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October 25, 1999 9:40 AM, EDT

TAMPA, Fla. — With a piece of string, a tape measure, some masking tape and a low-tech tool called a trammel bar, a driver should be able to check the alignment of steer wheels and dual axles in the field with minimum fuss.

The demonstration was presented at an Oct. 12 technical session of The Maintenance Council’s fall meeting. The session reviewed the work of a task force assigned to develop a simple guide for ensuring that vehicle alignments are done properly and on time. After all, proper alignment is supposed to prevent premature tire wear and save fleets money.

Mac Whittemore, Midwest regional service manager for Meritor Automotive, said the causes of tire and component wear haven’t changed. They are still improper tire inflation and faulty alignment.

Panel member Ellis Johnson of Michelin North America added that speed “is often one of the most overlooked contributors to tread wear.”

For the full story, see the Oct. 25 print edition of Transport Topics. .