1935 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

12
FRONT WHEEL SUSPENSION SYSTEM
nut should be drawn only enough to prevent
leakage.
When installing the second-type steering knuckle
in the support, the following procedure should be
followed to assure adequate lubrication from the
start.
Insert the bottom welch plug and squirt oil in
the top opening until the felt is saturated and a
pool forms over it.
Insert the top welch plug.
To install a lower yoke (See Fig. 10) on the
steering knuckle support on LaSalle cars, place
the yoke in position on the support and install the
threaded pin, turning it in until it projects the
same amount on either side of the support and so
that the support locking pin can be installed.
The plain bushing should then be installed in the
side of the yoke with the clamp bolt screwing it
on the threaded pin until, with the support centered
in the yoke, there is .025 to .050 in. clearance
between the hexagonal head on the bushing and
the face of the yoke. Then install the threaded
bushing in the other side of the yoke and screw it
in tight. It may be necessary to change the position
of the plain bushing slightly when installing
the threaded bushing to allow for engagement of
the threads. With the threaded bushing locked
in position there should be no binding between
the yoke and the threaded pin.
When installing the upper yoke (See Fig. 10)
on the steering knuckle support on LaSalle cars,
turn the threaded pin in the support until, with
a i^-in. clearance between the front side of the
support and the inside of the yoke, the threaded
pin is just flush with the front side of the yoke.
Then tighten the clamp screw in the support.
Next install the front bushing, screwing it on the
threaded pin until the clearance between the front
side of the support and the inside of the yoke is
reduced to in. and so that the rear bushing can
be easily threaded into position. Then install the
rear bushing and screw it in tight. With the rear
bushing in position, there should be .025 to .050 in.
clearance between the hexagonal head on the front
bushing and the front face of the yoke. There
should be no binding between the yoke and the
threaded pin.
After installing the steering knuckle support
and reassembling the various other parts on both
the Cadillac and the LaSalle, the caster must be
readjusted as the caster setting is destroyed by
the removal of the threaded pin at the top of the
steering knuckle support. This may be accomplished
by the use of a caster gauge or by means
of measurements taken before the threaded pin is
removed, as already explained in this section.
5. Front Wheel Alignment
Front wheel alignment is the mechanics of
keeping all interrelated parts affecting steering in
proper adjustment. Correct alignment is essential
to keep the front wheels in their true running
position for easy and efficient steering and the
prevention of abnormal tire wear.
The elements involved in front wheel alignment
are caster, camber with the inclination of the
steering knuckle bolts, toe-in and toe-out on
turns. These elements are all related and dependent
upon each other. In addition to these elements,
there are several other factors that affect the
alignment of the wheels: namely, tire inflation,
wheel wobble, wheel and tire balance, straightness
of wheel suspension parts and the frame, alignment
of wheels with frame, adjustment of the
wheel and steering knuckle bearings, the steering
gear and connections, and the shock absorbers,
and proper lubrication of the shock absorbers.
No set rule can be given for the sequence of
operations in checking and correcting front wheel
alignment. Neither can the exact cause of any
form of misalignment be given, as much depends
upon the age of the car and consequently the
condition of the parts. The factors affecting
alignment and the elements of alignment should,
however, be checked in the following order as
closely as possible.
FACTORS AFFECTING
ALIGNMENT
1. Tire Inflation.
Checking and inflating the tires to the proper
pressure is the very first operation of any
wheel alignment job.
2. Running of wheels such as out of true, out of
-balance and not tracking.
3. Adjustment of front wheel bearings.
4. Condition of shock absorbers.
5. Adjustment of steering gear and connections.
Elements of
Alignment
6. Caster angle of steering knuckle support.
7. Camber angle and knuckle bolt inclination.
$. Toe-in of front wheels in straight ahead position.
9. Toe-out of front wheels on turns.
Note: All alignment checks should be made
with the weight of the car on the wheels.