Front End

Do not check and adjust front-wheel alignment without first making the following inspection for front end damage or wear:
1. Check for specified air pressures in all four tires.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle off the floor. Check the front suspension lower arm ball joint and mounts for looseness, wear and damage. Check the mountings. Tighten all loose nuts and bolts to specification. Replace all worn parts.
3. Check the steering gear mountings and all steering linkage connections for looseness. Tighten all mountings to specification. If any of the linkage is worn or bent, replace the parts.
4. Have an assistant grasp the lower edge of the tire and move in and out. If any in-and-out free play is noticed, refer to Component Test and check front suspension lower arm ball joint.
5. Check the action of the front shock absorbers and the condition of their attachments. A sticking or binding shock absorber may not allow the vehicle to settle in a normal, level position, possibly affecting the front wheel alignment.