Preliminary Inspection

ROAD TEST VEHICLE
Road test the vehicle. This gives clues to the condition of components in steering and suspension systems.

INSPECT TIRES
Inspect tires for wear and proper inflation pressure. Check:

1. That both tires on axle have about the same wear.
2. The wear pattern across the tire. This is very helpful in diagnosing alignment and steering/suspension problems.

INSPECT FRONT SUSPENSION






Inspect steering/suspension systems. Alignment angles cannot be set accurately if steering or suspension systems are worn or damaged.

1. Check suspension/steering components for wear or damage.
2. Check if the cradle is bent.
3. Check front stabilizer bar bushings for wear or damage.
4. Check lower control arms for worn ball studs, worn bushings, or bent arms.
5. Check steering gear for wear or damage.
6. Check inner and outer tie rod ends for wear or damage.
7. Check for wheel bearing looseness.
8. Check trim height. Height must be within specifications before setting alignment.
9. Check strut assemblies for oil leaks, looseness, wear, binding or dents.

INSPECT REAR SUSPENSION






1. Check components for wear/damage.
2. Check if the cross support is bent.
3. Check trailing arm.
- Are bushings worn?
- Are arms bent?
4. Check lateral links.
- Are bushings worn?
- Are links bent?
5. Check trim height. Height must be correct before setting alignment. If not, are strut assemblies leaking, worn, binding, or bent?
6. Check rear stabilizer bar on vehicles so equipped.
- Are bushings worn or missing?
- Is the bar bent?