Convergence
The front wheel alignment of the Transporter T4 is adjusted by changing the length of the tie rods.
The convergence of wheels differs for different groups of cars (see fig. 381). It is also different for an unloaded, half loaded and fully loaded vehicle. The numerical values of the convergence must be taken from the table at the beginning of this chapter. Before taking measurements, the steering system must be in the straight ahead position. To do this, you need to perform the following steps. ♦ Turn the steering wheel in one direction as far as it will go and from this position, turn it in the opposite direction, counting the turns until it stops.
♦ Turn the steering wheel half the counted turns.
Check on the steering gear whether the protrusion of the rubber washer is opposite the mark (groove) on the steering gear housing. Turn the steering wheel if necessary. Now you can start measuring convergence. The toe-in of the front wheels of all described models is positive and is measured as follows:
♦ Place the tips of the toe-in test templates against the front edges of the wheel rims at the level of the wheel hub axle and set the indicator to “zero”.
Mark the place of installation of the tips of the template with chalk on the tire. ♦ Roll the car back half a turn of the wheel so that the mark made with chalk is again at the level of the wheel hub axle.
♦ Insert the template under the car and place its tips against the edges of the disc at the chalk marks.
Take readings. ♦ To adjust the toe-in, loosen the lock nuts on both tie rods and use pliers to turn both tie rods in the same direction forward or backward (see fig. 397) If both levers are turned the same way, the steering wheel will be in the middle position in straight driving time.
Rice. 396 The steering gear is set to the middle position if the protrusion of the rubber washer is set opposite the mark on the steering gear housing (see arrow)
Rice. 397 Change the length of the tie rod
♦ Temporarily tighten the tie rod locknuts and check the front wheel toe-in.
If it is correct, tighten the lock nuts to 55 Nm. If during the adjustment of the convergence the rubber boots of the toothed steering gear bar are twisted, they must be straightened. Twisted rubber boots wear out very quickly.