Chapter 19 Job Sheet 1

1
Name ___________________________________________________ Date ______________________

Prealignment Inspection
Upon completion of this job sheet, you should be able to perform a prealignment inspection
and determine if repairs are necessary before a wheel alignment is performed.

Tools and Materials

Vehicle Machinist’s rule
Tire pressure gauge Service manual
Dial indicator

Describe the vehicle being worked on:

Year _________ Make _____________________ Model ________________________
VIN __________________ Engine type and size _______________________________

Procedure
1. Inspect for mud adhering to the underside of the chassis.
Are there excessive amounts of mud adhering to the chassis?  Yes  No
2. Check the trunk and passenger compartment for heavy items that are not part of
the normal vehicle load.
Does the trunk or passenger compartment contain heavy items that are not part of
the normal vehicle load?  Yes  No
Is the fuel tank full of fuel?  Yes  No
3. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Tire pressure __________________
4. Measure the radial and lateral runout on the front and rear tires. List any tire below
that has excessive radial or lateral runout. ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
5. Measure the front and rear suspension height.
Specified front suspension height_____________
Actual front suspension height, left___________ right ___________
Specified rear suspension height______________
Actual rear suspension height, left___________ right ___________
Prealignment Inspection (continued)
6. Inspect the front and rear suspension strikeout bumpers. List any damaged
strikeout bumper below. ______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
7. Measure the steering wheel free play.
Specified steering wheel free play______________
Actual steering wheel free play________________
8. Perform a front and rear suspension bounce test to check the shock absorber
condition. List any unsatisfactory shock absorbers below.____________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
9. Inspect shock absorbers for leaks and loose, worn mounting bushings and bolts.
List any unsatisfactory shock absorber conditions below. ____________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
10. Measure front and rear wheel bearing end play.
Specified front wheel bearing end play _____________
Actual front wheel bearing end play, left___________ right ___________
Specified rear wheel bearing end play ______________
Actual rear wheel bearing end play, left___________ right ___________
11. Measure ball joint radial and axial movement.
Specified ball joint movement, radial _____________ axial ___________
Actual ball joint movement, left lower ____________left upper_______________
right lower _____________right upper______________
12. Inspect all the control arms for damage and worn bushings. Identify any control
arm defects below.___________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
13. Inspect all steering linkages and tie-rod ends for looseness. List any steering
linkage and tie-rod defects below. ______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
14. Inspect the stabilizer bar and track bar for damage or worn links or bushings. List
any stabilizer bar or track bar defects below. ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Prealignment Inspection (continued)
15. Inspect the steering gear for loose mounting bolts and worn mounting brackets.
List any steering gear mounting defects below. ____________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

16. From the results of your inspection, summarize the necessary suspension service
before a wheel alignment is performed. __________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Instructor’s Response ______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________