Carry out light vehicle four wheel alignment

This standard is about testing and adjusting four wheel alignment to meet required tolerances.

P1 select and use suitable personal protective equipment and vehicle coverings throughout all four wheel alignment activities
P2 work in a way which minimises the risk of damage to the vehicle and its systems
P3 ensure that your measuring and adjustment equipment is safe, in good working order and where necessary, calibrated prior to use
P4 conduct all four wheel alignment pre-checks and four wheel alignment activities following:
P4.1 the use of correct technical data
P4.2 the vehicle and equipment manufacturers’ recommendations
P4.3 your workplace procedures
P4.4 health and safety requirements
P5 carry out all four wheel alignment activities using suitable tools and equipment and the correct techniques
P6 ensure your final adjustments and settings are within the tolerances recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the vehicle
P7 inform the relevant person(s) when adjustments to within the tolerances allowed are not possible
P8 make clear and suitable recommendations for any further action to the relevant person(s)clearly and accurately
P9 complete all four wheel alignment activities within the agreed timescale
P10 promptly report any anticipated delays in completion to relevant person(s)
P11 ensure your records of measurements taken and adjustments made are clear and accurate

Legislative and organisational requirements and procedures
K1 the current health and safety legislation and workplace procedures relevant to workshop practices, checking equipment and personal and vehicle protection
K2 your workplace procedures for:
K2.1 the referral of problems
K2.2 reporting of delays to the completion of work
K2.3 personal protection
K3 the importance of working to agreed timescales and keeping others informed of progress
K4 the relationship between time and costs
K5 your workplace requirements for recording measurements taken and adjustments made
K6 the importance of promptly reporting anticipated delays to the relevant person(s)
Tools and equipment
K7 how to select and use the tools and equipment used for the measurement and adjustment of four wheel alignment
K8 the importance of checking for safety and accuracy
K9 how to confirm that measuring and adjustment equipment is safe and, where necessary, calibrated prior to use
Four wheel alignment
K10 the Ackerman principle
K11 the principles of caster, camber, KPI/SAI, toe out on turns, thrust angle set back, wheel run out and their effects on tyre wear and vehicle handling
K12 the purpose, function and location of steering and suspension system components and how wear can affect wheel alignment
K13 the abnormal tyre wear associated with misalignment
K14 the importance of taking accurate measurements
K15 how to find and use vehicle data relating to working tolerances
K16 how to carry out four wheel alignment pre-checks
K17 four wheel alignment and adjustment techniques, including the use of weights, how to apply them and record adjustments
K18 the importance of ensuring any adjustments are within acceptable tolerances for the vehicle
K19 the possible consequences of inaccurate adjustments and the effect on other items
K20 how to take and record accurate measurements
K21 the importance of checking the operation of adjusted items prior to return to the customer
K22 the implications for safety and customer satisfaction
K23 how to check that the adjusted items function correctly
K24 how to work safely avoiding injury to yourself, others and damage to vehicles
K25 the impact of adjustment on electronic systems, for example, TPMS, steering wheel angle sensor, ESP dynamic cruise control and ADAS
K26 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and the implications of working with them

1. Four wheel alignment pre-checks include:
   1.1. tyre pressures and condition
   1.2. wheel and wheel bearing for damage, play and wear
   1.3. suspension for damage, play, wear and ride height
   1.4. steering assembly for damage, play and wear
2. Four wheel alignment includes:
   2.1. individual toe
   2.2. combined toe
   2.3. steering wheel position and steering angle sensor calibration
   2.4. thrust angle
   2.5. camber
   2.6. caster
   2.7. KPI/SAI
   2.8. set back
3. Tools and equipment includes:
   3.1. hand tools
   3.2. lifting and supporting equipment
   3.3. specialist alignment measuring equipment
   3.4. turn plates
   3.5. steering clamp
   3.6. electronic diagnostic equipment
   3.7. heating equipment
   3.8. penetrating oil

​This section contains examples and explanations of some of the terms used but does not form part of the standard.
ADAS
Advanced driver-assistance systems, includes systems for driver safety, pedestrian safety, motion/stability control and collision avoidance systems
Agreed timescales
Examples include job times set by your company or agreed with a specific customer.