May_2022 - 32

TOOL BRIEFING
vehicle. After performing my initial first
steps of code scan, visual inspection, and a
test drive, I perform a comprehensive evaluation
of the suspension and steering components,
to determine what components
need to be replaced, repaired, or adjusted.
There are some tools on the market
(such as the Mueller-Kueps 432-910),
which are designed to aid in finding worn
bushings, bearings, and struts. A tool like
this can also be built in the shop, as illustrated
by fellow technician (Chad, of The
Practical Mechanic YouTube channel),
in his " Make a Tool " challenge video. It's
become an invaluable tool in my evaluations
(Figure 7).
Once the vehicle has been evaluated, the
problem located, and repairs or upgrades
performed (following best practices),
it's time for the final step in the process,
alignment. Alignment systems are often
used " out of the box " without ever delving
into the deeper capabilities of the system.
Our shop utilizes two Hunter Alignment
machines (one for automotive and one for
medium and heavy-duty trucks). The automotive
software contains a sub-program
called WinAlign Tuner, which factors in
ride height and other user selectable variables,
to dial in the perfect alignment for
vehicle configuration and end usage. This
helps compensate for uneven ride height
that may be unavoidable (due to the loading
of the vehicle) and allows for a proper
alignment, that keeps the vehicle going
straight and tires wearing correctly. As
for getting the alignment down efficiently,
one of my newest favorite tools is the
Knipex S-Type Pipe Wrench Pliers (Figure
8). They make holding and adjusting toe
bars and tie-rods extremely easy.
Wheel and tire service is far from the
most glamorous or exciting aspect of daily
shop operations. Most technicians don't
spend a lot of time reading alignment or
tire balancing case studies. Despite this,
it is one of the most important aspects of
service and repair; it's the customer's direct
link to the road and should be treated as
such. Following best practices as dictated
by service information ensures that technicians
can not only effectively evaluate
complaints, but also make recommendations
and repairs or adjustments, that will
help alleviate or prevent excessive wear and
tear on the vehicle.
CHRIS GROFF is a
technician with Lykon
Automotive in Pennsylvania
and runs the Science of
Diagnostics channel on
YouTube. Groff began in the industry 15
years ago with an independent repair shop
before attending the Pennsylvania College
Of Technology for Caterpillar diesel. After
working with heavy duty trucks and John
Deere equipment, he was drawn back to the
automotive repair segment by ADAS and
the continued advancement of technology.
cgroff@scienceofdiagnostics.com
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