Suspension: 70: Camber angle and suspension strut bolts

[Martin Cox]

I've just replaced the front reluctor rings on my 1998 V70 Tdi.

As a result of disturbing the suspension strut to steering knuckle bolts when replacing the ABS reluctor rings the other day, I'm now replacing these nuts and bolts since they are single use stretch bolts. Even if they weren't, I wouldn't have wanted to re-use them anyway since the heads were somewhat corroded. I'd hoped to avoid having to disturb them but I was unable to free the lower balljoint from the steering knuckle.

Now as I understand it, the camber angle is, in theory, not adjustable but with the bolts fitted loosley there is some free movement of the steering knuckle relative to the strut in the plane which will affect the camber angle.

Not having any alignment gear or even a level piece of driveway attempting to measure the camber angle is probably a non-starter. So I'm thinking just to set the steering knuckles in the middle of the available range of adjustment and hope for the best. Does this seem reasonable or is there better way?

The wheel alignment was good before I took the old bolts out.

I should welcome your comments please.

Many thanks

Martin