With the control arm fasteners loosened, the tool's handle can be moved in either
direction to move the control arm.
Mechanical alignment testers.
Many shops have various alignment devices that
operate mechanically. Using these devices requires more time and attention than using
the alignment machines. However, if used carefully, mechanical devices do an excellent
job of aligning front suspensions. These devices cannot be used to check rear
suspensions.
•
Caster and camber gauges.
Simple caster and camber gauges use a bubble
leveling device similar to that used in a carpenter's level. Camber can be
checked after adjusting the position of the bubble, as called for in the
instructions. Caster is checked by turning the wheels a certain amount in one
direction and readjusting the bubble. The wheels are then turned the same
amount in the other direction. The final position of the bubble indicates caster.
•
Toe gauges.
Toe gauges are used to measure vehicle toe. Toe is the difference
in distance between the front and rear of the tires. A tape measure can be used
to check toe, but it is more convenient to use a rigid toe gauge. Before toe can be
measured, each tire must be raised and a line must be scribed completely
around the tire. The line is used for reference when measuring the distance at
the front and rear of the tires.
•
Turning plates.
To turn front wheels while checking caster, turning plates must
be used. If the tires are turned without a turning plate, the measurements will be
inaccurate due to the stresses built up in the suspension linkage. Excessive
turning will also wear flat spots in the tires. A turning plate consists of a moveable
upper plate that connects with a stationary bottom plate through ball bearings.
This arrangement allows the wheels to turn easily.
Metal cutting tools.
Suspension components or frame metal must be cut to allow for
part removal and vehicle alignment. In other cases, suspension and steering parts are
tightly installed and are almost impossible to remove with hand tools. In these cases,
metal cutting tools must often be used. Typical cutting tools are the following:
•
Air chisel.
Many bushings and ball joints are pressed tightly into the control arm.
The most convenient way-and sometimes the only way-they can be removed
is by using an air chisel. The powerful hammering action of the air chisel quickly
loosens parts. Many ball joints are held to the control arm by rivets, and an air
chisel is sometimes used to remove them. On occasion, sticking alignment
adjustment devices can be loosened with an air chisel and blunt bit.
•
Grinders
. To align some vehicles, part of the body metal must be cut away. The
simplest way to remove metal is to use an air-powered hand grinder. The typical
hand grinder, sometimes called a die grinder, uses an air, motor-driven, abrasive
disc. This disc can quickly remove body metal to allow a suspension part to be
moved. The grinder can also be used to remove stripped lug nuts and cut out
frozen bushings.
•
Spot weld cutters.
For alignment purposes, the spot welds on some vehicles
must be cut away. Although the welds can be chiseled or ground away, the most
expedient method of spot weld removal is to use a spot weld cutter. The spot
weld cutter is used with an electric or air-powered drill.
•
Rotary Cutter
. When a suspension part must be moved for alignment, the
original mounting holes may be large enough to permit the necessary movement.
NAVEDTRA 14050A
9-18