Preliminary Alignment Inspection

Steering and ride complaints are not always the result of improper alignment. Another possibility is tire lead due to worn or improperly manufactured tires. Lead is the vehicle deviation from a straight path on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction in Tires to determine if the vehicle has a lead problem. Before making any adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections in order to ensure correct alignment readings and alignment adjustments.
- Inspect all of the tires for proper inflation pressures. Also verify that the tires have similar tread wear.
- Inspect the hub and bearing assemblies for excessive wear. Replace the hub and bearing assemblies if necessary.
- Inspect the ball joints and the tie rod ends. If the ball joints are loose, correct the condition before adjusting the alignment.
- Inspect for a run-out of the wheels and the tires.
- Inspect the vehicle trim height. If the vehicle trim height is out of limits, correct the condition before adjusting the alignment.
- Inspect the strut dampeners for proper operation.
- Inspect the control arms for loose bushings.
- Inspect the stabilizer shaft for loose or missing parts.
- Inspect the suspension and the steering components for damage. Replace the parts as necessary.
- Inspect the brake calipers for proper operation. If the brake caliper is not functioning properly, correct the condition before adjusting the alignment.

Consideration must be given to excess loads, such as tool boxes, sample cases, etc. If these items are normally carried in the vehicle, they should remain in the vehicle during alignment adjustments. Loads such as these should be centered in the vehicle whenever possible in order to minimize their effects. Consideration should also be given to the condition of the equipment being used to adjust alignment. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of the equipment used in order to adjust alignment, the vehicle must be on a level surface, both fore-and-aft and sideways.