Service Department


                    TIRE BALANCING                         WHEEL ALIGNMENT

    





     What Everyone Should Know About Wheel Alignment


    

 

front wheel alignment

On this vehicle, the front wheels are not aligned to the rear thrust line. 
This can happen from normal wear and stress, whether your vehicle has adjustable 
or non-adjustable rear suspension.

To steer straight ahead, you would have to steer the front wheels slightly to the right.

A common result would be that the vehicle would “dog track” and possibly “pull” to the side.

Of course, the angles are exaggerated so you can more easily see the condition. 
But it takes only a small misalignment to create problems.

Why Four Wheel Alignment?

Reduced Tire Wear
Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, 
a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life.

Better Gas Mileage
Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total alignment sets all four wheel 
parallel which, along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.

Improved Handling
Does your car pull to one side? Does the steering wheel vibrate? 
Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead?
 Many handling problems can be corrected by total alignment. With all the system components
 aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.

Safer Driving
A suspension system inspection is part of our alignment procedure. 
This allows us to spot worn parts before they cause costly problems.

Here's what we do:
For vehicles with non-adjustable rear suspensions

vehicle with non-adjustable rear suspension

  1. Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
  2. The steering wheel is centered.
  3. Front wheels are referenced to rear thrust line and set to specifications.

Result: All four wheels are parallel and the steering wheel is centered.

For vehicles with adjustable rear suspensions

vehicle with adjustable rear suspension

  1. Angle readings are measured at all four wheels.
  2. Rear wheels are set to specification. (Rear thrust line corresponds to vehicle centerline.)
  3. Steering wheel is centered.
  4. Front wheels are referenced to the rear thrust line and set to specification.

Result: all four wheels are positioned straight ahead and parallel, 
and the steering wheel is centered.

Important Questions About Wheel Alignment

Q. How important is wheel alignment?

A. Think of it this way. Research indicates that the average car is driven 
     about 12,000 miles per year. A car with toe alignment just 0.34 degrees 
     (Just 0.17 inches) out of specification has dragged its tires sideways 
      for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!

Q. What are the “symptoms” of a car that's out of alignment?

A. Have your car checked if you notice:

  • Excessive or uneven tire wear.
  • Steering wheel pulls to the left or right.
  • Feeling of looseness or wandering.
  • Steering wheel vibration or shimmy.
  • Steering wheel is not centered when car is moving straight ahead.

Q. How often should I have my car aligned?

A. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation noted in your owner's manual. 
     But, as a general rule, have your vehicle's tires checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

 

 



TIRE BALANCING THE RIGHT WAY

 


    Solves vibration and tire pull problems GSP9700: Solves vibration and tire pull problems balancers and aligners can’t fix




Going far beyond the traditional functions 
   of a wheel balancer…

  The Balancer measures radial and 
  lateral tire forces and provides instructions    
  for solving ride and handling problems 
  that other balancers and wheel aligners 
  cannot fix.

  
  Hunter’s  is endorsed and recommended by 
  vehicle manufacturers and proven by thousands 
  of  repair facilities worldwide as the leader in…
  Wheel Balancing 



  • Radial Force Calculations and Eccentricity Measurement
  • Lateral Force Tire Pull Measurement

 

 Benefits of the Three-In-One Diagnostic Repair Capability:



 

  • Solves Vibration Problems Balancers Won’t Fix
    Detects non-balance, radial force-related problems                                                                                           associated with:
  • Tire uniformity.
  • Tire and rim runout.
  • Wheel-to-balancer mounting error.
  • Improper bead seating of tire to rim.

  • Faster Troubleshooting & Repair
    Quickly calculates the contributions of the rim and tire to radial vibration problems and presents the technician with easy step-by-step repair instructions.
  • Identifies Potential Vehicle Pull or Drift Problems
    The optional StraightTrak® LFM** feature measures lateral tire force
  • then applies that information to a set of tires, providing multiple
  • placement choices to eliminate or minimize pull          problems.                                                                                                
  • Dramatically Improves Ride Quality & Customer Satisfaction
    Duplicates vibration measurement and tire/wheel matching methods  
    previously used only by vehicle manufacturers to provide that                                                                                             “new car ride.”

    Hunter’s exclusive Road Force Measurement® System simulates a road test to identify radial force vibration and pull* problems.Let Only Professionals With The Right Equipment Maintain Your Tires
    We are the vibration and handling control experts. 
    Reduces comebacks and enables you to service vehicles 
    that other shops turn away. 





    Hunter’s exclusive Road Force Measurement® System simulates
     a road test to identify radial force vibration and pull* problems.