Wheel Alignment Procedure & Quality Checklist

This wheel alignment procedure and quality checklist ensures proper pre-alignment inspection, accurate measurement, and complete documentation of all alignment angles per OEM specifications. Accurate alignment requires thorough vehicle inspection before alignment - worn suspension components cannot be corrected with alignment adjustments. Aligned with SAE alignment standards, Hunter Engineering alignment procedures, and OEM alignment specification requirements.

Industry: Automotive Service / Tire Service
Frequency: Per Alignment Service
Estimated Time: 45-90 minutes
Role: Alignment Technician / Service Technician
Total Items: 28
Compliance: SAE Wheel Alignment Specifications, Hunter Engineering Alignment Procedures, OEM Alignment Angle Specifications, ANSI/SCTE Alignment Standards, ASE A4 Suspension & Steering Standards

Pre-Alignment Inspection (Required Before Alignment)

Worn suspension components must be repaired before alignment. Aligning a vehicle with worn parts produces incorrect and non-repeatable results.

Tires equal tread depth (within 2/32") and properly inflated to placard spec?
Ride height checked at all four corners - within OEM specification or equal side-to-side?
Ball joints inspected and within acceptable limits (no excessive play)?
Tie rod ends inspected - no play detected?
Wheel bearings tight - no radial or axial play?
Strut/spring mounts inspected - no excessive movement or worn bearing?
Steering components (rack, idler arm, pitman arm) inspected and acceptable?

Alignment Machine Setup & Calibration

Proper setup and calibration is essential for accurate alignment measurements.

Alignment machine calibrated within manufacturer-specified interval?
Alignment targets/sensors clean and undamaged?
Vehicle on level surface or alignment rack with all four wheels on plates?
Steering wheel centered and locked before taking alignment readings?
Vehicle jounced three times at each corner before final measurement?

Alignment Angle Measurement & Adjustment

Document all alignment angles before and after adjustment. Every angle must be within OEM specification.

Front camber within OEM specification on both sides (and within 0.5 degree side-to-side)?
Front caster within OEM specification (typically 3-7 degrees positive)?
Front total toe within OEM specification (adjusted to spec)?
Thrust angle within specification (rear axle square to vehicle centerline)?
Rear alignment angles within specification (if adjustable)?
Steering wheel centered after alignment completion?

Post-Alignment Verification

Verify alignment quality with road test and customer documentation.

Road test completed on straight road - vehicle tracks straight with no pull?
No steering pull to either side after road test?
Before/after alignment printout provided to customer showing all angles?
Customer advised if any angles could not be adjusted to spec due to parts condition?

Alignment Service Documentation

Complete alignment service records and customer communication.

OEM alignment specifications on file for this exact year/make/model/trim?
Toe set as final adjustment after all other angles verified?
All adjustment locknuts torqued to specification after final angle setting?
Steering wheel centered and clock spring not wound during alignment?
Follow-up check recommended if customer reports pull or wear after 3,000 miles?
Tire rotation recommended with alignment to maximize wear benefit?

Related Automotive Checklists

Related Tire Service Checklists

Why Use This Wheel Alignment Procedure & Quality Checklist?

This wheel alignment procedure & quality checklist helps automotive service / tire service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for alignment technician / service technician professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: per alignment service.

Ensures compliance with SAE Wheel Alignment Specifications, Hunter Engineering Alignment Procedures, OEM Alignment Angle Specifications, ANSI/SCTE Alignment Standards, ASE A4 Suspension & Steering Standards, UK IMI Wheel Alignment Procedures, India Automotive Standards (AIS) Alignment Guidelines. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Wheel Alignment Procedure & Quality Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Pre-Alignment Inspection (Required Before Alignment), Alignment Machine Setup & Calibration, Alignment Angle Measurement & Adjustment, Post-Alignment Verification, Alignment Service Documentation. It is designed for automotive service / tire service operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per alignment service. Each completion takes approximately 45-90 minutes.

Who should use this Wheel Alignment Procedure & Quality Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Alignment Technician / Service Technician professionals in the automotive service / tire 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.