Pre-Alignment Inspection
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Dodge Sprinter. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Before starting wheel alignment, the following inspection and necessary corrections must be completed. Refer to SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS below for additional information.
- Inspect tires for size, air pressure and tread wear.
- Inspect front wheel bearings for wear.
- Inspect front wheels for excessive radial or lateral runout and balance.
- Inspect ball studs, linkage pivot points and steering gear for looseness, roughness or binding.
- Inspect suspension components for wear and noise.
- Road test the vehicle.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS
| CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSES | CORRECTION |
|---|---|---|
| FRONT END NOISE | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. | 1. Replace knuckle. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 3. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. | 1. Replace knuckle. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Loose or worn steering gear. | 3. Replace steering gear. | |
| FRONT WHEELS SHIMMY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. | 1. Replace knuckle. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Tires worn or out of balance. | 3. Replace or balance tires. | |
| 4. Alignment. | 4. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| VEHICLE INSTABILITY | 1. Loose or worn wheel bearing. | 1. Replace knuckle. |
| 2. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 2. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 3. Tire pressure. | 3. Adjust tire pressure. | |
| 4. Alignment. | 4. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| EXCESSIVE STEERING EFFORT | 1. Loose or worn steering gear. | 1. Replace steering gear. |
| 2. Column coupler binding. | 2. Replace coupler. | |
| 3. Tire pressure. | 3. Adjust tire pressure. | |
| 4. Alignment. | 4. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| VEHICLE PULLS TO ONE SIDE | 1. Tire pressure. | 1. Adjust tire pressure. |
| 2. Tire. | 2. Criss-Cross Front Tires. | |
| 3. Alignment. | 3. Align vehicle to specifications. | |
| 4. Loose or worn steering or suspension components. | 4. Tighten or replace components as necessary. | |
| 5. Radial tire lead. | 5. Rotate or replace tire as necessary. | |
| 6. Brake pull. | 6. Repair brake as necessary. | |
| 7. Weak or broken spring. | 7. Replace spring. |