When performing an alignment, which adjustment is typically made first?

When performing a wheel alignment, the camber adjustment is typically made first because it sets the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle. Adjusting camber first helps establish a baseline for how the tires contact the road, which is crucial for optimal handling and tire wear.

Once the camber is set correctly, subsequent adjustments to toe and caster can be made while taking into account the established camber angle. This sequence ensures that the adjustments do not interfere with one another, allowing for precise control over each angle to achieve the desired alignment specifications.

In a proper alignment procedure, starting with camber helps ensure that any changes made later (like toe or caster) are done within the context of the correct vertical positioning of the wheels. This keeps the car’s handling predictable and helps to preserve tire life.