What is four-wheel alignment?
A four-wheel alignment involves attaching a device to each of the four wheels of the vehicle to read certain angles and compare them to specifications. Perhaps more importantly, it allows the front [steering] wheels to be referenced to the rear. Without this reference the front wheels may be aligned to each other but not the centerline of the vehicle. Not all vehicle are adjustable on all four wheel but the alignment should still be referenced and verified. On vehicles that are adjustable in the rear, rear wheel are adjusted first and then front wheels set in alignment to the rear. When the rear wheels are not adjustable, but are out of specifications, a problem is indicated. Such a problem should be diagnosed and corrected before alignment is attempted. For even more information on wheel alignment, see our Detailed Topics article, Wheel Alignment Myths. [Back to top] • What is meant by match mounting a tire The concept of match mounting attempts to match the highest point on the tire
