Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front

NOTE: Do NOT check or perform a front suspension alignment without first making the following inspection for front end damage or wear:

1. Check for specified air pressure in all four tires.
2. Raise front of vehicle off floor. Check brake backing plate mountings. Tighten all loose nuts and bolts to specification. Replace all worn parts.
3. Check steering gear mountings and all steering linkage connections for looseness. Tighten all mountings to specification. If any of the linkage is worn or bent, replace the parts.
4. Check the action of the front shock absorbers and the condition of their attachments. Refer to Shock Absorber Checks. A sticking or binding shock absorber may not allow the vehicle to settle in a normal, level position, possibly affecting the front-wheel alignment.
5. Inspect upper ball joints. Testing and Inspection
6. Inspect lower ball joints. Testing and Inspection