The American Council Of Frame and Alignment Specialists (ACOFAS) hosted a training clinic in Moline, Ill., recently that outlined heavy truck alignment procedures.

Subjects covered during the clinic included: reasons for proper alignment; procedures for determining alignment problems; procedures for checking suspension and steering components; and proper specifications and tolerances for alignments.
An afternoon session was held at the Mutual Wheel shop where four frame and front-end machines were used for hands-on training. The technicians were instructed in computerized and manual gauging of front-end alignment, and laser alignment gauging of both frame and rear suspensions.
The following day all classes were held at the Mutual Wheel facility. Technicians were taught the proper procedures and sequence of inspection prior to a vehicle alignment, and they learned how to make axle corrections for camber, caster and toe.
The technicians were instructed on how to make drive and trailer axle corrections both in the vehicle and off the vehicle in the 150-ton axle press. There was also information on diagnostics, inspection, adjustments and setting pressures of power steering gearboxes.
The clinic drew 42 technicians representing 18 shops. Those technicians are now part of the ACOFAS technician forum and can participate in dialogue on the ACOFAS web page www.acofas.com by logging on and receiving a password from the ACOFAS Webmaster. The web site is a forum for exchanging information and solutions to problems, sharing technical data, and making others aware of changes in technology and tooling.
ACOFAS will be announcing the fall clinic soon. Watch for the announcement in the trade press, inquire at your association, or log on to www.acofas.com.