Which of these does NOT need to be checked prior to a wheel alignment?

For a proper wheel alignment, it is essential to ensure that certain factors are in good condition to achieve optimal vehicle handling and tire wear. Among the options listed, tire balance is not required to be checked prior to performing a wheel alignment.

When conducting a wheel alignment, the focus is primarily on adjusting the angles of the wheels – camber, caster, and toe – to ensure they are set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. These adjustments are critical for driving straight and even tire wear. Checking the condition of suspension components is vital because worn or damaged parts can negatively affect the alignment settings. Likewise, tire pressure must be checked, as improper pressure can influence alignment angles and lead to inaccurate results. Steering linkage inspection is also important since any issues there can cause misalignment and compromise the effectiveness of the alignment process.

In contrast, while tire balance is important for vehicle performance and can affect how smoothly a vehicle drives, it does not directly impact the angles of the wheels or the alignment process itself. Therefore, tire balance does not need to be checked before performing a wheel alignment, making it the correct choice.