Wheel Alignment Measurement

Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. One possible cause is wheel and tire imbalance. Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead/pull is defined as follows: At a constant highway speed on a typical straight road, lead/pull is the amount of effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the vehicle straight path. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel.

Before performing any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections and adjustments to ensure correct alignment readings:

• Inspect the tires for the proper inflation.
• Inspect the tires for irregular wear. Tire Diagnosis - Irregular or Premature Wear
• Inspect the runout of the wheels and the tires.
• Inspect the wheel bearings for backlash and excessive play.
• Inspect the ball joints and tie rod ends for looseness or wear.
• Inspect the control arms and stabilizer shaft for looseness or wear.
• Inspect the steering gear for looseness at the frame. Fastener Specifications
• Inspect the struts/shock absorbers for wear, leaks, and any noticeable noises. Suspension Strut and Shock Absorber Testing - On Vehicle
• Inspect the vehicle trim height. Trim Height Inspection
• Inspect the steering wheel for excessive drag or poor return due to stiff or rusted linkage or suspension components.

Give consideration to the condition of the equipment being used for the alignment. Follow the equipment manufacturer 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. Wheel Alignment Specifications 

Perform the following steps to measure the front and rear alignment angles:

1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer instructions.
2. Jounce the front and the rear bumpers 3 times prior to checking the wheel alignment.
3. Measure the alignment angles and record the readings.
4. Adjust alignment angles to vehicle specification, if necessary. Wheel Alignment Specifications