Measuring Wheel Alignment

Measuring Wheel Alignment

Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment.

Before making any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments in order to ensure correct alignment readings:
^ Inspect the tires for the following conditions:
- Pressure
- Wear
- Size
- Brand
- Construction
- Balance
- Runout
^ Inspect the runout of the wheels. Refer to Tire and Wheel Runout Specifications.
^ Inspect the wheel bearings for runout. Refer to Hub/Axle Flange and Wheel Stud Runout Inspection.
^ Inspect the wheel bearings for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis.
^ Inspect the following components for looseness or wear:
- The front knuckles
- The control arm ball studs
- The control arms
- The control arm bushings
- The control arm rods
- The control arm rod insulator bushings
- The outer tie rods
- The inner tie rods
- The steering gear
- The stabilizer shafts
- The front struts
- The rear coil springs
- The rear shock absorbers
^ Inspect the struts and the shock absorbers for leaks.
^ Inspect the vehicle trim height. Refer to Trim Height Inspection Procedure.
^ Inspect the remaining suspension and steering components for damage. Replace all damaged parts prior to adjusting wheel alignment.
^ Inspect the fuel level. The fuel tank should be full or add weight to the rear compartment in order to simulate a full fuel tank.

Give consideration to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If these items are normally in the vehicle, these items should remain in the vehicle during the alignment adjustments. Give consideration to the condition of the equipment being used for the alignment. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Satisfactory vehicle operation may occur over a wide range of alignment settings. However, if the setting exceeds the service allowable specifications, correct the alignment to the service preferred specifications.

Perform the following steps to measure the front alignment angles
1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Perform the following procedure to normalize the suspension prior to measuring the angles:
2.1. Push down on the front bumper lightly 3 times.
2.2. Push down on the rear bumper lightly 3 times.
3. Measure the alignment angles
4. Record the readings.
5. Adjust the rear toe.
6. Adjust the front caster.
7. Adjust the front camber.
8. Adjust the front toe.