449503 Suspension Alignment, Complete
WM 449503 Suspension alignment, complete
Tools
Tools and materials
The suspension alignment of the Cayenne differs only in minor respects from that of conventional suspension alignment. These are vehicle height adjustment, wheel-load difference from left to right, special tools and corrections to wheel alignment.
Tools
Modified quick-clamping holders -illustration- (for fastening the measured-value pickups on the wheels) are used for the Cayenne. These measured-value pickups are positioned (with the claws first) centrally in the centre of the rim and tightened clockwise in the rim with the straining ring. The order number for the new clamping units will be included in Tools and Equipment.
Quick-clamping holder
Existing quick-clamping holders (old version) can be retrofitted by replacing the left and right clamping units.
Information
Information on vehicle height/wheel load
In the case of the Cayenne, the body is supported on suspension subframes at the front and rear axles. This means that bumps in the road are absorbed by the chassis and do not reach the body. In certain cases (e.g. after removal and installation of power unit) the alignment values may not be reached. In such cases, the suspension subframe may be shifted slightly.
The suspension alignment of the Cayenne differs only in minor respects from that of conventional suspension alignment. This applies to both the front and the rear axles.
The varying strength spring shim, at the bottom between coil springs and spring seats (on the right and left spring struts of the front and rear axles) is not intended for changing the vehicle height but for compensating for differences in coil-spring load groups.
If the differences in wheel load are too large, the arrangement of the coil springs (same coil springs left/right) and the arrangement of the shims at the bottom (same number of shims at bottom left/right) must be checked. The same number of coil springs and bottom shims should be installed on left and right.
Due to varying equipment versions (optional extras) a maximum difference in wheel load of 40 kg from left to right is permitted per axle. This results partly from heavier components compared with standard equipment and partly from additional components being asymmetrically arranged.
Information
- In general, the following applies: max. 40 kg wheel load difference left to right per axle. However, no more than 60 kg difference in total between front axle and rear axle.
- In other words: A maximum of 40 kg at one axle and a maximum of 20 kg at the other axle.
Special notes for vehicles with air suspension
If the vehicle is a Cayenne with air suspension, it must be adjusted to normal level. The vehicle must be switched from terrain level to normal level (unlike on the Cayenne up to model year 2010). The vehicle may be aligned and adjusted in this position only.
If the control unit or one of the self-levelling sensors has been replaced, a calibration must be carried out with the Porsche System Tester.
Adjust vehicle to normal level:
- Stop vehicle and apply brake.
- Close vehicle doors.
- Adjust the vehicle to terrain level. To do this, tap the rocker switch on the centre console in the appropriate direction until the vehicle is set to terrain level.
- Open the door.
- Select normal level.
- Get out and close the door. The vehicle switches to normal level.
- Deactivate the levelling system using the Porsche System Tester.
Do not get back into and out of the vehicle again after setting it to normal level for suspension alignment. This can give false alignment results.
Then adjust to the vehicle's normal level again. The middle indicator light next to the rocker switch lights up permanently. If another indicator light comes on, a different level is set.
To avoid level adjustment of the air suspension during alignment, switch off the levelling system and switch it back on again when the work is complete.-> 4X00IN Lifting the vehicle Service and Repair - section on "Switching off levelling system".
Information about wheel-alignment corrections for rear axle
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
The kinematic toe-in and caster cannot be adjusted!
Camber and toe can be adjusted via eccentric adjusters!
Information about wheel-alignment corrections for front axle
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
- The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
- The distance measuring sensor (ACC sensor) must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
- After adjusting the toe, the lock nuts on the tie rods must be tightened to the specified tightening torque! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
General procedure for suspension alignment
Information
- Carry out suspension alignment with an optical or electronic wheel alignment tester!
- The measurement procedures should be taken from the operating instructions for the wheel alignment tester used!
To exclude erroneous measurements, the following preconditions must be met before alignment and the following points should be given special attention:
Curb weight of vehicle, i.e. vehicle in running condition, fully tanked with tyre repair kit or spare wheel and tools.
Ball-joint and wheel-bearing play in order (wheel-bearing play cannot be adjusted).
Tyre pressure in accordance with specifications, fairly uniform tyre tread.
Quick-clamping holder for Cayenne (for the measured-value pickups) correctly fastened to the wheels.
Receiving surfaces for the quick-clamping holder on the wheels must be clean and flat. In particular, always accurately check the levelling surface on the wheels before fitting the quick-clamping holders.
Strictly comply with maintenance intervals for measuring equipment and measuring platform. If the levelling of the measuring platform or of the measuring area is done in-house, levelling equipment is required. A hose level is inadequate!
Skilled handling of measuring equipment and measuring platform.
Sliding plates with transverse motion (rotary motion) at the rear axle are advisable.
Observe the Technical Literature of Porsche AG, the manufacturer of the measuring equipment and the manufacturer of the measuring platform.
Do not treat measured values as a whole, but very critically in regard to driving dynamics, high-speed strength of the tyres, tyre wear and cost/benefit effects (time required for correction of unimportant deviations). The toe values are critical for driving dynamics and tyre wear.
If the vehicle is measured front and rear, check and adjust the wheel alignment values at the rear axle first. Camber values at the front axle apply for the straight-ahead position of the wheels. Steering wheel and steering gear in centre position when toe is being adjusted.
Before wheel alignment values are adjusted at the front and rear axles, it is recommended that the vehicle height be checked at curb weight. Conclusions can then be drawn about wheel alignment values in the event of any suspension alignment that becomes necessary later.
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - General
The vehicle height at front and rear axle is not adjustable.
The check points for the vehicle height can be found in the following description.
Vehicle height (vehicle height check) - Preliminary work
1. To check the height, position ready-to-drive vehicle (fully tanked with tyre repair kit or spare wheel and tools) on a flat surface or on the measuring station. The normal vehicle level must be set for vehicles with air suspension. Please read Special notes for vehicles with air suspension under -> 449503 Suspension alignment complete - section on "Information"!
2. To avoid level adjustment of the air suspension during alignment, switch off the levelling system using the Porsche System Tester and switch it back on again when the work is complete.
3. Compress vehicle at front and rear axles by approximately 25 mm 2-3 times and allow it to spring back freely.
Vehicle height check (vehicle height) - rear axle
The distance is measured from the middle of the wheel to the lower edge of the wing -X-.
Dimension X - centre of wheel to lower edge of wing (example shown)
Vehicle height check (vehicle height) - front axle
The distance is measured from the middle of the wheel to the lower edge of the wing -X-.
Dimension X - centre of wheel to lower edge of wing (example shown)
Vehicle height check (vehicle height) - wheel alignment
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Only check or adjust wheel-alignment values when prescribed preconditions are met.
If the vehicle is measured front and rear, check and adjust the rear axle first.
After adjustment, tighten the appropriate screw connections to the specified tightening torque.
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed!
Rear axle
1. Prepare vehicle for checking and/or adjustment of wheel alignment values.
2. Place front wheels on rotary table and rear wheels on rotary / sliding plates.
3. Compress vehicle at front and rear axles by approximately 25 mm 2-3 times and allow it to spring back freely.
Adjusting
Adjusting rear axle camber
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Always observe specified tightening torque for lock nut on camber eccentric adjuster -A- ! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for rear axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for rear axle
Camber is adjusted at the camber eccentric adjuster -A- !
Camber eccentric adjuster -A- (example shown)
- After loosening lock nut, turn camber eccentric adjuster -A- as required.
Camber eccentric adjuster -A- (example shown)
Adjusting rear axle toe
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Always observe specified tightening torque for lock nut on toe eccentric adjuster -B- ! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for rear axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for rear axle
Toe is adjusted at the toe eccentric adjuster -B- !
Toe eccentric adjuster -B- (example shown)
- After loosening lock nut, turn toe eccentric adjuster -B- as required.
Toe eccentric adjuster -B- (example shown)
Adjusting front axle caster
Always observe specified tightening torque for lock nut on caster eccentric adjuster -B- ! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
Caster is adjusted at the caster eccentric adjuster -B-.
Caster eccentric adjuster -B- (example shown)
Adjusting front axle camber
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
Always observe specified tightening torque for lock nut on the camber eccentric adjuster -A- ! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
Camber is adjusted at the camber eccentric adjuster -A-.
Camber eccentric adjuster -A- (example shown)
Adjusting front axle toe
WARNING
Steering-angle sensor not calibrated or calibrated incorrectly
- Unexpected vehicle handling
- Steering-angle sensor does not function
- Malfunction in steering-angle sensor
-> After working on wheel suspension parts, when replacing the steering-angle sensor, and after changing the wheel alignment values, calibrate the steering-angle sensor using the Porsche System Tester. -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
-> Keep the front wheels in straight-ahead position on the measuring platform during calibration.
-> Check the actual value of the steering-angle sensor after suspension alignment where no changes were made to the wheel alignment values.
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) have been changed!
Tighten lock nuts on the tie rods to the prescribed tightening torque -C- using the torque wrench accessory: open-jawed wrench insert, a/f 22 Nr.95. -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
Open-jawed wrench insert, a/f 22
If the specified tightening torque has not been reached after alignment on the alignment platform (due to reasons of space), turn the steering to left and right and tighten the tie rod screws! Counter with an open-ended wrench!
The toe is adjusted at the tie rod screws used to secure the tie rod to the tie rod ball (ball joint) -C-.
Toe adjustment -C- (example shown)
Preliminary work:
1. Check whether the steering wheel is displaced with respect to the steering gear.
2. To do this, centre the steering gear as described below.
3. Turn wheels to the straight-ahead position.
4. Remove cover for underbody (transmission protection) and heat shield from the steering -arrows-.
Heat shield/steering mounting (example shown)
5. The steering centre position marking -1- is under the heat shield at the rear in direction of travel on the steering gear housing (shown here on a removed unit for clarity).
Steering in centre position
No. -2- is the remains of the desired breaking point from the locking pin on new steering gears! This locks the steering gear in centre position! After installation of the new steering gear, the lower part of the pin is sheared off at the desired breaking point by turning the steering wheel.
6. Afterwards, adjust front wheel alignment if necessary until marking on steering housing (triangle) is aligned with the marking lug -1- of the driver.
WARNING
Incorrect handling of airbag units
- Triggering of airbag unit
- System faults can occur
-> Switch off ignition and remove ignition key.
-> A voltage supply (e.g. battery charger) must not be connected to the external power supply/jump-lead starting terminals.
-> Disconnect the battery and insulate the ground strap so that all contact with a ground carrier is avoided.
-> Wait 1 minute after disconnecting the battery.
-> Only pull off connector on the triggering unit after the waiting time has elapsed.
-> Make sure that no foreign objects are located in front of the airbag unit during installation.
-> Replace damaged parts during removal.
-> Always position the airbag unit in such a way that the airbag opening is facing upwards.
-> If removed for an extended period, the airbag unit must be stored in a safe place.
-> Airbag units must not come into contact with grease, oil, detergents, liquids, or similar substances.
-> Do not expose airbag units to temperatures above 90°.
-> Do not remove the short-circuit spring on the plug-in contacts.
-> Ignition and preparations may only be carried out by skilled staff, supervised by a second responsible person.
-> Before disposal, the airbag unit must be rendered harmless by electrical ignition performed in accordance with all precautionary measures, thereby preventing it from being used incorrectly.
If necessary, reposition the steering wheel -> 481019 Removing and installing steering wheel 481019 Removing and installing steering wheel. When repositioning the steering wheel, try to get the best position.
Information
- Use only steering wheel holders -A- that do not project into the area of the airbag unit -B-.
- If necessary, shorten guiding rod at the top -arrow-.
Steering-wheel holder (example shown)
7. Clamp steering wheel in centre position with the steering-wheel holder.
For fast and reliable steering wheel alignment in centre position, use a -steering wheel balance- (with integrated angle measurement box) => WE1343 Steering wheel balance.
Steering wheel balance, shown on sports car as an example
8. Adjust toe at the hexagon of the tie rod(s) after loosening the lock nut(s). The steering-angle sensor must subsequently be calibrated by PSM.
Always observe the specified tightening torque for lock nut(s) -C- ! -> 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle 4X00IN Tightening torques for front axle
Front-axle toe difference angle
The toe difference angle cannot be adjusted.
Calibration following suspension alignment
Calibrating steering-angle sensor
The steering-angle sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed! -> 456005 Initialising and calibrating steering-angle sensor Testing and Inspection
Calibrating control unit for distance measuring sensor (ACC sensor)
The distance measuring sensor must be calibrated if the previous wheel alignment values (on rear and/or front axle) were changed! -> 2785K2 Calibrating control unit for distance measuring sensor Adjustments