10 Alignment Service Tips
The more thorough the pre-alignment inspection, the better your chances are of not overlooking something that might cause a comeback after the wheels have been aligned. The most neglected inspection item is tire inflation. Even the most precisely aligned toe angle will still pull if the pressures are not even.
A4 Alignment Basics Tire Wear Tip Clip
In this short video clip from the A4 Suspension and Steering class, Delphi instructor Dave Hobbs discusses and shows some basic tips and knowledge to help you better diagnose alignment issues based on tire wear helping you more quickly and accurately use the alignment machine to put everything in spec.
This is an excerpt from“The Complete A4 Test Prep Program”with Dave Hobbs
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a crossover vehicle produced by Jeep and Chrysler. The same basic platform is used for the Sebring, Avenger, Dodge Caliber and Mitsubishi Lancer. This is a “Net Build” vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the vehicle. Some adjustments for caster and camber can be made by moving the subframes.
Alignment Specs: 2010-2012 Buick LaCrosse
The second-generation Buick LaCrosse is built upon the mid-size Epsilon II platform. The Epsilon II platform will be the bread-and-butter of GM’s mid-size product strategy with revamped Malibu, Impala and Cadillac XTS models being launched soon. The chassis of the LaCrosse sets the bar high in terms of alignment service.
New Raybestos Alignment Parts Catalog Being Released
Affinia has announced that a new Alignment Parts Catalog for Raybestos brand Brakes will be released in mid-March. The new catalog includes alignment parts coverage for domestic, import, passenger car, light-duty trucks, SUVs and hybrids, with model coverage as late as 2012.
Tool Tip: Drive Belt Misalignment Diagnostics
The EN-49228 Laser Belt Alignment tool was designed to help in eliminating drive belt noise as a result of misaligned pulleys. This precise, simple-to-use and time-saving tool is used to assist technicians in achieving accurate alignment of drive belt pulleys. This special service tool removes the guesswork from achieving proper alignment of the pulley and may reduce comebacks from drive belt noise, accelerated drive belt wear or drive belt slippage.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Toyota Camry
In 2007, Toyota introduced a new Camry that was larger. But, under the new sheet metal was the same suspension design that was on the previous model. The suspension on the Camry is nothing special and has no real quirks. The only shocker is that the front caster is non-adjustable and there are no special kits or tools to alter the caster angle.
Specialty Products Company Offers 2012 Total Wheel Alignment Sourcebook
Specialty Products Company introduces their new Total Wheel Alignment Sourcebook for 2012. This full-line Sourcebook now combines all of Specialty Products’ lines.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2011 Toyota Avalon
Some people call the Toyota Avalon the “Japanese Buick” due to its size and plush ride. The suspension design of the Avalon does not vary that much from Toyota’s smaller vehicle platforms in overall suspension design. If you get on of these vehicles in your shop for an alignment, there are three things you need to do at the time of the alignment.
Suspension & Alignment Specs: Greatest Hits!
The most difficult issue with some alignments is knowing what you are getting into before you start or your shop even quotes the job. For almost two years, Hunter Engineering has been sponsoring BRAKE & FRONT END’s Suspension & Alignment Specs where Editor Andrew Markel examines a common vehicle platform to figure out what are the service issues and how to make the adjustments.