What Should You Check Before, During and After Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment plays a crucial role in maintaining a vehicle’s stability, handling, and tire longevity. However, before, during, and after performing a wheel alignment, it is essential to conduct a thorough inspection to identify any underlying issues that may affect the alignment process or compromise the results. This essay explores the key aspects that should be checked before, during, and after performing wheel alignment, highlighting their significance in achieving accurate alignment and ensuring optimal performance.

I. Pre-Alignment Inspection

• Tire Condition

The condition of the tires is of utmost importance when considering wheel alignment. Checking for tread wear and depth is vital as excessive or uneven wear can significantly impact alignment adjustments. Additionally, ensuring proper tire pressure helps maintain even contact with the road surface, improving alignment accuracy. It is also crucial to inspect the sidewalls for any signs of damage or bulges, as these can affect the overall alignment outcome.

• Suspension Components

The suspension system plays a critical role in supporting the vehicle and maintaining stability. Components such as ball joints, control arms, struts or shocks, and bushings and bearings need to be inspected for wear, damage, or looseness. Faulty suspension parts can alter the suspension geometry and make it challenging to achieve accurate wheel alignment.

• Steering System

The steering system’s components should be checked thoroughly to ensure optimal alignment. Examining tie rods, tie rod ends, steering rack or gearbox, and steering column and joints is essential. Any wear, looseness, or damage to these components can negatively impact alignment accuracy and compromise the vehicle’s overall handling and responsiveness.

• Wheel Bearings

Properly functioning wheel bearings are crucial for a smooth and controlled ride. It is necessary to check for any play or looseness in the wheel bearings and listen for any unusual noises or vibrations while rotating the wheels. Faulty wheel bearings can affect alignment measurements and lead to premature tire wear and reduced stability.

• Braking System

Although not directly related to wheel alignment, the braking system should be inspected as well. Examining brake pads and rotors, calipers and brake lines, and checking the brake fluid level and condition is important. A well-maintained braking system ensures safe and reliable operation, preventing any potential issues that may arise during or after the alignment process.

II. Measurement and Adjustment

• Alignment Equipment

To perform accurate wheel alignment, specialized equipment such as a wheel alignment machine, sensors, and targets are used. Ensuring the proper functioning and calibration of these tools is essential to obtain precise alignment measurements.

• Initial Measurements

Before any adjustments are made, initial measurements of the caster angle, camber angle, and toe angle must be taken. These measurements provide a baseline reference for aligning the wheels correctly.

• Adjustment Requirements

Alignment specifications provided by the vehicle manufacturer should be referred to for the desired alignment settings. Alignment tolerances should also be considered to ensure that the adjustments fall within acceptable ranges.

• Alignment Adjustments

Based on the initial measurements and the desired alignment settings, adjustments may need to be made. Caster adjustment, camber adjustment, and toe adjustment are the primary areas to be addressed during the alignment process. Proper adjustments will ensure that the wheels are aligned correctly, promoting even tire wear and optimal handling.

III. Post-Alignment Verification

• Re-Measurements

Once the adjustments have been made, re-measuring the caster angle, camber angle, and toe angle is necessary to confirm that the desired alignment settings have been achieved. This step ensures the accuracy of the alignment process and identifies any inconsistencies or errors that may require further attention.

• Ride Height

Checking the vehicle’s ride height is crucial to ensure a level and balanced alignment. Suspension sag or unevenness can affect alignment measurements and compromise the vehicle’s stability and handling. By measuring the ride height on level ground, any issues with suspension sag or uneven weight distribution can be identified and addressed accordingly.

• Test Drive

Conducting a test drive is a critical step in the post-alignment verification process. This allows for the assessment of the vehicle’s stability, steering responsiveness, and overall performance. During the test drive, it is important to pay attention to any abnormal noises, vibrations, or handling irregularities that may indicate alignment issues or unresolved problems.

IV. Additional Considerations

• Wheel Balancing

While wheel alignment focuses on the angles and positioning of the wheels, wheel balancing addresses the distribution of weight around each wheel. Ensuring proper wheel balancing is essential for a smooth and vibration-free ride. If wheel balancing issues are present, they should be addressed either before or during the alignment process to optimize overall performance.

• Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is an important maintenance practice that helps promote even tire wear. Before performing a wheel alignment, it is recommended to check the tire rotation pattern and ensure that it has been performed at regular intervals. Proper tire rotation can maximize tire life and contribute to better alignment results.

• Suspension and Steering System Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the suspension and steering system is crucial for optimal wheel alignment. This includes inspecting and replacing worn-out components, lubricating moving parts, and addressing any issues promptly. A well-maintained suspension and steering system contribute to accurate alignment adjustments and extend the lifespan of tires and other related components.

• Regular Check-ups

Even if there are no noticeable alignment issues, it is beneficial to include regular check-ups in the vehicle maintenance routine. Periodic inspections by a professional technician can help identify potential problems early on and prevent costly repairs or alignment issues down the line.

V. Conclusion

Checking the tire condition, suspension components, steering system, wheel bearings, and braking system allows for the identification of any issues that may affect the alignment process. By adhering to proper measurement techniques, making necessary adjustments, and conducting post-alignment verification, accurate alignment can be achieved. Additionally, considering factors such as wheel balancing, tire rotation, suspension and steering system maintenance, and regular check-ups further contribute to maintaining optimal wheel alignment and enhancing overall vehicle performance.