Preliminary Checks: Notes

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2005 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi allroad, 2004 Audi A6, 2003 Audi allroad, and 2003 Audi S6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Before beginning wheel alignment procedures, ensure following are checked.

All wheels and tires are of approved size (all 4 identical) and tires are properly inflated. Tread depth has no more than .08" (2 mm) difference between tires on same axle. Correct as necessary.
Check suspension and suspension components for looseness or damage. Correct as necessary.
Check wheel bearing play and condition. Correct as necessary.
Fuel tank full. Spare tire and tools stored in appropriate storage area. Windshield washer reservoir full. Correct as necessary.
On vehicle equipped with level control (1BG suspension), turn ignition on and allow height control process to run until completed.
Ensure alignment equipment sliding plates and turn tables are not touching the end stop when checking wheel alignment.
Alignment is to always include both front and rear axles.
Check wheels for excessive runout or out-of-balance condition. Balance or repair wheels as necessary. Permissible lateral runout of the wheel rims can already exceed the specified toe-in setting tolerance. If compensation for wheel run-out is not performed, it will not be possible to obtain a correct toe-in adjustment.
For vehicles with 4-wheel air suspension (1BY), vehicle must be at normal level. Deactivate level control system. See DEACTIVATING/ACTIVATING JACK MODE FOR RIDE HEIGHT SYSTEM (ALLROAD) . Be sure there is sufficient pressure in pressure reservoir. Check height between center of wheel and bottom edge of fender. Specification is 15.8" +/- .197" (402 mm +/- 5 mm). If this is not the case, basic setting must be performed.

NOTE: Basic setting of 4-wheel air suspension (1BY) requires using Audi factory scan tool (VAS 5051 or VAS 5052), or equivalent aftermarket scan tool.

NOTE: On the Allroad, it may be necessary to move the turn tables after raising the vehicle, to reach free-play for the pick-up sensors.

NOTE: While limited information is available, vehicle manufacturer does not support alignment information using aftermarket alignment equipment. To properly align vehicle, it is recommended to use VAG 1813 alignment computer. All procedures in this article are written using VAG 1813 alignment computer.