Do not check and adjust front-wheel alignment without first making
the following inspection for front end damage or wear:
Check for specified air pressures in all four tires.
Raise the front of the vehicle off the floor. Refer to Section 00-02. Check
the front suspension ball joint wear indicators and mounts for looseness, wear
and damage. Check the brake backing plate mountings. Tighten all loose nuts and
bolts to specification. Replace all worn parts. Refer to Section 04-01.
Check the steering gear mountings and all steering linkage connections for
looseness. Tighten all mountings to specification. If any of the linkage is
worn or bent, replace the parts. Refer to Section 11-02.
Grasp upper and lower surfaces of tire, shake each wheel to check wheel
bearing end play. If any in-and-out free play is noticed, adjust the bearings
to specification. Replace worn or damaged bearings. Refer to Section 04-01.
Check the action of the shock absorbers and the condition of their
attachments. Refer to Shock Absorber Checks as outlined. A sticking or binding
shock absorber may not allow the vehicle to settle in a normal, level position,
possibly affecting the front wheel alignment.