Tru-Line TLT Series Operation manual

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Operation and Service Manual
Laser Wheel Alignment System
TLT-12
Truck, Trailer, and RV
Alignment System
8231 Blaine Rd.
Blaine, WA 98230
360-371-0552 Phone
800-496-3777 Toll Free
www.Tru-Line.net

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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................... 3
How it Works...................................................................................................................... 4
Reading the Targets: ....................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking and Assembling the System.............................................................................. 5
Calibration Procedures........................................................................................................ 7
Calibrating the camber of the TLT-30. ........................................................................... 7
Calibrating the TLT-56 Digital Level…......................................................................... 8
Calibrating the toe settings for TLT-36 right Laser Gun and TLT-37 left Laser Gun.... 9
Calibration of the TLT-44................................................................................................. 10
General Alignment Procedure........................................................................................... 13
Mounting the TLT–28 Wheel Clamps.............................................................................. 15
Run-Out Procedure ........................................................................................................... 16
Run Out Procedure:....................................................................................................... 16
Accommodating Oversize Truck Tires ............................................................................. 19
Measuring Camber:....................................................................................................... 20
Measuring Caster: ......................................................................................................... 20
Measuring Caster with the TLT-56 Digital Level. .......................................................22
Measuring SAI/KPI ...................................................................................................... 21
Measuring Caster, Camber and SAI/KPI on a Non-Level Surface................................... 23
To Measure Camber on a Non-Level Surface .............................................................. 23
To Measure the Side to Side Tilt for SAI/KPI.............................................................. 23
To Measure Front to Rear Tilt for Caster ..................................................................... 24
Live Caster Adjustment .................................................................................................... 25
Two-Wheel Centerline Alignment.................................................................................... 26
Reading Toe Procedure:................................................................................................ 26
Two-Wheel Centerline Alignment Procedure: ............................................................. 26
Tracking & Offset ............................................................................................................. 29
Tracking Procedure:...................................................................................................... 29
Offset Procedure: .......................................................................................................... 30
MAINTENANCE, WARRANTY & SERVICE .............................................................. 32
Maintenance:................................................................................................................. 32
Two Year Limited Warranty......................................................................................... 32
SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................ 33

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Introduction
The Tru-Line TLT-12 Laser Wheel Alignment System consists of the following
components:
2- TLT-28 Truck Wheel Clamps 1- TLT-41 Calibration Bar
1- TLT-30 Easy Check Gauge 1- TLT-44 Level Compensator
1- TLT-31 Brake Pedal Depressor 1- TLT-51 Calibration Laser
1- TLT-32 Steering Wheel Holder 1- TLT-52 Wheel Centering Target
1- TLT-36 Right Laser Gun 1- TLT-53 King Pin Center Target
1- TLT-37 Left Laser Gun 1- TLT-56 Digital Level
Documentation
Optional components:
TL – 28 Passenger Car Wheel Clamps TLT – 502 Case
TLT – 29 Aluminum Wheel Adapters TLT – 60 Frame Centering Targets
Note: Drawings of each component is included in the procedure sections to follow.
These components can be used with an alignment rack, turntables, or slip plates in the
front to do an alignment. No dedicated rack or level surface is required. Alignment of
vehicles can be easily done almost anywhere and the type of vehicle range from Tractors,
Trailers, Busses, R.V. `s, and other types of heavy equipment. All types of alignments
can be done, the most common being toe, two-wheel centerline, tracking/tandem, and
offset.
The Laser Guns are stored on the Calibration Bar, so that a complete calibration of the
system can easily be done before use. The components can also be hung on a wall. It is
recommended that the system be checked for calibration before each use and recalibrated
when needed.
Tru-Line is pleased to have you and your company as a client. We are available to you to
answer any questions that you may have. Please feel free to contact us if there is anything
further we can do to make Tru-Line a better product for you and your company.
Tru-Line
8231 Blaine Rd.
Blaine, WA 98230
360-371-0552 phone
800-496-3777 toll free
www.tru-line.net

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How it Works
The TLT-12 wheel alignment system measures Caster, Camber, SAI/KPI, Toe,
Tracking/Tandem, and Offset. These alignments can reference the mechanical or actual
centerline of the vehicle. Two-wheel centerline, tracking, and four-wheel total alignments
can be made. Depending on the model of vehicle being aligned, the technician chooses
which type of alignment to do.
Although this manual presents standard two-wheel, tracking/tandem, and offset
alignment procedures, other variations are possible. The procedures that have been laid
out in the manual are a guideline that is proven in the field. The technician can vary from
the procedures to accommodate what they are comfortable with.
All measuring gauges are mounted on the wheel clamps by hanging them on the
mounting disk. If a clamp is dropped you will not damage the system itself. The Easy
Check Gauge is used to measure caster, camber and SAI/KPI. The two Laser Guns and
the wheel targets are used to measure Toe, Tracking/Tandem, and Offset.
Reading the Targets:
1. The toe scale is used to dial desired toe specifications into both Laser Boxes. Toe
can be measured in millimeters, inches, or degrees. The toe scale is located on the
top of each Laser Box and is used in conjunction with the toe adjustment knobs
and dial rings.
2. The centering targets are used in two-wheel centerline, Tracking/Tandem, and
Offset alignment. The target is primarily used to measure the distance from the
vehicle centerline. These targets can also be used on a trailer to identify the
Tracking/Tandem, and Offset of the wheels.
3. The camber scale can be found on the Easy Check Gauge. Camber can be
measured on all wheels
4. The caster scale is on the Easy Check Gauge. Caster is measured on the front
wheels. The bubble on the caster scale is adjusted with knob on the bottom right-
hand corner of the Easy Check Gauge.
5. Caster can also be measured with a Digital Level, eliminating the need for costly
and heavy turn tables.
6. The SAI/KPI scale is on the top of the Easy Check Gauge. SAI/KPI is measured
on the front wheels. The Easy Check Gauge should be locked in place during
SAI/KPI measurement, which is done with the locking screw tightened onto the
mounting disk.

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Locking Knob
Mounting Disk
Locking Nut
Height Adjustment Screw
Unpacking and Assembling the System
The system is shipped for the most part complete and ready to use. However, you will
need to assemble a couple of items in order to use the system to its fullest capability.
1. To assemble the TLT-41 Calibration Bar (Fig. 1). Locate the bar which looks like a
black bar with three disks on one end. Then locate the legs for this bar. They look like a
“T”. Assemble the bar with the provided screws in the bottom of the bar. You will need a
5/32” hex key for this.
Figure 1
2. To assemble the TLT-44 Level Compensator Bar, (Fig. 2) you will find in the crate a
long bar with two pieces attached to it. You will need to slide on the base foot assembly.
When finished it should look like this.
Match to Tread Width
Figure 2

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
3 2 1
8 7 6 5 4
12 11 10 9
3. Next you will find a pair of targets. These targets mount either on the King Pin Target
kit, (Fig. 3) or the Wheel Chock Target Stands (Fig. 4). The targets have plastic
thumbscrews for easy mounting and dismounting. Please note that when assembling these
Targets, they must be mounted exactly mirror image from each other in order to obtain
the highest accuracy. When assembled they should look like this:
Target Kits
Figure 3
Wheel Chock Target
Figure 4

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Calibration Procedures
Using the TLT-41 Calibration Bar, you are able to calibrate the TLT-12 wheel alignment
system, which consist of the TLT-30 EZ Check Gauge, TLT-36 right Laser Gun, and
TLT-37 left Laser Gun. For maximum accuracy, it is important to check and, if
necessary, recalibrate the alignment system regularly.
Calibrating the camber of the TLT-30.
Note: There is a pivot plate at the end of the TLT-41, which has a mounting disc
attached to the end, a small bubble vial affixed to the plate, and an adjustment knob. The
pivot plate is designed to eliminate any pitch in the bar or non-level surface. It is used to
calibrate the camber vials on the TLT-30.
1) Place the TLT-30 EZ Check gauge, (Fig. 6) on the mountingdisc of the pivot
plate. This is located on the end of the TLT-41 calibration bar.
2) Use adjustment knob, just above the pivot plate, to center the bubble inside the
cross-section of the vial. This must be done with the gauge on the disc.
3) Check the camber scale on the gauge. If the bubble of the camber scale is at zero,
the gauge is calibrated. However, if the camber bubble is not at the zero position,
the gauge must be adjusted, until the camber bubble is zeroed.
Note: It does not matter which portion of the bubble you use, the top,
bottom, or middle portion can be used with equal precision. What’s
important is that once you have decided on which part of the bubble to
use, you are consistent.
a. If adjustments are needed, use the camber adjustment knob, which is in the
middle of the vertical post of the gauge.
4) Once the camber bubble is zeroed on the camber scale, calibration is complete for
the camber on that gauge.
SAI Scale
SAI Lock
Camber Zero Set
Caster Scale
Caster Zero Adjustment
Camber Scale
TLT-30 Easy Check Gauge
Figure 6

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Calibrating the TLT-56 Digital Level
Note: There is a separate set of detailed instructions included with the TLT-56 Digital
Level (AccuLevell™).
1) Place the TLT-56 Digital Level on a flat surface.
2) Wait ten (10) seconds.
3) Push and hold the CALIBRATE button for 2seconds. (-1-) will appear briefly on
the display.
4) Rotate the TLT-56 Digital Level end for end. Wait ten (10) seconds.
5) Push the CALIBRATE button again. (-2-) will appear briefly on the display.
The TLT-56 Digital Level has now been calibrated for level.

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Calibrating the toe settings for TLT-36 right Laser Gun
and TLT-37 left Laser Gun.
1) Place the TLT-41 Calibration Bar on a firm surface orientated so that the end of
the bar that has the mounting discs on it is opposite of a clear distance of at least
twenty (20’) feet. Hang a laser gun on one of the discs of the TLT-41 Calibration
Bar. Level the laser gun and turn it on pointing towards the clear distance of at
least twenty feet (20’) away. Zero the Toe Dial.
2) Go out a distance of at least twenty feet (20’) and place one of the Centering
Target Flags so that the Target Scale is level with the laser gun.
3) Remove the Laser Gun and replace it with the TLT-51 Calibration Laser. Once
the TLT-51 Calibration Laser is on the disc, turn it on and point it at the Centering
Target that is twenty (20’) feet away.
4) Adjust the Centering Target Flag so that the laser beam from the TLT-51
Calibration Laser is on either the #2 or #11 of the Centering Target Scale.
5) Remove the TLT-51 Calibration Laser and place it on the opposite disc. Point the
laser beam at the Centering Target Flag and make note of the number it is on,
either the #2 or #11. The TLT-41 Calibration Bar is now on center with the
Centering Target Flag.
6) Remove the TLT-51 and hang both Laser Guns (TLT-36 & 37) on the discs of the
TLT-41 Calibration Bar and secure them by gently pressing down on the laser
gun. There should be a slight snap when the plunger locks into place on the disc.
Level them at the Centering Target Flag; turn them on and set the Toe Dials on
Zero.
7) Make note of where the laser beams hit the Centering Target Flag that is Twenty
(20’) away. I.E. the #2 and #11. Take the other Centering Target Flag and place it
in front of the laser beams at the end of the Laser Guns.
8) Make note of where the laser beams hit the Centering Target. Note: You may
have to flip the Centering Target upside down in order to read the target on the
same numbers as the far target.
9) If the distance marks on the near Centering Target is not the same as the distance
mark on step 7. Adjust either, one or both Toe Dials until an equal distance mark
is obtained both at the near reading in step 8 and the far reading in step 7. I.E. if
the Left Laser Gun hits the #1.5 on the far Centering Target and the Right Laser
Gun hits the #11, and on the near Centering Target the Left Laser Gun hits the #2
and the Right Gun hits the #11. Then only the Left Laser Gun would have to be
adjusted to make the laser beams parallel.
10) In case an adjustment is required. To reset the dial ring to zero, (Fig. 7) on the
scale of the laser box. Loosen the two 1/16 hex screws on the toe knob enough to
move the dial ring freely. Now tighten the hex screws.

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1/16th Hex Screws
Ring Scale
Zero Mark
Dial Ring
Figure 7
Calibration of the TLT-44
To calibrate TLT-44 it must be assembled. Figure 20 shows the bar placed under the front
wheels of the vehicle to be measured. Since the bar rests near the front wheels, it is tilted
the same amount as the vehicle. The compensation procedure that follows corrects for the
tilt. After assembly, the bar is calibrated according to the following procedure on the
following page.