Hunter Hawkeye Alignment Machine Full Job Demonstration

Summary

In this episode of Hot Rod High School, the focus is on using the Hunter Hawkeye alignment machine to perform an alignment on a vehicle. The host highlights the machine's efficiency, allowing for fast and accurate readings, but warns against over-relying on it without proper pre-alignment checks like tire pressure and suspension condition. The episode covers the step-by-step process of aligning a car, from scanning the vehicle's VIN to adjusting the steering and suspension, ensuring the car drives smoothly with no pulling or misalignment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hunter Hawkeye alignment machines are highly efficient, capable of delivering alignment readings in under two minutes.
• 😀 The machine is designed to be user-friendly, automating much of the alignment process, but relies heavily on the operator following correct procedures.
• 😀 A common issue with alignment machines is the failure to conduct a proper pre-alignment inspection, which can lead to poor results, even if the alignment seems perfect on the machine.
• 😀 Essential pre-alignment steps include checking tire pressure, replacing worn tires, and ensuring there are no issues with suspension components like ball joints or bushings.
• 😀 Alignment is the final step in vehicle repair, not the first. Cars that need repair beyond alignment, such as suspension issues, won’t be fixed by an alignment alone.
• 😀 The machine's VIN scanner can automatically input vehicle information, streamlining the setup process for the technician.
• 😀 Before starting the alignment, the technician must properly mount sensors to the vehicle’s wheels and ensure the lift is positioned correctly to align with the machine's cameras.
• 😀 The alignment process involves compensation for any runout in the wheels and tires, which is done by rolling the vehicle backward and forward while monitoring the readings.
• 😀 The technician must also check and center the steering wheel before performing alignment adjustments to ensure accurate results.
• 😀 Misalignment can still occur if a vehicle's tires are improperly aligned, even when the machine shows green readings. A closer inspection and further adjustments may be required to ensure the vehicle drives straight and handles well.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the Hunter Hawkeye alignment machine?

The main purpose of the Hunter Hawkeye alignment machine is to quickly and accurately perform vehicle alignment by providing alignment readings in under two minutes from driving the car into the bay to having the readings displayed on the screen.

Why do some people experience alignment issues even after using the machine?

Some people experience alignment issues because they neglect to perform a proper pre-alignment inspection. Issues like incorrect tire pressure, worn tires, or loose suspension components can affect the alignment, even if the machine reads as perfect.

What are some common pre-alignment checks that should be done before using the alignment machine?

Pre-alignment checks include ensuring the tire pressure is correct, inspecting the condition of the tires, and checking for any loose components in the suspension such as ball joints or bushings.

What is one of the main complaints about the Hunter Hawkeye alignment machine?

One of the main complaints about the Hunter Hawkeye alignment machine is that people often rely on it too heavily and fail to conduct proper pre-alignment checks, which can lead to issues like off-center steering wheels or worsened pulling after the alignment.

How does the machine assist technicians with the alignment process?

The machine assists technicians by guiding them through the alignment process with clear instructions. It can auto-populate vehicle specifications from scanning the VIN and provides visual aids like pictograms and diagrams for mounting sensors and making necessary adjustments.

What is runout compensation, and why is it important in the alignment process?

Runout compensation involves rolling the vehicle backward and forward to account for any irregularities in the wheels or tires, ensuring accurate alignment readings. This step is crucial to ensure that the alignment machine compensates for any imperfections before taking measurements.

What adjustments are typically made during the alignment process?

During the alignment process, adjustments are typically made to the camber, caster, and toe angles of the vehicle. This includes adjusting the steering wheel's position, ensuring the wheels are aligned properly, and adjusting the tie rods to correct any misalignment.

Why is it important to check the steering wheel’s alignment before finalizing the adjustment?

It is important to check the steering wheel’s alignment because a car's steering wheel should be centered when driving straight. If the steering wheel is off-center, it may indicate an issue with the vehicle's alignment that needs to be corrected before returning the car to the customer.

How does the alignment machine help with tie rod adjustments?

The alignment machine provides an illustration that guides technicians through the process of adjusting the tie rods. By loosening the lock nuts on the tie rods and using a wrench to adjust the hexagonal portion of the tie rod, technicians can ensure that the wheels are positioned correctly to achieve proper alignment.

What steps should a technician take after completing the adjustments?

After completing the adjustments, the technician should double-check the alignment readings to ensure that everything is within the manufacturer’s specifications. They may need to fine-tune adjustments on both sides and recheck the steering wheel position before finalizing the alignment.