386 Auto Suspension and Steering Copyright by Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Summary Wheel alignment is made by moving various parts of the sus- pension and steering systems to obtain the proper relation- ship between the wheels, the body, and the road. Incorrect alignment can cause handling problems, diffi cult steering, pulling, wandering, and rapid tire wear. To perform a wheel alignment, the technician makes a series of pre-alignment checks, attaches the alignment measuring equipment, deter- mines the vehicle alignment, and then moves the adjusting devices to correct the alignment. Some angles can only be adjusted by changing parts or bending the vehicle’s frame. At one time, the only type of wheel alignment was the two- wheel, or front-wheel, alignment. Today, most manufactur- ers recommend four-wheel alignments. Wheel alignment equipment includes alignment racks with turning plates. Modern alignment machines are A = Inboard side of rail to C/L B = Front of rail G = Rearward engine mounting bolt M = Rear crossmember mounting bolts C = Hole, bottom of closure panel H = Hole, bottom of cradle N = Hole, between mid-vehicle PLPS D = Hole, top outboard of closure panel J = Hole, bottom of rail ( )= Inch equivalent to one-tenth inch E = Forward cradle mounting bolt K = Hole, bottom of cowl = Principal location point (PLP) F = Center of tension strut bushing L = Rearward cradle mounting bolt = Centerline (C/L) Driver side Passenger side Centerline Front mid-vehicle PLP Chrysler Figure 17-55. Measurements for one particular frame section and engine cradle. Frame straightening requires precision work. Vereshchagin Dmitry/Shutterstock.com Figure 17-56. Pulling chains have been attached to straighten the front frame horns (ends) on this vehicle.