Alignments: Getting the Electronic Angles Right
Sensors are always measuring the driver’s interactions with the steering wheel, brake pedal and gas pedal. This is why you should use a scan tool on the majority of late-model vehicles after an alignment.
Alignment Service On 2011 Hyundai Elantra
The current platform of the Hyundai Elantra shares a lot in common with the other current Kia and Hyundai models. The simple architecture of a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear twist beam axle is starting to become standard on all small and mid-sized offerings. The Elantra is a “net-build” vehicle with no built-in adjustments, but adjustments can be made with aftermarket parts.
Performing An Alignment On Ford F-150 And Lincoln Mark LT Vehicles
The 2004-’08 Ford F-150 and 2005-’08 Lincoln Mark LT are not difficult vehicles to align, but they are difficult vehicles to properly inspect and adjust to the optimal specifications. The main difference with the 11th generation is in the front control arms. The lower control arm is forged aluminum. Upper ball joints have a reputation for failing sooner than lower ball joints.
Dodge Caliber Alignment Service
The Dodge Caliber was the replacement for the Neon. The Caliber shares the same architecture with the Nitro and Sebring models from the same timeframe. Needless to say, this is a “net build” vehicle with only toe adjustments built into the front and rear suspensions.
Honda Pilot Suspension And Alignment Inspection
The Pilot employs a strut-type front suspension that provides a generous 7.3 inches of wheel travel. Separate load paths to the unit body are provided for the coil spring and the shock absorber to reduce road noise. A solid 0.9-inch stabilizer bar is linked directly to the strut via ball-joint connections to reduce body roll during cornering maneuvers.
2004-2013 Mazda3 Alignment Service
The 2004-2013 Mazda3 shares the Ford C1 platform. This is almost the same vehicle as the Ford Focus and Volvo S40 when it comes to the suspension. While the exterior and interior changed in nine years, the suspension did not. The only major alteration occurred in 2009 when the suspension was updated and lost the built-in adjustments for front caster and camber.
Tech Tip: Toyota RAV4 Recall And Inspection Tags
If you get a 2005-2011 Toyota RAV4 in your shop for an alignment of a complaint of either rear tire wear or a knocking noise, you need to be aware of a recall and inspection campaign Toyota is performing. Toyota Safety Recall C0J involved inspecting the right and left Rear Suspension Lower Arm No. 1 for looseness. Based upon this inspection, it may have been necessary to replace the arm(s).
Performing An Alignment On VW Jetta And Golf Vehicles
Most entry-level VW models featured the same basic suspension used from the advent of the original VW Rabbit. About the only change was from a rear strut suspension to a separate coil spring and shock absorber in the rear. Used for all models of the Golf, Jetta, New Beetle and the Audi TT, this suspension is simple, durable and easy to repair. There is still a beam axle in the rear of pre-2006 FWD cars.
Suspension Service On 2007-2011 Toyota Camry
Toyota designed the control arm on the Camry to absorb and deform during impacts so the body and suspension cradle will not be damaged. Replacement control arms are readily available for this vehicle. Pay attention to the included angle or SAI. This diagnostic angle can help you determine if the control arm or knuckle has been damaged.
Chevy Cruze Alignment Pointers
The Chevy Cruze uses a semi-independent twist-beam rear suspension axle like on the Cobalt. The axle assembly attaches to the underbody through a rubber bushing and bracket located at the front of each integral trailing arm. The brackets are bolted to the underbody side rails. The axle structure itself maintains the geometrical relationship of the wheels relative to the centerline of the body.
A Thorough Chassis Evaluation Must Precede A Proper Alignment
Thanks to all the potholes caused by our harsh winter weather, we tend to do a lot of alignments here in Northeast Ohio. But wherever you live, it’s a good idea to check the alignment whenever you put on a new set of tires or replace a worn suspension component. And, sometimes you might encounter a problem due to a unique chassis setup. Take the Volvo 850, S70 and V70, for example, which from 1993 to 2000 had a slightly different split rear axle setup that was adjustable.
Alignment Specs For 2010 Camaro
The 2010 Camaro was GM’s re-entry into the pony-car wars with Ford and Chrysler. Like the Dodge Challenger, the Camaro borrows its platform from an existing rear-wheel-drive platform. The Camaro is based on the Zeta platform that includes the Chevrolet Police Patrol Vehicle and Pontiac G8. The front suspension uses strut and dual lower control arms. Always check the front lower control arm’s inboard bushing for damage in the form of rubber separating from the metal components. When this bushing goes bad, it will change the SIA and caster.