Vehicle Inspection: Notes

Before attempting to align any vehicle, it is important to inspect the vehicle completely to insure there are no damaged or loose suspension components. Regardless of the age or mileage of the vehicle, a complete inspection should be performed. The following items should be checked thoroughly:

• Tires and Wheels  - Check tires for wear patterns that could indicate suspension problems. Make sure the tires are the correct size and type. Check for the correct inflation pressures. Look for wheel/rim damage which could indicate impact damage.
• Wheel bearings  - Check to make sure there is no excessive wheel bearing play. This needs to be addressed for safety reasons, but loose wheel bearings will affect the quality of the alignment as well.
• Steering Linkage  - Check the tie rods, center link, idler arm and pitman arm. On vehicles with rack and pinion steering, check for loose inner/outer tie rods etc.

  On vehicles with a center link, make sure the center link is level. Check flexible coupling between steering shaft and rack and pinion assembly (or steering box).

• Suspension Components  - Check Struts/Shocks for leakage or damage. Check springs and perform ride height measurements.
• Subframe  - Check the front and rear axle carriers. Look for bent/twisted sub frames. Check the crossmembers for evidence of shifting or displacement. Check the mounting bolts for "clean spots" which could indicate shifting or movement.
• Brakes  - Check braking system by road testing the vehicle. A road test could help to identify brake related issues such as pulling or brake induced vibrations.
• Drivetrain  - While road testing the vehicle, observe and vibrations and/or noises and try to isolate the cause. Noises and vibrations under acceleration (rather than coasting) may be an indication of drivetrain issues.