How to Perform a Four-Wheel Alignment?
4 Answers
Four-wheel alignment needs to be done on specialized equipment, and the specific steps are as follows: 1. Drive the vehicle onto the equipment and secure specialized instruments to the vehicle's tires. 2. Connect the computer to read the vehicle's four-wheel alignment data. If any data errors are detected, adjustments will need to be made on the vehicle. Here is some additional information about four-wheel alignment: 1. Four-wheel alignment is a routine maintenance item for motor vehicles and is only required when issues arise. 2. Four-wheel alignment is not a regular maintenance item and does not need to be performed periodically. It is only necessary when vehicle problems occur.
I've been working in automotive repair for over a decade, and performing wheel alignment requires professional equipment. First, inflate the tires to the standard pressure, and repair any suspension deformities beforehand. After lifting the vehicle, install alignment sensors on each wheel. Once connected to the computer, the screen immediately displays the vehicle's wheel alignment data: toe-in, camber, caster angles, etc. Adjusting the toe-in involves tightening the lock nut on the tie rod, while adjusting the caster requires disassembling the shock absorber and adding shims. During adjustments, repeatedly measure reference points with a gauge. The most frustrating part is dealing with accident-damaged vehicles—if chassis components are deformed, they must be replaced. The entire process takes two to three hours, and a test drive of several kilometers is essential afterward to ensure the steering wheel automatically returns to center, confirming proper alignment. Remember to re-tighten all adjusted components after completing the alignment.
Last time my car kept pulling to the right, and even after getting new tires, there was still a humming noise. An experienced driver suggested it needed a wheel alignment. I went to a reliable repair shop where the mechanic first checked for any collision marks on the chassis, then attached reflective-looking alignment heads to all four wheels. I watched as the computer screen showed a particularly large camber deviation on the left wheel. The mechanic used a jack to lift the car, crawled underneath, and adjusted the suspension position by tightening several bolts. The main focus was adjusting the toe-in value of the front wheels—turning the steering wheel wrench one circle could change it by about 1 millimeter. Finally, I paid 200 yuan, and during the test drive, the steering wheel felt as light as if it had been oiled, and the tire noise was gone. Now, every time I hit a curb, I make sure to check the alignment.
As a car modification enthusiast, my experience is that wheel alignment directly affects handling performance. Standard alignment machines can measure three angles: toe-in influences straight-line stability, camber relates to cornering grip, and caster determines steering return force. During operation, the vehicle must be parked on an absolutely level lift, and the alignment sensors need to be mounted at the hub center. Adjusting toe-in only requires rotating the tie rods, while modifying camber angles involves adjusting the suspension's eccentric bolts. It's best to immediately test the steering responsiveness on the highway after completion. Some high-end models also require rear-wheel toe adjustment, as improper alignment can lead to uneven tire wear or even irregular wear on all four tires.
