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First introduced in 1995, Outback is a crossover automobile with four wheel drive manufactured by Subaru and sold worldwide. All Outback crossovers require periodic adjustment, often erred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2000 Outback models. These specifications are given for a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber is the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Outback camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be +0.20 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.30 degrees on the front wheels and -0.35 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.45 degrees on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster is both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Outback caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +2.50 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 1.0 degree.

Toe

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total toe angles on the Outback models must be +0.00 degrees with measuring range of 0.20 degrees. Toe-in specification should be set at 0 mm with maximum allowable difference of 3.0 mm.

Coupling alignment refers to the process of bringing the coaxial shafts of a vehicle into alignment. Different types of couplings can tolerate very different degrees of misalignment. If misalignment is a common worry for you, it may be best to prepare for the worst and use the most flexible couplings whenever possible. Misalignment can result in several undesirable consequences.

Main Reasons

The main purpose of performing a coupling alignment procedure is to align the surfaces of the coupling. This is done by bringing the center lines of the shafts into alignment. It is the alignment of the center lines of the shafts that are responsible for maintaining the maximum service life of the bearing, couplings and the vehicle as a whole.

Consequences of Misalignment

There are several unfortunate consequences of coupling misalignment. The first is increased load on the bearings and fittings. Over time, this puts unnecessary strain on the bearings and fittings, which contributes to general wear and shortens the vehicles overall life. The second unfortunate consequence is the flexing of the shafts, which again causes unnecessary wear. Finally, coupling misalignment results in vibrations being transmitted throughout the body of the vehicle. This causes wear not just on the couplings and surrounding parts, but on every aspect of the vehicle, shortening its overall life.

Deciding on a Method

There are several different methods of performing coupling alignment. When choosing a method, there are many different factors that must be taken into account. These include the speed at which the vehicle generally operates, the tools available to the person performing the alignment, the intended uses of the vehicle, the alignment tolerances and specifications, the length of time available to perform the alignment procedure and the condition of the vehicle at the time of the alignment procedure.

Methods

Depending on the aforementioned factors, mechanics will choose one of four coupling alignment procures. The first is a rough alignment using a straight edge and feeler gauge. The second is called "rim and face dialing." The third is called cross dialing, which uses either a graph method or reverse reading dialing method. Finally, the fourth is laser alignment.

The Mustang has been one of the most recognizable cars in the United States since Ford introduced it in 1964. Ford brought out a new generation of the Mustang in 2005 and abandoned the Fox-body platform that had been used in the Mustang since the 1970s. The 2010 Ford Mustang came in several coupe and convertible trims, but the alignment specs were the same for all trims. The alignment was not adjustable on the rear end of any 2010 Mustang.

Caster

The caster angle is equivalent to the slope of an imaginary line drawn through the upper and lower ball joints of a wheel. The angle is based on zero being a vertical line straight up from the ground. If the top of the slope passes on the side of the line toward the rear of the vehicle, the vehicle has a positive caster. If the top of the slope passes on the side of vertical toward the front of the vehicle, then the vehicle has a negative caster. The ideal setting for the caster angle is +7.1 degrees but it can range by 0.75 degrees in either direction, with a cross tolerance of 0.75 degrees.

Camber

The camber angle of a wheel is based on the way that the wheel leans when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel leans out, away from the vehicle, then the wheel has a positive camber. If the top of the wheel leans in, toward the vehicle, then the wheel has a negative camber. The ideal camber setting is -0.75 degrees but it can range by 0.75 degrees in either direction, with a cross tolerance of 0.75 degrees.

Toe-in

The toe of a wheel is based on its angle in relation to the centerline of the vehicle. Most vehicles are designed to be slightly pigeon-toed in order to relieve pressure from the steering axis. This is known as toe-in and is measured in positive degrees or inches. The toe on the 2010 Ford Mustang should be set at +0.2 degrees but it can range by 0.2 degrees in either direction.

For an automobile owner to experience a smooth ride while traveling down a freeway or local dirt road, it is essential that the automobile is equipped with a stable suspension. But when the cars suspension jumps out of alignment, the suspension needs to be re-aligned by using specific types of suspension alignment tools like an electronic camber gauge. This tool checks exact areas where a cars suspension needs to be repaired.

Digital Coil Spring Tester

To check if an automobiles springs are working correctly so that the cars suspension alignment can be properly repaired, a car technician will use a digital coil spring tester. This device is constructed out of hard metal and contains a six-inch test spring that the mechanic positions underneath a cars chassis to see if the cars suspension has fallen too far down to be repaired or if the suspensions spring coils need to be replaced.

Spring Platform Wrench

Constructed out of a hard steel and equipped with an easy to grip metal handle, the spring platform wrench is a suspension alignment tool that is used to fit over spring platform nuts up to 3-1/4 inches in diameter. When a cars suspension is out of alignment, the spring platform wrench is used to tighten up all spring platform nuts after significant alignment adjustments have been made to the suspension.

Digital Caster/Camber Gauge with Magnetic Adapter

To ensure that specific sections of a cars suspension is re-aligned so that the car can drive smoothly, a digital caster/camber gauge with magnetic adapter tool is used. This piece of equipment contains a backlit LCD readout that shows the mechanic exact angles up to 20 degrees in 0.1 increments so that the mechanic can see where the suspension needs to be re-aligned. A 9-volt battery powers up this unit so that the car technician can place the tool underneath the cars chassis to inspect the suspension.

3/8-inch Drive Spring Platform Adjuster

When an automobiles suspension needs a lot of small adjustments to be properly re-aligned, the 3/8-inch drive spring platform adjuster can be used. This small metal tool is equipped with a 3/8-inch square socket that fits snugly over almost any cars spring platform nuts and bolts so that adjustments can be made. The tool also is designed with an easy grip handle, which allows the mechanic to adjust nuts and bolts with less stress.