Axle Shafts

1. Raise the vehicle on a hoist to allow the rear axle to be freely suspended.





2. Use white chalk or paint to mark a small area at the center of each rear tire and scribe a vertical line on it.





3. Adjust both wheels so that the markings face the front of the vehicle. With a tape measure, measure the distance between scribe marks and record this reading (front reading).





4. Rotate the rear wheels so the markings are directly underneath the vehicle. Measure the distance between the scribe marks and record this reading (bottom reading).





5. Rotate the rear wheels so the markings face the rear of the vehicle. Again, measure and record the distance between scribe marks (rear reading).
6. The difference between the front and rear readings is the toe-out or toe-in condition of the axle housing (Steps 3 and 5).

All numbers are for example only.
- Front reading: 52 3/16 inches.
- Rear reading: 52 1/16 inches.
- Toe-out: 2/16 inch or 1/8 inch.

Toe-in occurs when the front reading is less than the rear reading.

7. To determine camber, find the average of the front and rear readings (obtained in Steps 3 and 5). Then, subtract the bottom reading from this number (obtained in Step 4).

Average of front and rear readings: 52-2/16 inches.
- Bottom reading: 52-2/16 inches.
- Difference or camber: O inch.

Positive (+) camber is when the bottom reading is less than the average of the front and rear readings.
Negative (-) camber is when the bottom reading is greater than the average of the front and rear readings.

8. Results of the measurements taken must confirm to the following specifications:
Tape measure specification:
- Camber: 0+5/32 inch.
- Toe-in: 0-1/16 inch.
- Toe-out: 0-3/16 inch.

If the axle housing does not meet this specification, it must be replaced.

9. If the axle housing is replaced, repeat Steps 2 through 7.