2005-2011 Cadillac STS
The STS is one of those vehicles where a scan tool would be handy if you are performing alignment and chassis repairs. Every STS requires a scan tool to reset the steering angle sensor.
Alignment Specs: 1999-2006 Honda Insight Hybrid
You may not see many Honda Insights in your alignment bay, but don’t let the strange styling and hybrid badge scare you away from doing any chassis repairs.
2009-’10 Honda Pilot Clicking Noise Coming From the Front Suspension During Acceleration or Braking
If a 2009-’10 Honda Pilot owner complains that the vehicle is making one or more clicking noises from the front suspension while accelerating or braking, it could be due to a faulty front suspension rear lower arm bushing bracket. If this is the case, replace both front suspension rear lower arm bushing brackets, and check the wheel alignment.
Alignment Update: Chevy Cruze
The Chevy Cruze is the replacement for the Cobalt. The Cruze on the outside and under the hood is a big upgrade from the Cobalt, but underneath it is about the same setup as the Cobalt. The Cruze uses a strut setup like on the Cobalt. The caster is not adjustable. Camber is adjusted by enlarging the lower bolt hole on strut to knuckle mount. The inner hole should NOT be enlarged beyond that of the outer hole.
Steering Angle Sensor Diagnostics
Measuring the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn, which are critical for Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems, is the job of the Steering Angle Sensor (SAS). The scan tool will typically display the information in degrees.
CHASSIS & ALIGNMENT: SAI DIAGNOSTICS
The Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) angle has a direct effect on steering and handling because it causes the wheel spindle to angle downward slightly as the wheel is steered. Caster, which is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis as viewed from the side, does the same thing. The combination of SAI and
Alignment Specs: 2002-2005 Ford Explorer
The 4-door Explorer and companion Mercury Mountaineer were redesigned entirely in 2002, losing all design similarity with the Ranger. The suspension on this Explorer has more in common with a car than a truck. Beginning with the 2002 model year, Ford installed a fully independent rear suspension in the Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer (but not in the 2-door Explorer Sport). This replaced the non-independent (“live-axle”) rear suspension used in previous model year Explorers.
Alignment Specs: Thrust Angle and Setback
The thrust angle is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the rear axle’s centerline. It compares the direction that the rear axle is aimed with the centerline of the vehicle. It also confirms if the rear axle is parallel to its front axle and that the wheelbase on both sides of the vehicle is the same. It is one of the most important diagnostic angles during an alignment.
Suspension Bushing Testing: When is a Bushing Bad?
There is no real maintenance schedule for a bushing beyond periodic inspection. While tie rod ends and ball joints might occasionally receive a little “thanks” for all their hard work in the form of a greasy treat, the bushing gets no such thanks. In fact, such a “treat” can mean death to a rubber bushing.
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.
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.