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Wheel And Axle Alignments

Wheel and Axle Alignments

We utilize Hunter’s all-new HawkEye® XL alignment system featuring three-dimensional XL

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Currently, the most advanced Alignment System available.

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Designed for ease of use for a wide range of commercial vehicles. Hunter's HawkEye® XL employs long-range camera technology to provide highly accurate measurements and reduce human input.

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We identify all major sources of tire wear and fuel-wasting alignment conditions for all axles 

using cutting-edge laser technology.

Our alignment system is fully automated resulting in precise measurements with an accuracy of .0001 of an inch.

 

 

 

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We identify all major sources of tire wear and fuel-wasting alignment conditions for all axles using cutting-edge laser technology.

Our alignment system is fully automated resulting in precise measurements with an accuracy of .0001 of an inch.

Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Procedure

1. Pre-Alignment Inspection

  1. Inspect Tires and Wheels:

    • Check all tires for proper inflation, even wear, and matching sizes.

    • Inspect wheels for bends, cracks, or other damage.

    • On a level surface, visual check for vehicle lean.

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  2. Check Suspension and Steering Components:

    • Jack up each test for play.

    • Inspect kingpins. If more than .010” play, Kingpins need replacing.

    • Bushings, bearings, tie rods, drag link, ball joints, spring pins & shackles, U-bolts, shock absorbers, and air ride components.

    • Check for excessive play in steering.

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  3. Check Frame and Axle Condition:

    • Verify frame is straight and not twisted.

    • Inspect axles and axle seats for wear, cracks, or alignment issues.

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2. Alignment Procedure

A. Steer Axle Alignment

  1. Measure Initial Angles:

    • Record initial toe, camber, caster, and kingpin inclination on steer axle.

    • Record thrust and scrub angles for drive axles.

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  2. Adjust Camber:

    • Camber is usually fixed on trucks; if out of spec, we inspect for bent axle beam or worn components such as Kingpin

    • Correct by replacing or repairing components. Some axles allow for correction with shims.

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  3. Adjust Caster:

    • Usually adjusted by shimming axle seats or adjusting spring mountings.

    • Set per manufacturer specs (usually 3–5 degrees positive).

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  4. Adjust Toe:

    • Adjust tie rod to bring wheels within manufacturer’s specification. Varies by vehicle type.

 

B. Drive Axle Alignment

  1. Check and Adjust Thrust Angle:

    •  This is how parallel the drive axle is to the centerline of the truck).

    • Adjust axle position using threaded adjusters (if equipped) or by repositioning and shimming axle seats.

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  2. Check and Adjust Tracking:

    • Ensure drive axle(s) are square to chassis centerline.

    • Check and adjust tandem axle parallelism.

    • Confirm all axles are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the centerline.

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C. Final Inspection and Road Test

  1. Torque Check:

    • Retorque all suspension and steering fasteners.

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  2. Test Drive the Truck:

    • Operate at various speeds and road conditions to ensure correct handling.

    • Listen for unusual noises and check steering wheel centering.

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  3. Final Re-Check:

    • If necessary, perform a final check of alignment measurements after test drive.

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D. Documentation and Reporting

  1. Print and Save Alignment Results:

    • Provide printout of pre-alignment and post alignment record to customer

    • Any components replaced or additional recommendations are noted.

 

Note: This procedure is generic and meant for standard heavy-duty trucks. Specific vehicles, such as axle configurations and alignment specs can vary. If alignment cannot be performed to industry standards, deeper mechanical inspection of frame or suspension may be necessary.

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