Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2001-2009 Toyota Prius
The 2000-2009 Toyota Prius requires alignment and suspension service just like any other car on the road. With more than 800,000 Prii (official term for more than one Prius) on of them is bound to end up in your alignment bay.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 1999-2005 Hyundai Sonata
The 1999-2005 Hyundai Sonata and 2001-2005 XG350 models sold more than half a million vehicles during the past decade, so it is a model that can not be ignored. With a large number of these vehicles almost 10 years old, you have to inspect some components with more care before the vehicle is measured for alignment.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2005-’10 Ford Mustang (Plus Shelby)
In 2005, Ford introduced a new Mustang with an all-new platform and clean-sheet design. While the formula of a live axle rear and MacPherson strut front end were the same from the previous model, Ford refined the design. These changes make for a vehicle that is easier to align and diagnose compared to the previous generation.
Raybestos Releases New Alignment Catalog
A new Alignment catalog for Raybestos brand Brakes – a member of the Affinia family of brands – is being released this month. The new catalog includes alignment parts coverage for domestic, import, passenger car, light-duty trucks, SUVs and hybrids, with model coverage as late as 2011.
Tech Tip: Vibration Harshness Above 45 MPH After Tire Balance
1997-2006 E-Series Ford Trucks equipped with 8-lug bolt, 16-inch single rear steel wheels may experience vibration at 45 MPH (72KM/H) or higher after the assembly has been balanced.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-10 Dodge Charger Police Package
The Dodge Charger Police Package entered service in 2006. Compared to the civilian model, the police variant’s suspension is the same, except for some changes in the the sway bars, shock valving and changes to the ABS and stability control software. In 2011, Chrysler is introducing a Pursuit version with heavy-duty performance front and rear suspensions with load-leveling/NIVOMAT shocks.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: GM Lambda Full-Sized SUVs
Lambda is General Motors’ full-size crossover SUV platform that is the foundation for the 2008-2010 Buick Enclave, 2009-2010 Chevrolet Traverse, 2007-2010 Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia. It has been reported, Cadillac will receive a Lambda vehicle in 2012, which could possibly replace the current Escalade.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu
In 2004, the Malibu was redesigned and moved to the new Epsilon platform. This generation of the Malibu lasted until 2007 and included the Malibu Maxx. But, the Malibu sedan remained in production for fleet orders until the 2008 model year. GM refers to these models as the Malibu Classic.
Diagnosing Airbag Systems After Suspension Repairs
Diagnosing airbag systems is a matter of having the correct scanning equipment and the correct repair procedures. There are several manufacturers that offer a way to count the flashes of the airbag light for diagnostic purposes. Determining faults and repair procedures differ from manufacturer to manufacturer – way too many to break down into one article. My advice is to read up on those systems that you will be dealing with and learn everything there is to know about them.
Tech Tip: Help These GM Trucks Stand Straight and Tall
Some GM truck owners may complain that their vehicle appears to lean on one side. In most cases, the left front of the vehicle sits lower than the right front. The condition occurs because the rear leaf spring bushings or shackles may become loaded when the rear leaf spring shackle nuts are secured. Follow the steps in this Tech Tip to correct the lean.
Alignment Specs: 1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
With different front and rear run-flat tire sizes, the 1997-2004 Corvette must be aligned every 20,000 miles or when the smallest amount of abnormal tire wear is present. If the customer does not have this service performed, even the slightest amount of extra toe, camber or caster can result in an expensive tire replacement bill.
Performing an alignment on a C5 Corvette is actually easier than on most vehicles because most of the adjustments are built into the vehicle. Also, you can adjust the ride height without replacing parts. But, you need to take care and be aware of what makes the Corvette different than most vehicles.
Tech Tip: Fix for a Creaky Cadillac CTS Suspension
Some Cadillac 2003-2006 CTS owners may comment on a squeak or creak-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This noise typically occurs while braking or during slow turns, such as parking lot maneuvers. The cause of this noise may be due to a worn rear bushing on the front lower control arm rubbing against its outer rate washer. Installing a front lower control arm rear bushing spacer, as described in this Tech Tip, may correct the situation.