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Tools for Alignment

The alignment of a vehicle is the angle at which each tire sits. There are three different angles when alignment readings are taken: camber, caster and toe. Camber is the lean of the tires looking from the front of the vehicle. Toe is the direction the tires are pointing from above the vehicle. Caster is the forward or backward lean of the tires from the side of the vehicle; this is not adjustable without aftermarket parts.

Combination Wrench

A combination wrench has both an open and a boxed end on it, both of which are the same size. They come in standard and metric sizes. Combination wrenches are primarily used to loosen the locking nut on the tie rod ends so that the toe angle can be adjusted. They are also used for removing nuts and bolts.

Ratchet

The ratchet is used in combination with a socket to turn nuts and bolts. It has a ratcheting mechanism inside so that you do not have to remove it to reposition the handle. The ratchets function in an alignment is to loosen any bolts holding components in a fixed position and to turn the camber bolts in a strut to perform camber adjustments. Ratchets come in all different lengths and have standard-sized connectors; 1/4-. 1/2-, 3/4- and 7/8-inch are the most common.

Socket

The socket is used in conjunction with the ratchet to loosen bolts and adjust the camber of most vehicles. Sockets vary in length and are primarily deep-well and standard-well. Deep-well socket are used on nuts that are attached to a long stud; this long stud requires a deeper socket. The downside of a deep-well is that you sacrifice torque, and it doesnt always fit in tight spots. The standard-well is used for all other nuts and bolts and provides maximum torque.

Pry Bar

Sometimes a little leverage is needed. This is where pry bars come in handy. These are typically used in two ways: to pry apart rusted toe-adjuster sleeves and to pry the wheel to adjust the camber. Pry bars vary in size, from just a few inches to several feet long.

Steering Wheel Lock

A key part of a good alignment is a straight steering wheel. Mechanics utilize a steering wheel lock to make certain the wheel does not move while adjusting the steering components underneath. This lock has a spring-loaded circular base that is placed on the seat and a U-shaped holder that goes under the steering wheel. The spring-loaded base presses the U-shaped holder against the steering wheel to hold it in place. Without this, the steering wheel is free to move while the alignment is being performed.

Specialty Tools

As with most newer cars, there are some specialty tools. The most common of these specialty tools is a sandbag. Sandbag are used in imported German sedans, such as BMWs. They are designed to simulate the weight of passengers and cargo while the aligned is being performed. The other specialty tool is for newer General Motors vehicles that are equipped with electronic steering. This tool resets the electronic steering sensor to accept the new alignment angles. If this is not used, a light will appear on the dashboard, which only the dealer can reset.