Diagnosing Alignment Issues: A Closer Look  

Often overlooked, the alignment of a vehicle's wheels plays a crucial role in the overall performance, safety, and longevity of vehicle components. 

In this article, we’ll take a deeper look into the process of diagnosing alignment issues, understanding the tell-tale signs, and appreciating the impact of precise wheel alignment on the driving experience for your customers.  

The Symptomatic Signs: Aligning a vehicle's wheels involves adjusting the angles of the tyres to ensure they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. When misalignments occur, they can manifest in various symptoms that keen observers can identify. Here are some common signs:

• Uneven Tyre Wear: Keep an eye on the tread of the tyres. Uneven wear, such as one side wearing out faster than the other, indicates a potential alignment problem.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: Does the vehicle veer to the left or right even when the steering wheel is straight? This pulling sensation is a classic indicator of misalignment.
• Off-Centre Steering Wheel: A crooked or off-centre steering wheel when driving straight suggests a need for alignment adjustments.
• Vibration or Shaking: Vibrations or shaking, particularly at higher speeds, could be a result of imbalanced wheels due to misalignment.
• Squealing Tyres: Misaligned wheels can cause excessive friction, leading to squealing noises when turning or driving.

Root Causes of Misalignment: Understanding the root causes of misalignment is essential for effective diagnosis and corrective measures. Some common factors include:

• Potholes and Road Imperfections: The UK's diverse road conditions can take a toll on a vehicle's alignment. Potholes and uneven road surfaces are notorious culprits.
• Impact and Collisions: Accidents, even minor ones, can knock a vehicle's wheels out of alignment. It's crucial to check alignment after any collision.
• Worn Suspension Components: Ageing or damaged suspension parts, such as bushings or ball joints, can contribute to misalignment issues.

Correct Alignment is Critical for ADAS: 

The term "ADAS" (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) refers to all driver assistance and collision avoidance systems that can lessen the severity of an accident or help prevent one from happening altogether. The IMI predicts that between 2014 and 2030, ADAS systems will prevent 25,000 serious accidents and save more than 2,500 (Source IMI) But ADAS systems will only work if accurately calibrated, for this correct wheel alignment is essential.

Alignment is particularly crucial for EV's for several reasons: 

Weight distribution: Electric and hybrid vehicles often have different weight distributions compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The heavy battery packs are usually located at the bottom of the vehicle, which can affect the weight distribution. Proper wheel alignment ensures that the weight is distributed evenly among all four wheels, which can impact handling, stability, and tyre wear. 

Torque delivery: Electric vehicles (EVs) typically deliver torque to the wheels differently than ICE vehicles. Electric motors can provide instant and consistent torque, and this power delivery can highlight alignment issues more clearly. Misaligned wheels can result in uneven tyre wear, reduced efficiency, and decreased handling performance in electric vehicles. 

Low rolling resistance tyres: Electric and hybrid vehicles often come equipped with low rolling resistance tyres to improve energy efficiency. These tyres can be more sensitive to alignment issues, as they are designed to minimise rolling resistance, and any misalignment can result in increased tyre wear and reduced efficiency.

The Diagnostic Process: 

Once the symptoms are identified, a systematic diagnostic approach becomes imperative, here's a step-by-step guide:

Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the tyres for uneven wear patterns. Pay attention to the steering wheel's position when driving straight.

Alignment Check: Utilise advanced wheel alignment tools like those provided by John Bean® to measure the current alignment angles accurately.

Suspension Examination: Inspect suspension components for signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty parts before realigning the wheels.

Tyre Pressure Verification: Ensure that tyre pressures are within the manufacturer's recommended range for optimal performance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, vehicle technicians play a vital role in maintaining optimal wheel alignment for enhanced vehicle performance. It is imperative for technicians to promptly address any misalignment issues and utilise their expertise to provide preventative maintenance and maintain the accuracy of ADAS systems. By adopting these practices, technicians not only contribute to the longevity of the vehicle but also enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

To continue reading and find out more, check out the articles linked below.

An Essential Guide to Wheel Alignment Part 3

Alignment Matters: This article delves into the strategic advantages and lucrative potential of providing comprehensive wheel alignment services to your customers. By going beyond the basics, independent garages can not only enhance customer satisfaction but also potentially your profits.

Need to upgrade or add wheel alignment equipment to your garage?

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