Pre-Alignment Checks
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1988 Mercury Cougar and 1988 Ford Thunderbird. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Before adjusting wheel alignment, check the following:
- Each axle uses tires of same construction and tread style, equal in tread wear and overall diameter. Verify that radial and axial runout is not excessive. Inflation should be at manufacturer's specifications.
- Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive play. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. Springs must not be sagging. Control arm and strut rod bushings must not have excessive play. See Fig 1 .
- Vehicle must be on level floor with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare tire in place and no load in trunk. Bounce front and rear end of vehicle several times. Confirm vehicle is at normal riding height.
- Steering wheel must be centered with wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen opposite sleeve (equal amount of turns). See Fig 2 .
- Wheel bearings should have the correct preload and lug nuts must be tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster and toe-in using this sequence. Follow instructions of the alignment equipment manufacturer.