Preliminary Checks

Steering complaints are not always result of improper alignment. Another possibility is tire "lead" due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. "Lead" is car's deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on steering wheel.

Before making any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, make following checks to ensure correct readings and proper alignment adjustments.

1. Check all tires for proper inflation pressures. Also check that tires have about same amount of tread wear.
2. Check hub and bearing assemblies for excessive wear; correct if necessary.
3. Check condition of ball joints and tie rod ends; if they are excessively loose, correct condition before adjusting alignment.
4. Check for excessive run-out of wheels and tires.
5. Check vehicle trim height; if it is out of specification and a correction is to be made, do so before adjusting alignment.
6. Check for proper operation of Electronic Level Control system.
7. Check for improperly operating strut dampers.
8. Check for loose control arms.
9. Check for loose or missing stabilizer bar attachments.
10. Consideration must be given to excess loads such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If these items are normally carried in car, they should remain in car during alignment adjustments.
11. Consider condition of equipment being used to adjust alignment. Be sure to follow equipment manufacturer's instructions.
12. Regardless of equipment used to adjust alignment, car must be on a level surface both fore-and-aft and sideways.