Alignment Archives - Page 4 of 10 - UnderhoodService
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.

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.

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.

Bosch Introduces ‘National Wheel Service Promise’

Bosch has just introduced the “Bosch National Wheel Service Promise” – a move that the company says guarantees a Bosch authorized Wheel Service repair provider will restore Bosch-branded wheel service equipment to operating condition within 48 hours of repair being scheduled.

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.

Alignment & Suspension Specs: Ford Escape 2001-2010

The Ford Escape is one of the longest running Ford platforms with models that remained unchanged mechanically from 2000 to 2010. While it is not the most complicated alignment, it does have some quirks that have emerged during its past 10 years of service.

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2007-2011 Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX

In 2007, Ford introduced the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossover vehicles. The vehicles are based on the CD3 platform that is used for the Fusion and other Ford vehicles. FWD and AWD models are on the streets, but the alignment procedures are the same.

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt and Pontiac G5

If you were to look at the underside of a 2005-2010 Chevy Cobalt or Pontiac G5, the recipe doesn’t look that much different that a 1995-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier or Pontiac Sunfire. The basic ingredients of a strut front suspension and loaded beam axle rear suspension are still there. But, GM introduced several new ingredients that can change how this vehicle is aligned.

Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2003-2008 Honda Pilot

Aligning the 2003-2008 Honda Pilot is not difficult. The first-generation Pilot shares the same suspension design as the Odyssey and rear suspension design with the Accord. The Pilot is the largest vehicle Honda manufacturers. There are no TSBs issued for alignment or tire wear problems. Most TSBs for these vehicles focus on the steering column noise, but most of them are for a limited number of vehicles. The Pilot is based on Honda’s Global Light Truck Platform. It features a highly robust and rigid unit body design with isolated front and rear subframes.