What is the process of four-wheel alignment?
2 Answers
The process of four-wheel alignment is: 1. Pre-alignment vehicle inspection, checking that there are no unacceptable gaps or damages in the vehicle's suspension system, wheel bearings, steering system, etc.; 2. Drive the vehicle onto a four-post lift and stabilize it, ensuring the vehicle's center aligns with the lift and turntable center; 3. Check and, if necessary, modify the vehicle specifications; 4. Strictly follow the steps displayed by the alignment equipment without omission, such as performing wheel runout compensation and tire inspection as required, and inputting the relevant tire inspection data into the equipment as specified; 5. The adjustment of each wheel's alignment parameters (toe, camber) should comply with the requirements of the vehicle's "service manual," and any parameters that do not meet the specified requirements should be adjusted (except for those that cannot be adjusted on the original vehicle); 6. The alignment results should be saved and printed.
I have been engaged in automotive repair for over a decade, and the wheel alignment process is actually quite standardized: The first step is to smoothly drive the vehicle onto the platform of a dedicated alignment machine, ensuring all tires are positioned correctly. The second step involves installing sensors or reflector targets on each wheel, which connect to a computer system to automatically measure suspension angles, such as camber, toe, and caster values. The third step, after displaying the measurement data, involves comparing them against the vehicle manufacturer's standard ranges. If discrepancies are found, such as insufficient toe angle, tools are used to adjust the tie rods or nuts on the steering arms. The fourth step is to re-measure after adjustments to ensure everything complies, usually followed by a test drive to check if the steering wheel is centered and the driving is stable. The entire process is completed within 30 minutes, making it quite efficient. Why is it necessary to perform this regularly? Because misalignment or abnormal angles can cause rapid tire wear and even affect braking performance. After alignment, steering becomes much smoother, making highway driving more reassuring. Remember to check for loose chassis screws during maintenance to avoid potential failures.
