Each intervention at the suspension or steering parts directly affects the wheel positions. The smallest deviation in camber, caster or toe has an impact on tire wear, changed driving behavior and vehicle stability. Given the increasingly tight tolerances in the current vehicle generations, even a small deviation can have noticeable consequences.
A misaligned undercarriage generates extra load on parts, causing premature wear or play, which are reasons for a failed car inspection.
Wheel alignment is not subject to the car inspection, but beware: the consequences resulting from misalignment can lead to a failed inspection. Some consequences:
Tire wear is checked closely at the car inspection. If any wear is visible at the inside or outside of a tire or if the tread is worn unevenly, this can lead to a failed inspection. This type of wear is often a direct consequence of incorrect wheel positions or wrong tire pressure.
During the test drive or when moving the vehicle, the inspector can establish a deviating driving behavior. In case of a crooked steering wheel, the car will strongly pull to one side or the steering gear will react unnaturally, causing the inspector to check the car more closely or add comments to the inspection report.
Any visible damage to steering and suspension parts immediately means a failed car inspection. Moreover, a misaligned undercarriage generates extra load on parts, which can accelerate premature wear or play in e.g. steering balls or steering knuckle balls, another reason for a failed inspection.
For a workshop, systematic alignment after repairs is not only technically sound, but also commercially smart. These are the advantages:
Consider aligning as a necessary finalization after the following work:
Invest in a modern alignment rack using 3D or CCD technology and make sure your staff has been trained in carrying out and interpreting wheel geometry measurements. Work according to a standard procedure:
The quality of the mounted parts makes or breaks a correct wheel alignment. In case of repairs to suspension and steering gear, it is crucial to choose high-quality, OEM-compliant parts. Some examples are track control arms, steering knuckle balls, gaiters, steering balls and shock absorbers: these components have a direct impact on driving behavior, contact with the road and general car stability. Inferior or ill-fitting parts not only cause play or deformation faster, but also affect the precision of the alignment, which is at the expense of safety and comfort.
A car that has been repaired using quality parts offers a noticeably higher driving comfort, more stable steering and a longer lifespan for tires and components. Furthermore, there is less risk of experiencing new problems in the short term or getting negative comments at the car inspection. As the owner of a workshop or a car repair shop, this not only demonstrates your technical know-how, but also your commitment to your customer’s safety and satisfaction. Best is cheapest, especially when dealing with the essential parts of the undercarriage.
Wheel alignment is an absolute must after suspension or steering gear repairs. For professionals, this demonstrates skill; for clients, it’s an added value; and within the context of the car inspection, it’s a way of avoiding risk.
When there’s no direct safety impact, the inspector will often mention a detailed check or an adjustment of the alignment as a recommendation as the wheel alignment isn’t included in the inspection. By considering future impact and any additional costs, we should take this advice to heart, being responsible drivers.
Wheel alignment for experts: how to do this, explained step-by-step in a checklist.
Professional wheel alignment requires more than just modern equipment. It also requires insight into vehicle technology, interpretation of data as well as manufacturers knowhow.
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