Pre-Alignment Instructions
Before making wheel alignment adjustments, check the following:
- All tires of same construction and tread style, approximately equal in tread wear and overall diameter, radial and axial runout not excessive, and inflation at manufacturer's specifications.
- Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. 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.
- Car 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 car a number of times, releasing bumper at bottom of down stroke. Check that car is at normal running height.
- Ensure that steering wheel is centered with front wheels in straight ahead position. If required, shorten one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthen opposite sleeve. See Fig 2.
- Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted and lug nuts tightened to manufacturer's specifications. Adjust camber, caster and toe-in in order. Follow instructions of alignment equipment manufacturer.