Front Wheel Alignment Angles — General Characteristics (Opel Vectra A)

1. Accurate front wheel alignment is essential for efficient steering and even tire wear. Before performing any checks or adjustments, make sure the tires are properly inflated. Also check that all steering and suspension joints and links are in good condition and that the wheels are not deformed (especially the rims). Park the car on a level place (not downhill).

2. Wheel installation consists of four components:

• a) Camber - the angle at which the front wheels deviate from the vertical line when viewed from the front of the car. Camber is considered "positive" when the tops of the wheels are tilted outward.
• b) Kingpin caster - the angle between the kingpin axis and the vertical line when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Kingpin caster is "positive" when the top of the kingpin is tilted rearward.
• c) Transverse inclination of the kingpin - the angle between the vertical and an imaginary line drawn through the upper mount of the suspension strut and the ball joint of the lower suspension arm, or through the center of the kingpin bushings (if you look from the days of the car parts).
• d) Toe-in is the value at which the distance between the front and inner edges of the wheel (measure at hub height) differs from the distance measured between points diametrically opposite to them.

3. With the exception of toe-in, the front wheel angles are set at the time of vehicle production and adjustment of these components is not possible. It can therefore be assumed that if the vehicle has not been in an accident and the suspension components are in satisfactory condition, the preset kingpin angles will be correct. If there is any doubt about their accuracy, please contact your Opel dealer.



4. However, a car enthusiast can check and adjust the front wheel alignment. This will require a special template. There are two types of such templates, they can be purchased at spare parts stores. The first type measures the distance between the front and rear edges of the inner edges of the wheels (see above) on a stationary car. The second type measures the actual position of the contact surface of the tire relative to the road surface when the car is moving. The front wheel of the car is rolled on the template plate, which moves slightly. The amount of movement is compared with the scale and the wheel alignment is determined. Although each method has its advantages and disadvantages, they both give a satisfactory result.

5. Make sure the steering mechanism is in the straight ahead position when taking measurements.

6. If adjustment is necessary, clean the ends of the tie rods near the adjustment pin and clamp bolts.

7. Loosen the clamp bolts (one on the ball joints of the steering rods and one on each steering rod) and turn the adjusting pin on each tie rod the same number of turns in the same direction to achieve the correct wheel alignment. Turn the pins only a quarter turn and recheck the toe.

8. After completing the adjustment, tighten the clamp bolts to the specified tightening torque Specifications. Make sure that the steering rods are now approximately the same length (the difference should not exceed 5 mm) and that the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position.