Normal driving usually won't knock the wheels out of alignment or damage the suspension. So why are regular alignment checks needed? Because normal driving also involves encounters with the unexpected which often includes potholes, curbs, railroad crossings (which are famous for being rough), parking lot speed bumps and other things that jar and stress the suspension. For this reason, periodic alignment checks are a good way to ensure proper wheel alignment and to detect and damage or worn parts that might need attention.

Wheel alignment should also be checked anytime a vehicle is experiencing a tire wear, steering or handling problem. Checking alignment will tell you two things:
(1) If alignment is in or out of specifications, and (2) if it is out of specifications, whether an adjustment will fix the problem. In many instances, the underlying cause of the alignment problem is worn or damaged parts in the steering linkage or suspension.

Worn or damaged parts cannot hold the wheels in proper alignment and must be replaced BEFORE the wheels can be realigned to factory specifications. An alignment check can be both a diagnostic and preventative maintenance service. If potholes have taken a toll on a vehicle's suspension, an alignment check will reveal any need for correction or repairs. A thorough inspection and check of all the important angles will assure your customer that the suspension is in good condition and the wheels are aligned within factory specifications for optimum tire life and handling.

BENEFITS
The benefits that result from proper wheel alignment include: * Significantly reduced tire wear (both front and rear) * Improved steering stability and tracking * On-center steering (steering wheel is straight) * Proper steering effort * Better traction & safer braking * Reduced rolling resistance for better fuel economy

WHAT ALIGNING THE WHEELS SHOULD INCLUDE
Alignment procedures vary depending on the "type" of alignment being performed. A simple "two-wheel" alignment only checks the alignment of the front wheels. A complete "four-wheel" alignment checks the alignment of all four wheels. A "thrust-angle" alignment compensates for rear axle misalignment but only aligns the front wheels. The basic procedure includes the following:
1. A prealignment inspection of the tires, steering linkage and suspension components to check for worn or damaged parts that could have an adverse effect on wheel alignment.

2. Measuring ride height to check for spring sag, which can affect wheel alignment.

3. Reading front toe, front camber, turning angle and front caster, and rear toe and camber (if doing a complete four-wheel alignment). Otherwise, only front toe, camber, turning angle and caster would be measured and compared to factory specifications.

If additional diagnostic work is needed, SAI, included angle and thrust angle may also be measured. 4. If adjustments are needed, corrections are made to rear camber and toe first, followed by front camber, caster and finally toe.

SOME OF OUR PARTS: AC Compressor, AC Condenser, AC Receiver Drier, Air Filter, Air Filter Recharge, Air Mass Meter, Alternator, Antenna, Auto Parts, Axle Assembly, Ball Joint & Tie Rod, Belts, Body Parts, Brake Booster, Brake Caliper, Brake Dust Shields, Brake Pad Sensor, Brakes, Brush Guard, Bug Shields, Bulbs, Bumper, Bumper Absorber, Bumper Bracket, Bumper End, Bumper Trim, Cabin Air Filter, Car Bra, Car Cover, Car Mirror, Cargo Liner, Catalytic Converter, Clutch, Coil Springs, Cold Air Intake, Cold Air Intake Filter, Control Arm, Cornering Light, Distributor Cap, Distributor Rotor, Door, Door Handle, Driveshaft, EGR Valve, Emblem, Engine Mount, Exhaust, Exhaust Manifold, Expansion Tank, Fan Blade, Fan Clutch, Fan Shroud, Fender, Fender Flares, Floor Liner, Floor Mats, Fog Lights, Fuel Filter, Fuel Injectors, Fuel Pump, Fuel Tank, Grill, Grille Guard, Head Gasket, Header Pipe, Headers, Headlight Cover, Headlight Door, Headlights, Heater Core, Hood, Hood Latch, Hood Lift, Hubcap, Ignition Coil, Ignition Switch, Intake Manifold, Knock Sensor, Lift Kit, Lower Valance, Master Cylinder, Mud Flaps, Nerf Bar, Oil Filter, Oxygen Sensor, Parking Light, PCV Valve, Performance Chip, Performance Pulleys, Radiator, Radiator Hose, Radiator Support, Repair Manual, Running Boards, Seat Belt, Seat Cover, Shocks, Spark Plug Wires, Spoiler, Starter, Steering Rack, Strut Assembly, Suspension Bushings, Tail Lights, Tailgate Handle, Thermostat, Throttle Body Spacer, Tie Rod End, Timing Belt & Chain, Tonneau Cover, Trunk Strut, Turn Signal, Valve Cover Gasket, Vent Visor, Washer Pump, Water Pump, Weatherstrip, Wheel Bearing, Wheel Cylinder, Wheel Hub Assembly, Wheels, Winch, Window Motor, Window Regulator, Window Switch, Wiper Blade, Wiper Motor

You will find these and other parts in our free giant catalog. We have parts for both domestic & foreign cars and trucks.