Preliminary Alignment Inspection. Pontiac Sun Runner - 4WD (Canada) 1998

For 1990-2009 cars

Any of the following conditions may cause steering and vibration complaints:

• | Improper wheel alignment

• | Wheel and tire imbalance

• | Lead

| Lead is the deviation of the vehicle from a straight path on a level road without hand pressure on the wheel.

| Worn or defective tires may cause lead.

Refer to Suspension General Diagnosis for diagnosis of complaints in steering, vibration, or wheel alignment.

In order to ensure correct alignment readings and adjustments, perform the following inspections before inspecting the caster, the camber, or the toe:

1. Inspect all of the tires for the following conditions:

• | The proper inflation

• | Approximately the same level of tread wear on all of the tires

2. Inspect the wheel bearings for looseness. Refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis in Suspension General Diagnosis.
3. Inspect the ball joints and the tie rod ends (1) for looseness.

If the ball joints and the tie rod ends are loose, tighten the ball joints and the tie rod ends (1) before adjustment.

4. Inspect the tie rods (2).

If the tie rods are loose, tighten the tie rods (2) before adjustment.

5. Inspect the lateral runout of tires and the wheels. Refer to Vibration Diagnosis and Correction.
6. Inspect the vehicle trim heights. Refer to Low or Uneven Trim Height in Suspension General Diagnosis.

If the trim heights are incorrect, correct the trim height before adjusting the toe.

7. Inspect the steering gear mountings. Refer to Power or Manual Steering in Steering.
8. Inspect the operation of the struts. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection in Front Suspension.
9. Inspect the control arms for looseness. Refer to Suspension Component Inspection in Front Suspension.

Important:

• | If the vehicle normally carries an excessive load, do not remove the excessive load during alignment checks.

• | Inspect the equipment used in order to check alignment. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• | Always inspect the alignment of a vehicle on a level surface.

10. Inspect the hub and bearing assemblies for excessive wear. Make any necessary corrections.Refer to Suspension General Diagnosis.