Wheel Alignment Course

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Wheel Alignment

Defines wheel alignment and its role in vehicle safety and performance. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Alignment Vehicle Inspection

Outlines the inspection steps required before any alignment measurement begins. Ensures accurate readings by identifying worn or damaged components first.

Lesson 3 • Core Alignment Angles Explained

Covers camber, caster, toe, and thrust angle as primary alignment parameters. Each angle's function and effect on vehicle behaviour is detailed.

Lesson 4 • Vehicle Geometry and Suspension Basics

Explains how suspension geometry determines alignment behaviour. Connects component design to measurable alignment outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

Establishes calibration schedules and maintenance routines for alignment tools. Accurate equipment is essential for reliable measurement results.

Lesson 2 • Workshop Safety and Ergonomics

Addresses hazards specific to alignment bays and safe work practices. Ergonomic habits reduce injury risk during repetitive alignment tasks.

Lesson 3 • Lift and Turntable Setup

Covers proper lift selection, turntable placement, and slip plate use. Correct setup prevents measurement errors caused by vehicle restraint.

Lesson 4 • Types of Alignment Equipment

Surveys string, bubble, optical, and computerised alignment systems. Compares accuracy, cost, and application suitability for each type.

Lesson 1 • Mounting Wheel Clamps and Targets

Teaches correct attachment of clamps and targets to minimise runout error. Proper mounting is the first step toward accurate angle measurement.

Lesson 2 • Measuring Camber and Caster

Guides students through live camber and caster readings on the aligner. Interpretation of readings relative to manufacturer specifications is emphasised.

Lesson 3 • Interpreting Alignment Printouts

Trains students to read before-and-after alignment reports accurately. Printout interpretation supports customer communication and quality verification.

Lesson 4 • Secondary Angle Measurements

Introduces included angle, SAI, and turning radius measurements. These secondary values reveal hidden structural or component faults.

Lesson 1 • Steering Linkage Inspection

Covers inspection of tie rods, drag links, idler arms, and pitman arms. Worn linkage causes alignment drift and must be corrected before adjustment.

Lesson 2 • Steering Wheel Centring

Details the procedure for centring the steering wheel after alignment adjustments. A centred wheel is a quality indicator and a safety requirement.

Lesson 3 • Steering Column and Intermediate Shaft

Inspects the steering column, U-joints, and intermediate shaft for wear and binding. Column faults cause inconsistent steering feel and affect alignment perception.

Lesson 4 • Power Steering System Checks

Addresses fluid level, pump pressure, and hose condition in power steering systems. Steering effort issues can mask or mimic alignment problems.

Lesson 1 • Adjusting Front Camber

Explains factory camber adjustment methods and aftermarket correction options. Students select the appropriate method based on vehicle design.

Lesson 2 • Adjusting Front Toe

Covers tie rod adjustment procedures for setting front toe to specification. Proper steering wheel centring is integrated into the adjustment process.

Lesson 3 • Adjusting Front Caster

Details caster adjustment using control arm shims, eccentric bolts, and strut rods. Caster changes often affect camber, requiring coordinated correction.

Lesson 4 • Torquing and Locking Adjustments

Covers proper torque specifications and locking procedures for all front adjustment hardware. Correct torque prevents adjustment drift after the vehicle leaves the workshop.

Lesson 1 • Rear Suspension Adjustment Overview

Surveys adjustable and non-adjustable rear suspension designs. Students determine which vehicles require aftermarket solutions for rear correction.

Lesson 2 • Four-Wheel Alignment Sequence

Establishes the correct order for completing a full four-wheel alignment. Rear adjustments must precede front corrections to achieve accurate results.

Lesson 3 • Adjusting Rear Toe

Explains rear toe adjustment via toe links, eccentric bolts, and shims. Rear toe directly influences thrust angle and straight-line stability.

Lesson 4 • Adjusting Rear Camber

Covers eccentric bolt, cam bolt, and lateral link adjustment for rear camber. Correct rear camber is critical for tyre wear and cornering stability.

Lesson 1 • Complex Multi-Axis Fault Resolution

Presents cases where multiple alignment angles are simultaneously out of specification. Students prioritise corrections and manage angle interactions efficiently.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Structural Damage

Teaches detection of bent frames, subframes, and cradles that prevent proper alignment. Students use measurement data and visual inspection to confirm structural faults.

Lesson 3 • Diagnosing Ride Height Deviations

Addresses how incorrect ride height alters all alignment angles simultaneously. Students measure and correct ride height before finalising alignment.

Lesson 4 • Diagnosing Steering Wander

Covers excessive steering correction caused by low caster, worn linkage, or loose bearings. Students distinguish alignment causes from mechanical causes.

Lesson 1 • ADAS Sensor Overview and Alignment Impact

Explains how cameras, radar, and lidar depend on precise vehicle alignment. Misalignment causes ADAS system errors that compromise active safety functions.

Lesson 2 • ADAS Calibration After Alignment

Covers static and dynamic calibration procedures required after alignment on ADAS vehicles. Students understand when calibration is compulsory and how to document it.

Lesson 3 • Commercial Vehicle Alignment Basics

Introduces alignment principles for medium-duty commercial vehicles. Students recognise how axle weight ratings and frame flex affect alignment strategy.

Lesson 4 • Performance Vehicle Alignment

Covers alignment specifications for high-performance and track-use vehicles. Students understand how aggressive camber and toe settings affect handling and tyre wear.