Pre-Alignment Inspection
Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed. Refer to SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE below for additional information.
- Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread wear.
- Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
- Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral runout and balance.
- Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
- Inspect suspension components for wear and noise.
- Check suspension ride height.
- Road test the vehicle.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS TABLE
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| FRONT END NOISE | Loose or worn wheel bearing. | Replace wheel bearing. |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING | Loose or worn wheel bearing. | Replace wheel bearing. |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| Loose or worn steering gear. | Replace steering gear. | |
| FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY | Loose or worn wheel bearing. | Replace wheel bearing. |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| Tires worn or out of balance. | Replace or balance tires. | |
| Alignment. | Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| VEHICLE INSTABILITY | Loose or worn wheel bearing. | Replace wheel bearing. |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| Tire pressure. | Adjust tire pressure. | |
| Alignment. | Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT | Loose or worn steering gear. | Replace steering gear. |
| Column coupler binding. | Replace coupler. | |
| Tire pressure. | Adjust tire pressure. | |
| Alignment. | Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE | Tire pressure. | Adjust tire pressure. |
| Tire. | Criss-Cross Front Tires. | |
| Alignment. | Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| Radial tire lead. | Rotate or replace tire as necessary. | |
| Brake pull. | Repair brake as necessary. | |
| Ride height. | Measure and adjust ride height. |