Alignment & Tracking

Alignment checks, tire wear patterns and bent axles.

Lessons

1. 01Checking Axle AlignmentMeasure axle position against the coupler and between axles.
2. 02Reading Tire Wear PatternsWhat each wear pattern says about pressure, alignment or a bent axle.
3. 03Bent Axle & Spindle DiagnosisConfirm and handle a bent axle before replacing tires again.
4. 04Separate Alignment Wear from Other Tire ProblemsUse tire wear patterns to distinguish alignment concerns from inflation, balance, loading, and braking problems.
5. 05Evaluate Loading and Trailer AttitudeCheck load distribution, component ratings, and trailer level before treating sway or uneven loading as an alignment problem.
6. 06Prepare a Repeatable Alignment MeasurementSet up an unloaded, level, unbound trailer with suitable axle references before measuring heavy-duty suspension alignment.
7. 07Measure Centerline, Thrust, and Scrub RelationshipsApply the heavy-duty measurement sequence while keeping its tolerances separate from general axle-installation limits.
8. 08Adjust Track Rods and Preserve AlignmentCorrect heavy-duty axle position through the adjustable track rods and verify that the suspension can retain the adjustment.
9. 09Check the Components That Support AlignmentInspect suspension, bearings, and wheel compatibility without applying one suspension or bearing procedure to another.
10. 10Distinguish Brake Pull from Axle Tracking FaultsUse the brake troubleshooting guidance to investigate pulling and tire skidding without assuming that axle adjustment is the cure.