Periodic inspections · Wheel alignment

Why inspect, calibrate and update wheel alignment equipment

Alignment equipment is only as good as its last calibration and the freshness of its database. It shows the mechanic by how much and in which direction to correct the wheel setting. If it measures wrongly itself, the mechanic corrects something that was fine, or leaves something that is wrong.

Laser, CCD and 3D – a different technique, the same risk

In laser equipment the measurement is based on laser beams falling on scales or sensors. In CCD equipment the measurement is made by heads with cameras mounted on the wheels. In 3D systems the cameras stand on a column or beam and measuring targets are mounted on the wheels. In each case this is precision optics that tolerate drops, knocks and dirt poorly. A damaged target or an uncalibrated head will not show an error message. It will simply show a false result.

Calibration on an ISO calibration frame

The calibration frame is a standard. It has known, repeatable dimensions and angles, so you can check on it whether the equipment shows values that match reality. If there is a difference, we correct the readings. It is the surest way to find an error that cannot be seen with the naked eye or on an ordinary car, because a car by nature has its own deviations and play.

Mechanics wear out too

Besides the electronics, during an inspection we check the parts that directly affect the result:

wheel clamps – play and bends disturb how the head or target sits on the wheel,
turn plates and slip plates – worn or dirty ones hinder the free movement of the wheels during measurement,
cables, connectors and power supply – in equipment that uses them, this is a common cause of measurement interruptions and communication errors,
moving parts and mounts – everything that may have worked loose during daily use.

Database update – why you should not put it off

The database holds the values recommended by vehicle manufacturers: angles and tolerances for each make, model and version. When a newer model drives into the workshop and it is not in the database, the mechanic has to look for the data on his own or set the wheels by eye. We update the databases of wheel alignment equipment so your workshop has current values at hand for new cars too.

How often should an inspection and calibration be done?

A sensible minimum is a check once a year. It is also worth checking the equipment after any fall or knock to a head or target, after moving the station, and when the car still pulls after alignment or results look odd. A database update is needed when new car models start to appear in the workshop. Exact recommendations are given by the equipment manufacturer.

A wrong measurement costs both the customer and the workshop

The customer then drives on unevenly worn tyres, the car pulls to one side and the steering wheel sits crooked. The workshop gets comebacks, does rework and loses the mechanic's time. Servicing the equipment usually costs much less than working on uncalibrated gear.

Why us

Specialisation. We service wheel alignment equipment using laser, CCD and 3D technology.
ISO calibration frame. We calibrate on the frame, so we know the real deviations of your equipment.
Full scope. Diagnostics, component repair, calibration and database updates in one place.
Many brands. We service, among others, Werther, Technovector, John Bean, Hofmann, Beissbarth, Ravaglioli, CEMB, HWA and HPA.
Convenience. We travel to the customer, and we accept equipment at our head office after a phone booking.
Short lead times and low prices.
When repair does not pay off. If repair does not pay off, we will help you buy new or used equipment and buy your old, damaged machine.

Call or write – we will agree the scope of the inspection and the date. See also: full description of wheel alignment equipment service and why it is worth servicing air conditioning stations.