten retaining bolt nuts and eccentric bolt nuts.
914 Rear (1970-72) - Mark position of rear axle control arm on base plate and remove center bolt. Loosen remaining bolts only slightly. Change shims between control arm bearing and body to change camber angle. A 1mm shim results in approx. 10" change of camber. With camber to correct specifications tighten bolts, install center bolt and tighten.
356B/C Rear (1963-65) - The camber adjustment depends on the setting of the radius arms. If camber not within specifications, See Torsion Bar Adjustments.

All Models Front Exc. 356B/C - Turn steering wheel to center position (wheels straight ahead). Adjust left hand and right hand tie rods to bring each wheel to a 20" toe-in. Wheels should be pressed with a preload of 33lbs. NOTE - Coat the threaded part of the tie rod with an anti-corrosion compound upon completion of front axle adjusting.
356B/C Front - Turn steering wheel to center position (wheel straight ahead). Adjust short tie rod so left wheel shows + 10' toe-in (pressed). Adjust long tie rod so right wheel shows +10' toe-in (pressed)
911 & 912 Rear (1965-72) - Loosen retaining bolt nuts and eccentric bolt nuts at the rear axle flange. Turn toe eccentric so that specifications are within limits. If in cases requiring extreme adjustment the camber eccentric is in the extreme left or right of the oblong cavity in the radius arm then the camber eccentric should be turned around by 180 degrees to preclude possible binding. NOTE - The camber eccentric must always point down at the time of installation to preclude binding when toe-in adjustments are made. Tighten retaining bolt nuts and eccentric bolt nuts. Recheck rear wheel camber and toe.
914 Rear (1970-72) - Slightly loosen control arm bearing bolts and push control arm outside (back or forth) as required. Move until specifications are within limits. Tighten bolts.
356B/C Rear (1963-65) - Loosen bolts on bearing flange of axle tube and strap screw. More axle tube until specifications are within limits. Tighten stop screw and screws on bearing flange.

911 and 912 Rear (1965-72) - Place torsion bar into transverse tube with inner end splines first. Slip radius arm onto outer end splines of torsion bar. Place suitable tool (VW 261) onto the lower edge of door cavity in body and adjust clinometer so bubble in glass tube is in center. Check adjustment of free hanging radius arm using suitable tool (VW 261). If not within specifications adjust by turning torsion bar and radius arm in opposite directions to change angle. Adjustments of both radius arms must be the same if camber specifications are to be within limits.
356B/C Rear (1963-65) - Using suitable tool (VW 245o) check horizontal position of vehicle on floor tunnel and more reading to be taken into account in setting radius arm. Install torsion bar so that splines engage socket in frame. Install radius arm on outer end of torsion bar. Place suitable tool (VW 245o) on unloaded radius arm. Adjust pendulum on tool so that level is horizontal. If actual angle of radius arm  is not within specifications, adjust by moving torsion bar and radius arm in opposite directions to change angle. The adjustment of both radius arms should be identical. When adjusting one side, always check other side. Correct if necessary.

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

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

TOE-IN
Position wheels in straight-ahead position. If toe-in is not specification, loosen clamping bolts on left tie rod. To adjust rotate sleeve in either direction necessary to obtain specified toe-in. NOTE - One turn of adjustable sleeve equals .1755". Tighten clamping bolt and recheck toe-in.

TIRE INFLATION
Before attempting to check or adjust wheel alignment, ensure that tires are properly inflated



CASTER
All Models - Caster is nonadjustable. If not within specifications, check front suspension for worn or damaged parts. Repair or replace as necessary.

CAMBER
All Models - Camber is nonadjustable. If not within specifications, check front suspension for worn or damage parts. Repair or replace as necessary.

TOE-IN
Model 403 - Position wheels in straight ahead position. If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen center connecting rod lock nuts. Rotate rod until toe-in is within specifications. Tighten lock nuts and recheck toe-in.

Model 404 - Position wheels in straight ahead position. If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen lock nut on left tie rod. To adjust, rotate tie rod until toe-in is within specifications. Tighten lock nut and check toe-in

Model 504 - Position wheels in straight ahead position. If toe-in is not within specifications, loosen clamping nuts on tie rod. Hold ball joint in horizontal position and rotate tie rod to obtain correct toe-in. Tighten clamping nuts and recheck toe-in.