PRE-ALIGNMENT INSPECTION
Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed.
Refer to Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis Chart for additional information.
(1) Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread wear.
(2) Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
(3) Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral runout and balance.
(4) Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
(5) Inspect suspension components for wear and noise.
Fig. 1 Wheel Alignment Measurements
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
FRONT END NOISE | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. 3. Lower ball joint (4x4). |
1. Replace wheel bearing. 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. 3. Gease joint and perform diagnosis and testing. |
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. 3. Loose or worn steering gear. |
1. Replace wheel bearing. 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. 3. Adjust or replace steering gear. |
FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. 3. Tires worn or out of balance. 4. Alignment. |
1. Replace wheel bearing. 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. 3. Replace or balance tires. 4. Align vehicle to specifications. |
VEHICLE INSTABILITY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. 3. Tire pressure. 4. Alignment. |
1. Replace wheel bearing. 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. 3. Adjust tire pressure. 4. Align vehicle to specifications. |
EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT | 1. Loose or worn steering gear. 2. Column coupler binding. 3. Tire pressure. 4. Alignment. |
1. Adjust or replace steering gear. 2. Replace coupler. 3. Adjust tire pressure. 4. Align vehicle to specifications. |
VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE | 1. Tire pressure. 2. Alignment. 3. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. 4. Radial tire lead. 5. Brake pull. 6. Weak or broken spring. 7. Ride height 4WD only. |
1. Adjust tire pressure. 2. Align vehicle to specifications. 3. Tighten or replace components as necessary. 4. Rotate or replace tire as necessary 5. Repair brake as necessary. 6. Replace spring. 7. Measure and adjust ride height. |