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's deviation from a straight path
on a level road without pressure on the steering wheel. Refer to
Radial Tire Lead/Pull Correction
in Tires and Wheels
in order to determine if the vehicle has a lead problem. Before making any
adjustment affecting wheel alignment, perform the following inspections
in order to ensure the 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 ball joints and the tie rod ends. If the ball joints
are loose, correct the condition before adjusting the alignment. Refer to
Ball Stud and Knuckle Inspection
in Front Suspension. |
| • | Inspect the vehicle trim height. If the vehicle trim height is
out of limits, correct the condition before adjusting the alignment. Refer
to
Trim Height Specifications
. |
| • | 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. |
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 in order to adjust the alignment. Follow the
equipment manufacturer's instructions. Regardless of the equipment used
in order to adjust the alignment, the vehicle must be on a level surface,
both fore-and-aft and sideways.
