Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Preliminary Checks: Notes
Before beginning wheel alignment procedures, ensure following items are checked:
- Ensure alignment equipment is properly calibrated.
- All wheels and tires are of approved size (all 4 identical) and tires are properly inflated. Tread depth has no more than .08" (2 mm) difference between tires on same axle. Correct as necessary.
- Check suspension components for looseness or damage. Correct as necessary.
- Check wheel bearing play and condition. Correct as necessary.
- Check steering components for looseness or damage. Correct as necessary.
- Compensate for wheel runout. Permissible lateral runout of the wheel rims may already exceed the specified toe setting tolerance. In this case, a correct toe adjustment is not possible without compensating for wheel runout.
- Fuel tank full. Spare tire and tools stored in appropriate storage area. Windshield washer reservoir full. Correct as necessary.
- On vehicle equipped with level control, turn ignition on and allow height control process to run until completed.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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