Rear suspension angles - general
The rear wheel toe and camber angles are set in production and do not require checking under normal service conditions. Of the two, only the toe setting can be adjusted, the camber angle being fixed by production sizes and tolerances.
The only time that angles will need to be checked will be after an accident in which the rear of the car has suffered damage or where a rear end skid has caused a side impact on a rear roadwheel.
Severely worn components of the rear suspension can also cause the angles to be misaligned, in which case renewal of the defective components should rectify the suspension angles and alignment.
The actual settings have been revised a number of times as a result of component changes during the course of production and also to improve directional stability. The settings also vary according to model year, engine size and optional equipment, and to list all the settings would be beyond the scope of this manual. If in any doubt about the rear suspension angles, or if the rear tyre wear appears excessive it is recommended that the car be taken to a Ford dealer for accurate checking on optical alignment equipment.
See also:
Hydraulic pipes and hoses - renewal
Note: Before starting work, refer to the
warning at the beginning of Section 3
concerning the dangers of hydraulic fluid.
1 Always disconnect a flexible hose by
prising out the spring anchor clip ...
Engine oil cooler - removal and refitting
Note: Suitable sealant will be required on
refitting - see text.
Removal
1 Remove the engine oil filter (Chapter 1).
2 Note the angle at which the coolant hoses
are set, then disconnect the hoses ...
Bonnet - removal and refitting
Removal
1 Support the bonnet in its open position,
and place protective covers (old rags or
cardboard) beneath the corners of the bonnet,
and over the front wings to prevent damage to
the paintwo ...
