Wheel alignment equipment

Types of Wheel Alignment Equipment

Businesses looking to invest in wheel alignment equipment have various options to consider. Here are the different types of wheel alignment machines:

• 2D Wheel Alignment

  2D wheel alignment equipment is computer-based. It uses cameras to analyze the position of the vehicle's wheels in relation to the vehicle's center. The measured data is then compared to the manufacturer's specifications. The 2D alignment system has the following features:

  • It is generally more affordable than the 3D option.
  • 2D equipment is easy to use and has a quick setup time.
  • 2D machines are portable and take up less space.
  • They have low light requirements and can operate in various workshop settings.

• 3D Wheel Alignment

  3D wheel alignment equipment utilizes three-dimensional technology to measure the angles of the wheels. The measurements are taken in real-time and can be displayed in 3D on the monitor. Some features of the 3D wheel alignment machine include:

  • The 3D system has a more expensive initial cost.
  • It has high accuracy and can detect even the slightest misalignment.
  • The 3D machine can handle complex adjustments and has advanced diagnostic capabilities.
  • 3D equipment typically has a larger footprint and requires more workshop space.
  • It has a sophisticated setup process and requires specialized training to operate.

• Laser Wheel Alignment

  Laser wheel alignment equipment uses laser technology to ensure precise measurements of the vehicle's wheels. The lasers generate lines of light that indicate the correct wheel alignment angles. When the lines hit the sensors or the targets, they show misalignments. This allows technicians to know how much to adjust the car's suspension system. Key features of the laser wheel alignment include the following:

  • It has high accuracy and can measure very small angles of misalignment.
  • Laser machines are durable and require minimal maintenance.
  • Laser wheel alignment equipment can be more expensive than the other types.

• Digital Wheel Alignment

  Digital wheel alignment equipment incorporates digital technology to measure and analyze wheel alignment. The digital system provides precise measurements, real-time data, and automatic calibration. The key features include the following:

  • It has advanced diagnostic capabilities and can analyze complex alignment issues.
  • The digital system is user-friendly and has software for data analysis.
  • Digital wheel alignment equipment can be integrated with other workshop tools.
  • Due to its advanced features, the digital system is generally more expensive.

Specification and maintenance of wheel alignment equipment

Here are some tips on what to look out for when maintaining the equipment and some of its specifications:

• Alignment machine specifications

  For a 4-wheel computer alignment machine, it should be able to measure the following: up to 20 inches wheel and accommodate the 25 inches wheel. The measurement accuracy should be 0.5 degrees for the front and rear wheel camber, 1 mm for the wheel's thrust angle, and 2 mm for the wheel's parallelism. The machine should have an electric drive with a lift capacity of 3 tons. It should also have a quick clamp that enables the operator to attach the vehicle within 60 seconds. The 4-wheel alignment machine should have a computer with an updateable database of over 40,000 cars. The machine should be light and portable, weighing no more than 70 kg. Finally, the machine should have a warranty of at least 2 years.

• Alignment machine maintenance

  The alignment machine should be cleaned daily using a damp cloth. The lenses and mirrors of the machine should be cleaned with a special cleaning kit to avoid scratches. Once a week, the machine should be calibrated to enhance precision.

How to choose wheel alignment equipment

Before purchasing any wheel alignment equipment, business buyers must understand the factors that influence the decision. Here are some of them:

• Understanding the alignment process

  To make a good choice of alignment equipment, it is important to understand the alignment process. During alignment, the angles of the vehicle's wheels are adjusted so that they are parallel with each other and perpendicular to the road. This ensures that the car operates optimally. The alignment angles that technicians adjust are the ones given below:

  - The car's direction of travel should be adjusted so that it does not pull to the left or right.

  - The caster angle is internally adjusted between the wheels, providing a push for the wheels to straighten.

  - The camber angle is adjusted so that the top or bottom of the wheel is tilted to the inside or outside.

  - The toe angle is adjusted so that the wheels point in or out in relation to the vehicle.

• Consider the types of vehicles

  Think about the kinds of vehicles the business will serve. For example, if the alignment shop works on trucks and cars, the equipment must be versatile. In this case, it is wise to go for wheel alignment machines that are suitable for both cars and trucks.

• Check the features

  Business buyers should check the features of the alignment equipment. For example, they should look for equipment with adjustable settings and accurate measuring tools. It should also have a user-friendly interface, making it easy for technicians to work.

• Consider the technician's skill level

  When choosing wheel alignment equipment, consider the skill level of the technicians. If the technicians are experts, advanced equipment with complex settings and controls can be chosen. On the other hand, if the technicians are novices, it is better to go for equipment that is easy to use and has a friendly interface.

• Space and budget considerations

  Before purchasing any wheel alignment equipment, buyers should consider the budget, cost, and space available in the workshop. The equipment requires a large workshop, so buyers should ensure there is enough space for the equipment and movement.

• Future needs

  Consider future needs when purchasing alignment equipment. For example, if new vehicle models are introduced, the equipment must be suitable for servicing those models. This prevents the equipment from becoming outdated and minimizes future costs.

How to DIY and replace of Wheel alignment equipment

Some wheel alignments need technical skills to handle, while some can be DIY-friendly. Here are some of the tips on how to DIY and replace the wheel alignment

Before an alignment can be performed, several checks must be done to ensure that the vehicle is in good condition. The following checks can be done easily without technical skills:

• 1. The tires should be inspected for wear and be replaced if necessary.
• 2. Inspect the tire pressure before the alignment.
• 3. Check the front and rear suspension systems for any damaged parts.
• 4. Ensure that the steering wheel is in good condition.
• 5. The report from the previous alignment can be checked to see what adjustments were made and if the vehicle is due for another alignment.

When all the above conditions have been checked and passed, the mechanic can follow the steps below to perform wheel alignment easily.

• 1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and ensure that it is not in motion.
• 2. For safety purposes, the vehicle should be secured with wheel chocks.
• 3. Raise the vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands.
• 4. A caster camber gauge should be placed on the wheel to take a reading.
• 5. Adjust the wheels accordingly until the desired angle is achieved.

Q&A

Q1: How often should a vehicle's wheel alignment be checked?

A1: There is no specific period to check the wheel alignment. However, car owners may check it after every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. They can also do it after every oil change. They should also visit the shop when they notice something is wrong with the alignment.

Q2: What are the common signs of misalignment?

A2: The common signs of misalignment include the car pulling to one side, uneven tire wear, steering wheel off center, vibrations in the steering wheel, and visibly warped tires.

Q3: Can misalignment damage the vehicle?

A3: Yes, misalignment can damage the vehicle. If the wheel alignment is not corrected, it can cause premature wear and tear on the tires. It can also affect the suspension system and steering mechanism, which can be expensive to repair.

Q4: What causes wheel misalignment?

A4: The wheel misalignment can be caused by various factors. Hitting a pothole, curb, or speed bump is one of the major causes. Other causes include normal wear and tear, closely worn suspension parts, and inaccurate installation of new tires and parts.