Align after the repair, not before it
A truck that has just had front end or suspension work is one of the most common candidates for a misalignment that nobody catches. The repair was the job. The alignment was not on the work order.
Any component that locates an axle or a wheel also sets its angles. Replace it and the angles change, however carefully the new part went in:
- Kingpins and bushings.
- Tie rod ends and drag links.
- Springs, spring hangers and U-bolts.
- Torque rods on the drive axles.
A new tie rod end set by eye can leave toe well off specification. New springs can shift an axle slightly on its seat. The truck drives well, because the parts are new, and the steer tires start wearing on the first run.
The practical rule for a fleet is to write alignment into the repair. Any work order that touches steering or suspension ends with an alignment check, and that check happens before the unit goes back into service.
Why the order matters
Aligning first and repairing second wastes the alignment. Aligning a truck with worn parts sets angles that move as soon as it is loaded. The sequence is repair, then align, then run.
Plan the visit
Ogden is open until 5:30 PM, the latest close of any Purcell store in Utah, which gives more of the afternoon to finish the job. Book early in the day where you can. Do the trailer at the same visit, since an out-of-square trailer pushes the tractor off line, and add tire and wheel balancing if there is a vibration as well as a pull.
The national heavy-duty truck alignment page covers what the measurement includes.
Other stores nearby
Tremonton is to the north, and the Salt Lake City Truck Tire Center to the south.
About this store
The Ogden store runs eleven services and is managed by Mike Theis.
See the national heavy-duty truck alignment page for all 40 locations.