Truck Laser Alignment

Introduction
It makes sound operational and financial sense to make sure that the wheels on your vehicles are correctly aligned.

A truck wheel alignment program is self financing.

A programme of laser wheel alignment, implemented as part of a preventive maintenance programme, can lead to increases in tyre life and improved fuel efficiency. Correct wheel alignment can also lead to less wear and tear on vehicle components and reduced driver fatigue, as vehicles become easier to drive.

If the wheels on trucks are misaligned, even by only a small degree, it can have an adverse effect on both tyre wear and fuel consumption, as the engine has to work harder to make the vehicle move.
Visible signs of wheel misalignment include wear on the tyre shoulder or an uneven wear over the tyre tread. Wheels can be out of alignment for a number of reasons, for example, a steering joint may have been replaced, the vehicle may have nudged a kerb, or the vehicle might regularly run off-road, over uneven ground.

The objectives of correct wheel alignment:-

For steered axles:

• To achieve correct 'toe in'/'toe out' (the degree to which wheels are turned towards the centre or towards the outside of the vehicle)

For drive and trailer axles to make them:

• Square to centre line of the chassis
• Parallel across the axle
• Parallel between axles

Using laser equipment, the procedure aims to align to within 0.15° accuracy

The Benefits
The potential benefits of carrying out wheel alignment are:

• Reduced fuel usage
  • Incorrect wheel alignment increases rolling resistance and makes your engine work harder
  • A 1° mis-alignment on one axle could increase fuel consumption by around 3%
• Improved tyre life
  • A 0.5° misalignment can reduce tyre life by up to 50%
• Reduced carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions
• Less stress on mechanical components
• Improved driver comfort and safety
  • The driver will not have to fight the steering to keep the vehicle straight
  • Reduced driver fatigue and lowers the potential risk of long term arm, shoulder and neck problems
• Reduced potential for tyre overheating

Our Service

• Mobile service
• Adjustments
  • Toe-in
  • Toe-out
  • Toe-out on turns
  • Twin steer
  • Camber
  • Castor
  • Kingpin inclination
  • Inter-axle alignment
  • Steering box centering
• Fully qualified “time served” mechanic
• Just need a flat solid surface
• LGV, HGV, Trailer (including 4+ axles) and PSV
• Precision laser equipment for wheels 17.5” to 24.5”
• Full Health & Safety Program
• Create an annualised service schedule for each vehicle/trailer

Equipment

• Latest Supertracker laser equipment which is regularly calibrated
• Eliminates wheel rim run-out by referencing to the centre line of the axle stub which eliminates errors in the wheel rim and mounting assembly
• Self-centering gauges attach to the chassis using the centre line of the vehicle as a reference

Inspection Process

1. Obtain a detailed explanation from the operator regarding vehicle load, tyre wear and vehicle handling characteristics
2. Inspect for worn or damaged mechanical components
   1. Correct tyre inflation pressures
   2. Track rod condition
   3. Worn ball joints
   4. Worn wheel bearings
   5. Worn steering gear
   6. Damaged suspension
   7. Worn or seized kingpins
   8. Possible chassis issues
3. Attach equipment, carry out laser measurements and check specification
4. Make adjustments as necessary and repeat measurements
5. Final readings and report completed

For more information or to arrange a meeting contact:-

Mike Glover 07855 494593 (Commercial Director)

Andrew Watson 07971 735618 (Alignment Technician)