Genuine Volkswagen Cabrio Camber and Alignment Kit

Volkswagen Cabrio Camber and Alignment Kit Parts and Q&A

• Link Nut
  N-011-184-9
  Q: What is the role of a Camber and Alignment Kit in defining a car's steering and suspension geometry on Volkswagen Cabrio?

  A:

  There are four fundamental settings of steering and suspension geometry of a car, where all angles are in degrees, including toe settings as a result; the steering axis is an imaginary line along the axis of the suspension strut, extended to touch the ground. The angle between each wheel and a vertical axis passing through the center and tire patch, when seen through the front or the rear, is called the camber and may be either positive (tilted out) or negative (tilted in), which is measured with a camber checking gauge. Caster, the angle of the steering axis and a vertical line through the center of each wheel, as perceived by looking down the side, it can be either positive or negative, but cannot be changed, and in case the measured value is considerably different than the specified one, the vehicle needs professional examination because it may wear or be damaged. Toe The difference in lines drawn through the wheel centers and the centre line of the car as seen above can be adjusted with the front wheels by screwing the tie-rods in or out, but the toe adjustment on the rear wheels is not available. To test the toe setting, specialized measuring tools are needed, which are most likely to be supplied by a dealer or specialist in VW, but tire shops can also have them. A tracking gauge may be employed to test the toe setting, with two types, the first measures the spacing of the front and rear inside edges of the wheels when at rest and the other measures the position of the contact surface of the tire when in motion. In the process of making the measurements, you should make sure that the steering is in the straight position and in the case of any changes to be made, you have the vehicle on the axle stands with the parking brake applied. Before loosening the locknut and changing the tie-rod length, clean the tie-rod threads, add penetrating fluid where necessary because of corrosion, and check that the rubber boots are clear. Once the right setting has been established tighten the locknut with torque specified and adjust the Steering Wheel as required. The rear wheel toe adjustment is verified in the same way as the front one, although not adjustable. To make changes in the front wheel camber angle, it is recommended that a dealer or specialist of VW should be consulted because changes are to be made by loosening the suspension strut-to-Steering Knuckle mounting bolts and relocating the steering knuckle assembly.