Pre-Alignment Instructions

1980 Buick Century Base, 3.8L Eng VIN ASECTION Pre-Alignment Instructions

Before making wheel alignment adjustments, check the following:

  1. Wheel bearings must be properly adjusted.
  2. Steering linkage and suspension must not have excessive looseness. Check for wear in tie rod ends and ball joints. See Fig 1.
    Fig 1: Checking Steering Linkage
    G09317363Courtesy of NOT AVAILABLE
  3. Tires should be approximately equal in tread wear and runout must not be excessive. Tires and wheels should be in balance, and inflated to manufacturer's specifications.
  4. Car must be at curb height with full fuel tank, no passenger load, spare in place, and no load in trunk.
  5. Car must be on level floor and at normal running height. Bounce front and rear end of car an equal number of times, always releasing bumper at bottom of down stroke. Allow it to settle to normal running height.
  6. If steering wheel is not centered with front wheels in straight ahead position, correct by shortening one tie rod adjusting sleeve and lengthening opposite sleeve. See Fig 2.
    Fig 2: Adjusting Tie Rod Sleeves (Top View)
    G09317364Courtesy of NOT AVAILABLE
  7. Ensure wheel lug nuts are tightened to manufacturers' specifications. See Chart .
RENDER: 1.0x

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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.