- A wheel alignment is done using an alignment machine that measures the vehicle’s wheel angles.
- Wheel alignment involves a mechanical adjustment of vehicle suspension to influence the direction and angle of the tyre’s contact with the road surface.
- The Wheel Alignment Machine optimum alignment for each make and model of vehicle is set by the manufacturer in order to influence the performance and handling. Alignment also impacts upon safety and tyre wear hence, an important element of servicing that should be completed at regular intervals.
2) Importance of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
Wheel alignment is an extremely important part of vehicle servicing in order to influence a vehicle’s handling characteristics which can impact overall safety. Aside from the safety and handling aspect, maintaining the correct alignment can also extend the life of your tyres and reduce wear – which will ensure you get the best value for money from your tyres as well as boosting fuel consumption. Having the correct wheel alignment improves vehicle handling and steering whilst also reducing braking distances compared to misaligned vehicles.
3) Signs of Incorrect WHEEL Alignment:-
Signs that your vehicle requires a wheel alignment services are:
- Vehicle pulls towards the left or right side.
- The steering wheel is off center when driving straight
- Abnormal or uneven tread wear
- Positive toe
- Negative toe
- Positive Camber
- Negative Camber
- Caster
4) Primary Angles of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
The primary angles are the basic angle alignment of the wheels relative to each other and to the car body. These adjustments are the camber, caster and toe. On some cars, not all of these can be adjusted on every wheel.
These three parameters can be further categorized into front and rear (with no caster on the rear, typically not being steered wheels). In summary, the parameters are:
- Front: CASTER (left & right)
- Front: CAMBER (left & right)
- Front: TOE (left, right & total)
5) Secondary Angles of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
The secondary angles include numerous other adjustments, such as:
- SAI (Steering Axis Inclination)
- Included angle
- Toe out on turns
- Maximum Turns
- Toe curve change
- Track width difference
- Wheelbase difference
- Front ride height
- Rear ride height
- Frame angle
- Setback
6) Camber of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
Camber is the angle which the vertical axis of the wheel makes with the vertical axis of the vehicle. This angle is very important for the cornering performance of the vehicles. Generally, a Camber around 0.5-2 degrees is given on the vehicles. Depending upon wheel orientation, Camber can be of three types.
1. Positive Camber
The Camber would be called positive when the top of the wheels lean outwards. Positive Camber is generally used in off-road vehicles as it improves steering response and decreases steering effort. Positive Camber is also used in load-carrying vehicles. This is because the heavy load on these vehicles causes outward-leaning wheels to straighten up, improving the vehicle stability.
2. Zero Camber
The vehicle is said to have zero Camber when the wheels stand perfectly straight on the ground.
3. Negative Camber
Negative Camber is encountered when the top of the wheels lean inwards. Providing Negative Camber improves the cornering performance. When the vehicle turns on a corner, it performs a circular motion. Hence, it experiences equal and opposite centripetal & centrifugal forces. The centripetal force is experienced in the form of friction on tyre. The centrifugal force experienced by the car tries to throw it away from the turning center.
*Fixing clamps and image sensors:
3D Wheel Alignment machine has image sensors and uses clamps for fixing the image sensors with a wheel. The image sensors calculate the alignment reading of wheels Wheel clamps have rim locking pins (Fingers) for fixing the wheel rim.
*Measuring sensor:
The measuring sensor is located at the front of the vehicle.
There are 2 or 4 measuring sensors used for alignment. The left side sensor measures the vehicle’s left side wheels and the right side sensor measures the vehicle’s right side wheels. Measuring sensors are fixed on one horizontal beam or individually with a vertical beam. The fixings are leveled with the left and right sides
*Computer with Graphical user interface program:
Measuring sensors take the images from image sensors on the wheels and send them to the computer for calculation. Computer program – Graphical User Interface embedded in the alignment machine calculates and displays the results. This program works with Windows platform
Measuring sensors send the captured images to a graphical user interface program and that program calculates the alignment value with the calculating method and displays the adjustable reading for adjusting the wheels for alignment. Mechanics adjust the alignment based upon the result.
7) Advantage of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
Handling and Driving Experience:-By aligning the wheels, these issues get rectified, leading to a smoother/comfortable ride, better handling, and improved steering response. It also reduces driver fatigue and enhances the driving experience.
Improved Fuel Efficiency:- Another great benefit of wheel alignment is improved fuel efficiency. When your car’s wheels are properly aligned, they’ll roll more smoothly down the road. This means that your car won’t have to work as hard to move forward, which will save you money on gas.
Increase Tire Life:-One of the most important benefits of wheel alignment is that it can increase the lifespan of your tires. When your car’s wheels are out of alignment, your tires will wear down unevenly.
Improved Safety:- Another great benefit of wheel alignment is improved safety. When your car’s wheels are properly aligned, it will handle better on the road. This means that you’ll be less likely to get into an accident.
Reduce Road Noise:- If your car is making strange noises when you’re driving, it could be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. When your wheels are properly aligned, they rotate smoothly along the road surface. But when they’re out of alignment, they can create a “thumping” noise that’s hard to ignore.
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8) Types of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
Here are three types of car wheel alignment:
- Front-end Alignment: Otherwise known as “two-wheel alignment, front-end alignment adjusts the front wheels and is suitable for vehicles with a solid rear axle.
- Four-wheel Alignment: This type checks all four wheels and adjusts rear suspensions. It aligns both front and rear wheel pairs to the centerline.
- Thrust-angle Alignment: This type of alignment adjusts the front wheels and ensures the rear wheels’ thrust angle is aligned with the centerline.
9) Product Description:-
Our complete range is manufactured using finest quality raw material that is procured from certified market vendors. Further, these products are known for their durability, longer service life and low maintenance. Our complete range is available in varied shapes and sizes to suit the specific demands of the clients.
10) Technical Specifications of Wheel Alignment Machine:-
| Specifications | 3D WHEEL ALIGNMENT BLACKTECH |
| Model Name/Number | X3D 9000 |
| Power | 220V |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Color | Blue, Red |
| Structure | Electronic |
| Condition | New |
| Display Type | 3D |
| Size | 10*7*6 |
| Camber | +-0.02 |
| Camera Quality | NEXT GENERATION |
| Included Angle | +-0.04 |
| Kingpin Inclination | +-0.06 |
11) How is wheel alignment performed?
- Step 1: Select the required alignment vehicle specification for adjusting the alignment value based on OEM-specified specification.
- Step 2 Fix the image sensors with wheel clamps on the wheel rim
- Step 3 Do the run out sequence. The run out sequence is measuring the wheel clamp fixing the error, Rim bend, and wheel centroid. The run out sequence is done to avoid these errors reflecting on alignment readings.
- Step 4: Do the Caster measuring sequence. That measurement needs caster and SAI measurement for taking the caster and SAI reading
- Step 5:All measured alignment values are displayed on the monitor for alignment and the mechanic performs the alignment based on the displayed values on the required wheels.
12) Main Features of Wheel Alignment Machine :-
- Windows operating system, newest Tec fanatics software, include all functions from old software, with self-owned intellectual property.
- With black-box functions, all files can be saved for future analysis.
- Estimation Angle: Toe, Camber, Caster, S.A.I, push edge, Setback edge, Max turning point, wheel tread, Wheel base,Wheel moving radius.
- Quicker running for alignment with guiding menu, can read database within 3 minutes.
- 3D animated measurement, easy for training and operate. Manual enter height of vehicle.
- ”MKS” measurement special for Benz. Measurement for Caster Trail.
- Measurement for Scrub Radius & SAI. Available for OEM vehicle database.
- Zero Toe adjustment for camber.
- Single Tie Rod Adjust .Voice brief for push-pull vehicle.
- Drag Link Adjust to ensure the steering wheel in the middle.