ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and RepairMedium
A technician is performing an alignment on a vehicle with a MacPherson strut front suspension. The alignment machine shows the front left camber at -1.5 degrees and the front right camber at +0.5 degrees. The specification is 0.0 to -0.5 degrees with a maximum cross-camber (split) of 0.5 degrees. The vehicle's strut assembly has slotted holes on the lower mounting bolts. What is the most effective method to adjust the camber?
- AUse a camber eccentric bolt kit on the upper control arm.
- BInstall aftermarket camber bolts in the lower strut mounting holes.
- CAdjust the upper strut mount plate for camber correction.
- DLoosen the lower strut mounting bolts and pivot the strut assembly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Loosen the lower strut mounting bolts and pivot the strut assembly.
Slotted holes on the lower strut mounting bolts are designed for camber adjustment on MacPherson strut suspensions. Loosening these bolts allows the strut to pivot, changing the camber angle. The readings indicate both sides are out of spec and the split is 2.0 degrees, requiring adjustment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MacPherson strut suspensions do not typically have an upper control arm for camber adjustment; this is more characteristic of double wishbone or multi-link designs.
- B. Aftermarket camber bolts are typically used when the existing adjustment range is insufficient or no factory adjustment is provided, not as a primary method when slotted holes exist.
- C. While some vehicles have adjustable upper strut mounts (e.g., for racing applications), this is not a common factory adjustment method on most production vehicles with slotted lower holes.
MacPherson Strut Camber Adjustment
On MacPherson strut suspensions, camber is often adjusted by loosening the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts and pivoting the strut assembly.
- Common factory adjustment method.
- Uses slotted holes or eccentric bolts.
- Allows for precise camber angle changes.
Memory trick: Slotted holes mean a pivot, not a bolt swap.