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:
Engine/transmission mountings - removal and refitting
Pre-1986 models
1 The engine mountings can be removed if
the weight of the engine/transmission is first
taken by one of the three following methods.
2 Either support the engine under the sump
usi ...
Maintenance - bodywork and underframe
The general condition of a vehicle’s
bodywork is the one thing that significantly
affects its value. Maintenance is easy but
needs to be regular. Neglect, particularly after
minor damage, can lead ...
Manual gearbox oil level check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)
1 Place the vehicle over a pit, or raise and
support it at front and rear. The vehicle must
be level for an accurate check.
2 If the gearbox is hot after a run, allow it to
cool for a few minutes. ...
