PRELIMINARY CHECKS PRIOR TO ADJUST-
ING FRONT ALIGNMENT
Steering and vibration complaints are not always the result of im-
proper alignment. An additional item to be checked is the possibility
of tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. “Lead” is
the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road with-
out hand pressure on the steering wheel.
Before making any adjustment affecting toe setting, the following
checks and inspections should be made to insure correctness of
alignment readings and alignment adjustments:
1) Check all tires for proper inflation pressures and approximately
the same tread wear.
2) Check for loose ball joints. Check tie rod ends; if excessive
looseness is noted, it must be corrected before adjusting.
3) Check for run-out of wheels and tires.
4) Check vehicle trim heights “h”; if out of limits and a correction
is to be made, the correction must be made before adjusting toe.
5) Check for loose control arms.
6) Check for loose or missing stabilizer bar attachments.
7) Consideration must be given to excess loads, such as tool
boxes. If this excess load is normally carried in the vehicle, it
should remain in the vehicle during alignment checks.
8) Consider the condition of the equipment being used to check
alignment and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
9) Regardless of equipment used to check alignment, the vehicle
must be on a level surface both fore and aft and transversely.
3A-2
FRONT END ALIGNMENT
