Wheel geometry adjustment sometimes called (Wheels Alignment) consists of adjusting wheels angles that they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Proper wheel geometry adjustment ensures better maneuverability and better vehicle control, when the handling your vehicle is appropriate, also increases performance, tires durability and reduces your fuel consumption.
Road defects and impacts (example: potholes) damage the symmetry and your wheels adjustments, without that being perceptible for the driver. A bad geometry involves an abnormally tires, suspension, steering parts wear and affects your vehicle handling.
WARNING SIGNS:
- Steering wheel not centered.
- Vehicle pulls to one side.
- Vehicle tends to rock on the road.
- Steering is not sensitive to movements.
- Steering wheel vibration.
- Tires are noisy when cornering.
- Tires wear out more quickly on the inside or outside edge.
SERVICE TIPS:
Most manufacturers recommend checking wheel alignment every 12 months or 20,000 kilometers (12,000 miles).
Schedule A Quick Appointment (450) 681-1414
SUSPENSION
- Inspection suspension components (front and rear), shock absorbers or struts, lower and upper suspension components, ball joints, suspension arms, links and stabilizer bar bushings.
STEERING
- Inspection steering components, rack and tie rods.
TIRES
- Check and correct inflation pressure if necessary. Inspect tires and wheels for damage or premature wear.
LUBRIFICATION
- Lubrication chassis components, lower and upper suspension components, ball joints, suspension arms, stabilizer bar links and steering links (if applicable).
MAINTENANCE
- Power steering maintenance, complete draining and flushing power steering system which allows us to clean rack and pinion, steering pump, valve, cooler, hoses and lines of power steering circuit as well as many other components, it removes all varnish deposits and other system contaminants.
SUSPENSION
- Replacement, suspension components (front and rear) parts, shock absorbers or struts, lower and upper suspension components, ball joints, suspension arms, links and stabilizer bar bushings.
STEERING
- Replacement steering components rack and pinion, tie rods, pump and power steering lines.
Proper wheel geometry adjustment ensures better maneuverability and better vehicle control, when the handling your vehicle is appropriate, also increases performance, tires durability and reduces your fuel consumption.
After the repair a vehicle road test to ensure, proper systems functioning, maneuverability and handling when cornering.
When considering wheel geometry for off-road driving, it is important to understand that geometry parameters may differ slightly from standard specifications for on-road driving, in order to accommodate the more demanding conditions for off-road driving. Here are some points to consider:
Camber Angle:
- In general, a neutral or slightly positive camber angle is best for off-road driving. This provides better traction on uneven surfaces and helps reduce tire wear.
Caster Angle:
- A higher caster angle can improve directional stability at high speeds and on rough terrain. However, excessive caster angle can make the steering feel heavier and affect low speed handling.
Toe-In & Toe-Out:
- A slight toe-out can be beneficial for off-road driving, as it improves directional stability at high speeds and maneuverability over rough terrain. However, excessive toe-out can cause excessive tire wear.
Ride Height:
- Raising the ride height slightly can provide more clearance to overcome obstacles and reduce risk of damage when driving off-road.
Suspension & Shocs
- Make sure the suspension is tuned to provide sufficient articulation over rough terrain, while maintaining vehicle stability. Adjustable shock absorbers can be useful for adjusting suspension behavior depending on driving conditions.
Tires & Tires Pressure
- Use suitable tires for off-road driving with a sturdy tread and damage-resistant construction. Adjust tire pressure according to driving conditions to optimize grip and flotation on loose surfaces.
Axles & Differentials:
- Make sure axles and differentials are properly aligned and drive angles are appropriate to avoid undue stress on drivetrain components when driving off-road.
Regular Maintenance:
- Perform regular wheel alignment checks and adjustments to ensure your vehicle performs optimally when driving off-road. Also be sure to monitor tire wear and perform necessary rotations.
- By considering these factors and adjusting your wheel geometry accordingly you can optimize your vehicle's performance and handling when driving off-road, while reducing the risk of damage and premature wear. If you are unsure of the appropriate settings, it is recommended that you consult an automotive service professional or off-road driving specialist for advice specific to your vehicle and your needs.
- Washing the undercarriage, the importance of washing the underside of your vehicle with a high-pressure jet to remove salt, sludge, leaves and stones.
Before performing a wheel alignment, it is essential to carefully inspect the suspension and steering components to ensure they are in good condition. Here are the main parts to check:
Shock Absorbers:
- Visually inspect the shock absorbers for oil leaks, physical damage, or excessive wear. Defective shock absorbers can affect stability and driving comfort.
Suspension Springs:
Checking suspension springs condition to make sure they are not broken, cracked, or sagging unevenly. Damaged springs can cause an unbalanced ride and uneven tire wear.
Suspension ball joints:
- Check suspension ball joints for excessive wear or deformation. Worn ball joints can lead to unstable suspension and premature tire wear.
Steering Tie-Rods:
- Inspect steering tie-rods for excessive wear or deformation. Worn tie-rods can cause steering wheel feels loose and affect driving stability.
Stabilizer Bars:
- Inspect stabilizer bars for cracked bushings, stabilizer bar links, damage, weakened fasteners, or excessive loose. Damaged stabilizer bars and links can affect handling and cornering stability.
Once all these parts have been inspected and found to be in good condition, we can proceed with wheel alignment adjustment with confidence, knowing that suspension and steering components are in good operating condition .
Checking Wheel Alignment, is an important procedure to ensure that your vehicle's wheels angles and settings are properly aligned. Here is an overview of the verification process:
Visual Examination:
- The technician will begin with a visual inspection tires, wheels, suspension and steering components for any signs of abnormal wear, damage, or loose parts.
Measuring Angles:
- Our computerized wheel alignment machine used to measure and diagnose wheel misalignment. The machine first measures the wheel position and orientation relative to vehicle body. It then determines what adjustments need to be made to achieve proper wheel alignment.
Comparison With Manufacturer Specifications:
- The measurements obtained are compared to vehicle manufacturer recommended specifications. Any significant deviation may indicate a need for adjustment.
Results Report:
- A detailed report of measurements and recommendations is usually provided to vehicle owner, indicating whether adjustments are necessary and specific angles that need to be corrected.
Adjustments If Necessary:
- If wheel geometry is outside of acceptable tolerances, adjustments are made using appropriate tools to correct the relevant angles and parameters.
Final Check:
- After adjustments, a new series of measurements can be taken to confirm that the wheel geometry is now within acceptable limits.
- A test drive after making wheel geometry adjustments ensures that the vehicle operates properly and provides a safe and comfortable ride.