Preliminary Inspection

Front Suspension Inspection Points:

Rear Suspension Inspection Points:

PRELIMINARY INSPECTIONS
Road test the vehicle. This gives cities to the condition of components in steering and suspension systems.

Inspect Tires
a. Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation pressure.
^ 207 kPa (30 psi) tire pressure - front tires
^ 179 kPa (26 psi) tire pressure - rear tires
b. Inspect the wear pattern across the tire. This is very helpful in diagnosing alignment and steering/suspension problems.
c. Inspect the wheels and tires for run-out, (if suspect).

Inspect Front Suspension
Alignment angles cannot be set accurately if steering or suspension systems are worn or damaged. Inspect steering/suspension systems as follows:

a. Check suspension/steering components for wear or damage.
b. Check tension strut bushings for wear or damage.
c. Check lower control arms for worn ball studs, worn bushings, or bent arms.
d. Check steering gear for wear or damage.
e. Check for bent or worn inner and outer tie rod ends.
f. Check trim height. Height must be correct before setting alignment.
g. Check for leaking, worn, binding, or bent strut assemblies.

Inspect Rear Suspension
a. Check components for wear/damage.
b. Check trailing arm for worn bushings or bent arms.
c. Check lateral links for worn bushings or bent links.
d. Check trim height. Height must be correct before setting alignment.
e. Are strut assemblies leaking, worn, binding, or bent?
f. Check stabilizer bar for worn bushings or a bent bar.

Cradle To Body Alignment
Check cradle to body alignment at the two front cradle alignment holes using a 9/16 in. rod. If cradle to body alignment is not correct, loosen cradle fasteners and align cradle to body.

ORDER OF ADJUSTMENT
1. Check and adjust rear camber
2. Check and adjust rear toe
3. Check and adjust front camber
4. Check and adjust front caster
5. Check and adjust front toe

NOTES:
^ When performing a wheel alignment after any suspension system component removal and installation, the vehicle must be driven and/or the suspension system worked (manually jounced at least 20 times) to allow components to locate properly before alignment adjustment.

^ When measuring alignment angles, it is critical that the vehicle curb trim height be correct. Measure and adjust trim height according to the following procedure before performing alignment.

^ Always install alignment equipment in accordance with the equipment manufacturers instructions.