Service Bulletin

Bulletin No.:

05-03-07-009J

Date:

February, 2020

INFORMATION
Subject:

Wheel Alignment Specifications, Requirements and Recommendations for GM
Vehicles

Models:

2020 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks

This bulletin has been revised to update the GM Service Policies & Procedures Manual
reference under the Purpose section. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number
05-03-07-009I.

Purpose
The purpose of this bulletin is to provide retail,
wholesale and fleet personnel with General Motors’
recommendations for customer concerns related to
wheel alignment. For your convenience, this bulletin
updates and centralizes all of GM's Standard Wheel
Alignment Service Procedures, and bulletins on wheel
alignment warranty service.
Important: PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH
THESE UPDATES BEFORE PERFORMING YOUR
NEXT GM WHEEL ALIGNMENT SERVICE.
The following key steps are a summary of this bulletin
and are REQUIRED in completing a successful wheel
alignment service.
1. Verify the vehicle is in an Original Equipment
condition for curb weight, tires, wheels,
suspension and steering configurations. Vehicles
modified in any of these areas are not covered for
wheel alignment warranty.
2. Review the customer concern relative to
“Normal Operation” definitions.
3. Document wheel alignment warranty claims
appropriately for labor operations 8070012 and
8070032. A copy of the alignment machine printout
showing before and after alignment specifications
must be attached to the job card. Refer to
additional information in the GM Service Policies &
Procedures Manual for complete documentation
requirements and labor operation restrictions for
transactions involving wheel alignments, toe
adjustments and wheel balancing.

Copyright 2020 General Motors LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Verify Original Equipment Condition of
the Vehicle
•
•
•

•

•

Verify that Original Equipment Tires and Wheels
or Official GM Accessory Tires and Wheels are on
the vehicle.
Verify that aftermarket suspension “Lift” or
“Lowering” Kits or other suspension alterations
have NOT been done to the vehicle.
Check for accidental damage to the vehicle; for
example, severe pothole or curb impacts, collision
damage that may have affected the wheel
alignment of the vehicle; e.g., engine cradles,
suspension control arms, axles, wheels, wheel
covers, tires may show evidence of damage/
impact.
Check to be sure vehicle has seen “Normal Use”
rather than abuse; e.g., very aggressive driving
may show up by looking at the tires and condition
of the vehicle.
Check for other additional equipment items that
may significantly affect vehicle mass such as large
tool boxes, campers, snow plow packages
(without the snowplow RPO), etc., especially in
trucks and cutaway/incomplete vehicles.
Significant additional mass can affect trim height
and wheel alignment of the vehicle and may
necessitate a customer pay wheel alignment when
placed semi-permanently in the vehicle (Upfitter
instructions are to realign the vehicle after
placement of these types of items. (This typically
applies to trucks and incomplete vehicles that can
be upfit with equipment such as the above.)

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February, 2020

Customer Concerns and “Normal
Operation” Conditions
Possible Concerns
The following are typical conditions that may require
wheel alignment warranty service:
1. Lead/Pull: defined as "at a constant highway
speed on a typical straight road, the amount of
effort required at the steering wheel to maintain the
vehicle’s straight heading."
Important: Please evaluate for the condition with
hands-on the steering wheel. Follow the “Vehicle
Leads/Pulls” diagnostic tree located in SI to determine
the cause of a lead/pull concern. Lead/Pull concerns
can be due to road crown or road slope, tires, wheel
alignment or even in rare circumstances a steering gear
issue. Lead/pull concerns due to road crown are
considered “Normal Operation” and are NOT a
warrantable condition – the customer should be
advised that this is “Normal Operation.”
Important: Some customers may comment on a
“Lead/Pull” when they hold the steering wheel in a level
condition. If so, this is more likely a “steering wheel
angle” concern because the customer is “steering” the
vehicle to obtain a “level” steering wheel.
2. Steering wheel angle to the left or right
(counter-clockwise or clockwise, respectively):
Defined as the steering wheel angle (clocking)
deviation from “level” while maintaining a straight
heading on a typical straight road.

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

3. Irregular or Premature tire wear: Slight to very
slight "feathering" or "edge" wear on the shoulders
of tires is NOT considered unusual and should
even out with a tire rotation; if the customer is
concerned about a “feathering” condition of the
tires, the customer could be advised to rotate the
tires earlier than the next scheduled mileage/
maintenance interval (but no later than the next
interval). Be sure to understand the customer’s
driving habits as this will also heavily influence the
tire wear performance; tire wear from aggressive or
abusive driving habits is NOT a warrantable
condition.
Important: Slight or mild feathering, cupping, edge or
heel/toe wear of tire tread shoulders is “normal” and
can show up very early in a tire/vehicle service mileage;
in fact, some new tires can show evidence of feathering
from the factory. These issues do NOT affect the overall
performance and tread life of the tire. Dealer personnel
should always check the customer’s maintenance
records to ensure that tire inflation pressure is being
maintained to placard and that the tires are being
rotated (modified-X pattern) at the proper mileage
intervals. Wheel alignments are NOT to be performed
for the types of “Normal” Tire Feathering shown in
Figures 1-4 below.

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

February, 2020

Page 3

Figure 1: Full Tread View – “NORMAL” Tire “Feathering” Wear on the Shoulder/Adjacent/Center Ribs

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Page 4

February, 2020

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

Figure 2: Tire Shoulder View Example 1 - “NORMAL” Tire "Feathering" Wear on the Shoulder

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Figure 3: Tire Shoulder View Example 2 “NORMAL” Tire "Feathering" Wear

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Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

February, 2020

Page 5

Figure 4: Detail Side View of Tire Shoulder Area - “NORMAL” Tire “Feathering” Wear

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Important: When a wheel alignment is deemed
necessary for tire wear, be sure to document on the
repair order, in as much detail as possible, the severity
and type of tire wear (e.g., severe center wear or
severe inside or outside shoulder wear) and the
position of the tire on the vehicle (RF, LF, LR, RR).
Please note the customer’s concern with the wear such
as, noise, appearance, wear life, etc. A field product
report with pictures of the tire wear condition is
recommended. Refer to the latest version of Corporate
Bulletin Numbers 02-00-89-002 (Canada,
10-00-89-006) and 07-00-89-036.
4. Other repairs that affect wheel alignment; e.g.,
certain component replacement such as
suspension control arm replacement, engine
cradle adjustment/replace, steering gear
replacement, steering tie rod replace, suspension
strut/shock, steering knuckle, etc. may require a
wheel alignment.
Important: If other components or repairs are
identified as affecting the wheel alignment, policy calls
for the wheel alignment labor time to be charged to the
replaced/repaired component’s labor operation time
rather than the wheel alignment labor operations.
Important: Vibration type customer concerns are
generally NOT due to wheel alignment except in the
rare cases; e.g., extreme diagonal wear across the

tread. In general, wheel alignments are NOT to be
performed as an investigation/correction for vibration
concerns.

“Normal Operation” Conditions
Vehicle Lead/Pull Due to Road Crown or Slope:
As part of “Normal Operation,” vehicles will follow
side-to-side or left to right road crown or slope. Be sure
to verify from the customer the types of roads they are
driving as they may not recognize the influence of road
crown on vehicle lead/pull and steering wheel angle. If
a vehicle requires significant steering effort to prevent it
from “climbing” the road crown there may be an issue to
be looked into further.
Important: A wheel alignment will generally NOT
correct vehicles that follow the road crown since this is
within “Normal Operation.”
Trough Wander/Tramlining:
Some customers may comment about their vehicle
having a tendency to pull left or right depending on road
conditions. Typical descriptions may refer to the vehicle
not tracking properly or that the car wanders. Additional
comments may include that the car follows grooves or
inconsistencies in the road to the extent that the vehicle
must be steered or directed with additional force to
overcome these roadway characteristics.

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February, 2020

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

Trough Wander / Tramlining

2873518

What is Tramlining?
"Tramlining" is an industry term used to describe a
vehicle's tendency to follow the longitudinal ruts and/or
grooves present in the road. (Also called “trough
wander”). The name comes from the feeling on a tram
or trolley as the vehicle follows along the tracks. Any
vehicle can exhibit tramlining due to uneven pavement
or severe rutting in the roads surface. All vehicles
tramline to some degree, however vehicles equipped
with low aspect ratio, wide tires tend to be more
sensitive to this condition (e.g. Corvette, Camaro,
CTS-V, Chevrolet SS).
Vehicles experiencing this condition can feel “pulled” in
both directions depending on the positions of the tires
in the trough (ruts).
If a similarly equipped vehicle experiences the same
condition as the customer’s car, the customer’s car is
most likely experiencing tramlining, which is a normal
characteristic of a car with low aspect ratio, wide tires.
Important: It should be noted that adjusting alignment
settings will NOT improve this condition.

Wheel Alignment Equipment and
Process
Wheel alignments must be performed with a quality
machine that will give accurate results when performing
checks. "External Reference" (image-based camera
technology) is preferred. Please refer to the latest
version of Corporate Bulletin Number 05-00-89-029:
General Motors Dealership Critical Equipment
Requirements and Recommendations.
Requirements:
• Computerized four wheel alignment system.
• Computer capable of printing before and after
alignment reports.
• Computer capable of time and date stamp
printout.
• Racking system must have jacking capability.
• Racking system must be capable of level to
1.6 mm (1/16 in).
• Appropriate wheel stops and safety certification.
• Built-in turn plates and slip plates.
• Wheel clamps capable of attaching to 20" or larger
wheels
• Racking capable of accepting any GM passenger
car or light duty truck.
• Operator properly trained and ASE-certified (U.S.
only) in wheel alignment.

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

February, 2020

Recommendations:
Racking should have front and rear jacking capability.
Equipment Maintenance and Calibration:
Alignment machines must be regularly calibrated in
order to give correct information. Most manufacturers
recommend the following:
• Alignment machines with "internal reference"
sensors should be checked (and calibrated, if
necessary) every six months.
• Alignment machines with "external reference"
(image-based camera technology) should be
checked (and calibrated, if necessary) once
a year.
• Racks must be kept level to within 1.6 mm
(1/16 in).
• If any instrument that is part of the alignment
machine is dropped or damaged in some way,
check the calibration immediately.
Check with the manufacturer of your specific equipment
for their recommended service/calibration schedule.
Wheel Alignment Process
When performing wheel alignment measurement
and/or adjustment, the following steps should be taken:
Preliminary Steps:
1. Verify that the vehicle has a full tank of fuel
(compensate as necessary).
2. Inspect the wheels and the tires for damage.
3. Inspect the tires for the proper inflation and
irregular tire wear.
4. Inspect the wheel bearings for excessive play.
5. Inspect all suspension and steering parts for
looseness, wear, or damage.
6. Inspect the steering wheel for excessive drag or
poor return due to stiff or rusted linkage or
suspension components.
7. Inspect the vehicle trim height.
8. Compensate for frame angle on targeted vehicles
(refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications in SI).
Satisfactory vehicle operation may occur over a wide
range of alignment angles. However, if the wheel
alignment angles are not within the range of
specifications, adjust the wheel alignment to the
specifications. Refer to Wheel Alignment Specifications
in SI. Give consideration to excess loads, such as tool
boxes, sample cases, etc. Follow the wheel alignment
equipment manufacturer's instructions.
Measure/Adjust:
Important: Prior to making any adjustments to wheel
alignment on a vehicle, technicians must verify that the
wheel alignment specifications loaded into their wheel
alignment machine are up-to-date by comparing these
to the wheel alignment specifications for the
appropriate model and model year in SI. Using
incorrect and/or outdated specifications may result in
unnecessary adjustments, irregular and/or premature
tire wear and repeat customer concerns.

Page 7

Important: When performing adjustments to vehicles
requiring a 4-wheel alignment, set the rear wheel
alignment angles first in order to obtain proper front
wheel alignment angles.
Perform the following steps in order to measure the
front and rear alignment angles:
1. Install the alignment equipment according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Jounce the front and the rear bumpers 3 times
prior to checking the wheel alignment.
3. Measure the alignment angles and record the
readings.
If necessary, adjust the wheel alignment to vehicle
specification and record the before and after
measurements. Refer to Wheel Alignment
Specifications in SI.
Important: Technicians must refer to SI for the correct
wheel alignment specifications. SI is the only source of
GM wheel alignment specifications that is kept
up-to-date throughout the year.
Test drive the vehicle to ensure a proper repair.

Understanding the Effects of Wheel
Alignment on a Vehicle vs. Customer
Complaints (Quick Reference Section)
Note: Refer to SI for complete alignment
specifications.
•

•
•

Prior to any measurement on the alignment
machine, you must confirm the current
specifications and tolerances as listed in GM’s
Service Information System. Do not assume that
numbers in the alignment machine are correct, as
it may not have been recently updated.
Always use the correct specifications for that
vehicle based on confirmed vehicle option
content.
It is important to always include as much
information as possible in the RO – including the
confirmed customer complaint and the complete
before and after alignment measurements on the
vehicle.

Steering Wheel Angle Complaints:
A true steering wheel angle complaint can be
diagnosed as a vehicle that goes straight down the
road without extra steering input, but the steering wheel
angle is clocked to one side or the other. Make sure to
always note which direction the steering wheel is
clocked on the Repair Order (“Left/CCW” or
“Right/CW”).
If a steering wheel angle complaint has been verified, it
should be noted that front and rear toes are the only
alignment values that affect the angle of the steering
wheel.
Vehicle Pull Complaints:
Prior to any adjusts, the vehicle must be driven to
confirm the customer complaint. Use this drive to verify
that the vehicle does have a pull and it is not a steering
wheel angle issue. Try and use same stretch of road for
all drives so that you understand the different
characteristics of that specific road.

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February, 2020

A true vehicle pull only complaint will have the vehicle
pull to one side or the other regardless of steering
wheel angle. It may require more than normal effort to
keep the vehicle going straight.
Important: It is possible for customers to confuse a
steering wheel off angle issue as a vehicle pull, as they
may be trying to hold the wheel centered (level) on a
straight road which would be adding a slight steering
input to the wheels. If this is the case, please note this
on the Repair Order, including the direction the vehicle
is pulling.
Please note the following on what can cause a
vehicle pull:
• Tires
• Alignment settings
Tires: If a pull complaint has been verified but all the
alignment settings all are within specifications, the
issue may be in the tires. Certain tire differences left to
right may cause a vehicle pull. Swapping the front tires
left to right and re-evaluating is a simple way to verify a
tire issue.
Important: Always ensure tire pressures are set to
correct specifications before and after evaluating a
vehicle.
Important: Always note if tires are directional and not
able to be permanently swapped side to side.

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

Important: If Cross Camber and Cross Caster are
within GM specifications listed in the Service
Information System, it generally means they are not the
reason for a vehicle pull complaint.
Note: Although not normally an adjustable setting on
many vehicles, you should always verify the caster
repair procedure in GM’s Service Information System.
Road Slope:
It is important to always note road slope during a drive,
high angles can cause a vehicle to drift one way or the
other. As flat of road as possible should be used for
evaluations.

Effect of Road Slope

Alignment Information
Alignment
Settings:

Positive Value

Negative Value

Front Cross Camber
(LH minus RH)

Pulls Left

Pulls Right

Front Cross Caster
(LH minus RH)

Pulls Right

Pulls Left

Front and Rear Toe

Does Not Cause
Vehicle Pulls

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Does Not Cause
Vehicle Pulls

Important: Front or rear toe values being out of
specifications do not cause a true vehicle pull. If only
front or rear toe values are out of specification on a
confirmed vehicle pull issue, something else is causing
the pull.

Trough Wander / Tramlining
Troughs or grooves in the road can pull a vehicle to
either side depending on where in the groove the tire is.
The tires will always want to pull the vehicle up the wall
of the trough.

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

February, 2020

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Trough Wander / Tramlining

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February, 2020

Bulletin No.: 05-03-07-009J

Wheel Alignment Job Card Questionnaire
Note: For vehicles with less than 500 miles (800 km) on the odometer, please fill in the blanks. Additional help can be found in
the “Vehicle Lead/Pull Diagnostics” located in SI under Suspension – General Diagnosis. It is also recommended that the
dealership complete a Field Product Report to notify GM of this condition. Refer to Bulletin Numbers 02-00-89-002 (Canada:
10-00-89-006) and 07-00-89-036 for more information on Field Product Reporting.
TAC Case # if applicable:
Vehicle Concern Information
Customer Concern:
Tire Wear____ Steering Wheel Off-Angle___
Lead/Pull____ Other ___________________
Was the customer concern duplicated? Yes___ No___
Is the tire pressure within +/- 3 psi (+/- 20 kPa) of the tire placard? Yes___ No___
If No, record the tire pressures (psi):
LF____ RF____ LR____ RR____
Tire Wear (If Applicable)
Please check all boxes that apply:
Left Front Tire:
Even Wear___ Inside Shoulder___
Center___ Outside Shoulder___ Cupping/Feathering___
Right Front Tire:
Even Wear___ Inside Shoulder___
Center___ Outside Shoulder___ Cupping/Feathering___
Left Rear Tire:
Even Wear___ Inside Shoulder___
Center___ Outside Shoulder___ Cupping/Feathering___
Right Rear Tire:
Even Wear___ Inside Shoulder___
Wheel Alignment Job Card Questionnaire
Center___ Outside Shoulder___ Cupping/Feathering___
Steering Wheel Off-Angle (If Applicable)
Which way was the steering wheel off angle?
Lead/Pull (If Applicable)
Which way does the vehicle lead or pull? Right___ Left___
Were the front tires swapped side to side? Yes___ No___
Was the vehicle checked for brake drag? Yes___ No___

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these
technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper
service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a
job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your
vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the
information.

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