5
GENERAL ALIGNMENT PROCEDURE
The following section is an overall guide for performing an alignment with the TL-12. The steps
listed below are meant to give a basic understanding of what procedures are used, and how they
are performed, to accomplish wheel alignment. The steps given should generally be followed in
the same order as they have been placed. It may also be helpful keep this procedure close at
hand.
Note: Prior to any alignment it must be decided what type of alignment is to be performed:
i.e. Two-wheel Centerline, Two-wheel Thrust Angle or a full Four-wheel alignment. This
will determine the procedure required.
There are three distinct types of alignment:
Two-wheel Centerline
Two-wheel Thrust Angle
Four-wheel (all four wheels have adjustments available)
Each of these alignments requires a different set of procedures. Specific procedures for each
of these alignments are given in the following sections.
1) Check calibration of the TL-12 alignment system and, if necessary, recalibrate.
2) Put the vehicle on a rack, or other appropriate surface. Perform standard pre-alignment
checks and inspections. Remember, no alignment can be properly done with loose
suspension parts.
3) Mount the TL-28 wheel clamps on all four wheels, with the installation knob on top of
the tire. The aluminum feet can be mounted either on the inside or outside of the rims,
whichever is more convenient. Make sure the wheel clamps are securely in place.
4) To adjust run out using the TL-30 EZ Check gauge:
a) Raise the vehicle, so the wheels can rotate freely.
b) Place the TL-30 on the disk located on the TL-28 wheel clamp.
c) Using the TL-30 gauge, with the adjustment knob on the TL-28 at a
3 o’clock position, set the caster bubble to zero.
d) Rotate the wheel so that the installation knob is at a 9 o’clock position.
e) Using the RED zero knob on the TL-28 wheel clamp, adjust the bubble on the
TL-30 halfway to the zero position using the numbers on the caster scale.
f) Rotate the TL-28 to a 12 o’clock position and adjust caster bubble to zero again.
g) Rotate the wheel to the 6 o’clock position and adjust the bubble to halfway
between zero and the reading using the two knobs not yet adjusted on the TL-28
clamp.
h) With the TL-30 held in a level position with one hand (do not grasp or hold
tightly), rotate the wheel one full turn while watching the caster bubble. Here the
bubble should not move more than 1/8 of a bubble. If the bubble moves more than
1/8 of a bubble repeat the procedure.
Note: For a Two-wheel Centerline alignment, run out should be adjusted on the front
wheels. For a Two-wheel Thrust Angle or a total Four-wheel alignment, adjust run
out on all wheels.
