Suspension Inspection and Alignment Pre-Check Checklist

This suspension inspection and alignment pre-check checklist ensures all worn suspension components are identified before performing wheel alignment. Aligning a vehicle with worn ball joints, tie rod ends, or bushings produces alignment specs that shift immediately once the vehicle is driven, wasting the customer's money. Complete suspension inspection before alignment is the industry standard per ASE A4 certification and manufacturer alignment procedures.

Industry: Automotive Service
Frequency: Per Alignment Service / Annually
Estimated Time: 30-45 minutes
Role: ASE A4-Certified Alignment Technician / Suspension Specialist
Total Items: 28
Compliance: ASE A4 Suspension and Steering Certification, SAE J1321 Wheel Alignment Standards, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Lift Safety Requirements, OEM Suspension Torque Specifications, UK MOT Suspension Inspection Standards

Ball Joints and Tie Rod End Inspection

Ball joints and tie rod ends must be within tolerance before alignment is performed.

Upper ball joints (if equipped) checked for axial and radial play within OEM specification?
Lower ball joints checked for play within OEM tolerance - no movement or stud wobble?
Inner tie rod ends tight with no radial looseness felt through boot?
Outer tie rod ends checked for looseness by grasping wheel at 9 and 3 and wiggling?
All ball joint and tie rod boots intact with no tears or grease loss?

Control Arms and Bushing Inspection

Worn bushings cause alignment settings to shift and create handling instability.

Control arm bushings inspected for cracking, collapse, or separation from sleeve?
Control arms straight with no bends from impact damage?
Sway bar end links tight with no play or rattling over bumps?
Sway bar frame bushings not collapsed or squeaking?
Alignment cam bolts or eccentric bolts present and functional (not frozen or stripped)?

Strut and Shock Absorber Condition

Worn shocks and struts affect alignment stability and measurement accuracy.

Strut bodies showing no active fluid leak or heavy oil residue below seal?
Strut mount bearings smooth with no roughness or binding felt when turning steering?
Bounce test performed - vehicle settles in one or two oscillations (not bouncing more)?
Coil springs intact with no cracks or broken coils?
Strut cartridge or shock piston rod not bent or corroded to binding?

Pre-Alignment Measurements and Tire Check

Record current alignment readings and tire condition before adjustment.

All four tires inflated to placard specification before alignment?
Tire wear pattern documented for each tire (inner/outer edge, cupping, feathering)?
Pre-adjustment alignment readings captured and printed or saved for customer reference?
Ride height measured and within OEM specification (sagged springs affect alignment)?
Rear axle thrust angle acceptable for front alignment procedure?

Alignment Results and Documentation

Record final alignment specs and advise customer on results.

All alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) brought within OEM specification?
Before and after alignment printout provided to customer?
All worn suspension components found during pre-check quoted to customer?
Steering wheel centered within 2mm of center after alignment completion?
Road test confirms vehicle tracks straight with no pull on level road?
Customer advised of recommended alignment recheck interval (annually or after hitting curb/pothole)?
Alignment printout filed in customer service record for comparison at future service?
Complete suspension findings and alignment results documented on repair order?

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Why Use This Suspension Inspection and Alignment Pre-Check Checklist?

This suspension inspection and alignment pre-check checklist helps automotive service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ase a4-certified alignment technician / suspension specialist professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: per alignment service / annually.

Ensures compliance with ASE A4 Suspension and Steering Certification, SAE J1321 Wheel Alignment Standards, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 Lift Safety Requirements, OEM Suspension Torque Specifications, UK MOT Suspension Inspection Standards, India CMVR Schedule IV Steering and Suspension Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Suspension Inspection and Alignment Pre-Check Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Ball Joints and Tie Rod End Inspection, Control Arms and Bushing Inspection, Strut and Shock Absorber Condition, Pre-Alignment Measurements and Tire Check, Alignment Results and Documentation. It is designed for automotive service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per alignment service / annually. Each completion takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should use this Suspension Inspection and Alignment Pre-Check Checklist?

This checklist is designed for ASE A4-Certified Alignment Technician / Suspension Specialist professionals in the automotive service industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.