Preliminary Alignment Inspection

- Inspect all the tires for the proper inflation pressures and a similar tread wear.
- Inspect the hub and the bearings for excessive wear, correct if necessary.
- Inspect the front ball joints.
- Inspect the rear ball joints.
- Inspect the tie rod ends for lateral (side-to-side) motion relative to the knuckle and the tie rod end seals for any visible signs of damage. Replace the tie rod ends if damage is evident. Up and down movement of the outer tie rod relative to the knuckle does not indicate a defect in the tie rod or the tie rod end. Due to a normal manufacturing variance and a tolerance stack-up, some outer tie rods may move up and down easily, while others may appear not to move at all.
- Inspect the run out of the wheels and the tires.
- Inspect the trim heights. If the trim heights are out of limits, complete the correction before adjusting the alignment. Refer to Low or Uneven Trim Height in Suspension Diagnosis.
- Inspect the rack and pinion for looseness at the frame.
- Inspect the struts for proper operation.
- Inspect the control arms for loose bushings.
- Inspect the stabilizer shaft for loose or missing parts.
- Inspect the suspension and the steering components for damage. Replace the parts as necessary.

Consideration must be given to excess loads. If an excess load is usually carried in the vehicle, leave the excess load in the vehicle during the alignment adjustments.

Follow the alignment equipment manufacturer's instructions.

Ensure that the vehicle is on a level surface, both fore-and-aft and sideways.