Preliminary Inspection

CHECK ALIGNMENT RACK
Proper wheel alignment cannot be performed on an alignment rack that is no longer level or is out of calibration. Check the alignment rack for levelness and calibration at least once a month. To get an accurate caster reading and establish standing curb height, the turnplates or slider plates must be able to move freely. Take them apart at least once a year to be cleaned and lubricated. Replace badly worn turnplates.

PRE-ALIGNMENT ROAD TEST WITH CUSTOMER
Ideally, before an alignment check is made, road test the vehicle with the owner. The road test can also give you clues to better diagnose worn control arm bushings or strut bearings, loose rack and pinion mounts or wheel bearings and damaged or unbalanced tires.

It is essential that obvious conditions be brought to the owners attention before the alignment is started. A "waddle" feeling in the back of the vehicle may be a bent wheel, but most often indicates a belt shift in one of the rear tires. Steering wheel "shimmy" may be a bent wheel, but is most often caused by a belt shift or dynamic imbalance in the front tires. Vibration in the steering wheels or the floor pan is often caused by static imbalance or radial runout of the front tires. Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. Another possibility is tire "lead" due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. "Lead" is the vehicle's deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel.

Before checking wheel alignment, be sure to check the suspension and steering systems for worn suspension or broken parts. Looseness in the suspension will prevent setting any of the alignment angles accurately. Check all ball joints for wear. Any wear in the steering linkage or any of its associated parts will cause a toe variance. Squeeze the seal (boot) with one hand so you can feel the inner ball and socket joint, while at the same time pushing on the tire with the other. If any looseness is felt, replace the tie rod or ball joint.

Another important check is the steering gear mounts. If the steering gear is not securely mounted, it can cause vague steering and bump steer. To check this, place the tires on the ground and the wheels in the straight-ahead position. Using an assistant, turn the steering wheel back and forth and watch the steering gear. If the gear moves back and forth as the steering wheel is turned, inspect the rack mounting brackets, bushings and mounting studs or bolts. It is unusual to have a loose steering wheel problem on a vehicle with rack and pinion steering and a strut front suspension. If there is a problem, check the outer tie rods and the rack and pinion. Check also the intermediate shaft. Before making any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, make tile following inspections to ensure correct alignment readings and alignment adjustments.

Inspect the following:
1. All tires for proper inflation pressures. Also, check that the tires have about the same tread wear and are the same size and type.
2. Hub and bearing assemblies for excessive wear; correct if necessary.
3. Ball joints and tie rod ends; if they are loose, replace them before adjusting.
4. Runout of wheels and tires.
5. Vehicle trim height; if out of limits and a correction is to be made, do so before adjusting alignment.
6. Strut dampeners for proper operation.
7. Control arms for loose bushings.
8. Stabilizer shaft for loose or missing parts.
9. Suspension and steering parts for damage. Replace parts as necessary.

Consideration must be given to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If these items are normally carried in the vehicle, they should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Consideration should also be given to the condition of the equipment used to adjust alignment. Be sure to follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of the equipment used to adjust alignment, the vehicle must be on a level surface, fore and aft and sideways.