Incorrect wheel alignment
If you want to check wheel alignment, you first need to make sure that both front tires have the same depth of profile, prescribed air pressure and that both tires are of the same type and size.
- Are the steering wheel spokes symmetrical when driving in a straight line? An asymmetrically located steering wheel is often a signal that indicates incorrect wheel alignment.
- Uncertain rectilinear movement; it can be felt especially on slippery snowy or icy roads. Tires that are too wide can also impair straight-line driving despite proper wheel alignment.
- Renault 19 pulls left or right? And this happens when the road is completely flat and the steering wheel is released?
- Does the steering automatically return to straight after a turn?
- Look at the front wheels from a distance of 5-10 m: are they in a straight position symmetrically to each other?
- Is the tire profile worn on either side? At «racing» way of driving, it is of course common for both front tires to have more wear on the outside than on the inside.
- A dented wheel rim is usually the result of a strong impact, after which wheel alignment can be disturbed.
- Other causes of violation of the wheel alignment angles can be worn hinges and, accordingly, silent blocks or accidents that do not require repair.
Camber measurement
An optical stand is used to measure wheel alignment in a car repair shop. The tire pressure must be correct, the vehicle must be unloaded, and the front suspension and steering components must not have much play. The longitudinal and transverse inclination of the kingpin axis and the camber angle must be adjusted on the Renault 19, and each of the parameters has a strictly defined value depending on the model.
On Renault 19, only toe can be adjusted. It is 0°10' (11 mm). The adjustment itself is carried out by rotating the steering trapezium rods with the lock nuts on the rod ends loosened; moreover, one turn of the steering trapezoid rod corresponds to 0°30' (3 mm) adjustment changes.
Note. Recommendation: when adjusting the toe-in, make sure that both steering linkage rods are screwed out equally far (or respectively screwed), i.e. the length of the threaded part of the rod end on the left and right sides must be the same.