New Wheel Alignment Integrates Diagnostics

Currently, more than 10 million vehicles throughout North America require Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) reset after a wheel alignment is performed, driving a significant change in the alignment bay.

The number of vehicles will rise significantly as manufacturers add electronic stability control (ESC) systems onto all new vehicle platforms by 2012, says the Bosch Group.

In the past, wheel alignment and suspension work were considered purely mechanical services. 

Now, failure to perform the manufacturer’s required SAS reset after a wheel alignment may cause conditions that could result in comebacks. Shops that are not equipped to handle SAS reset, risk comebacks or may simply have to turn work away.

“The combination of parts with diagnostic tools can’t be ignored on today’s automobile,” says David Scribner, group product manager for Bosch Diagnostics Business Unit. “The sooner this concept is embraced, the sooner it becomes a ‘win-win’ situation for the service industry. The new Bosch system will reduce equipment investment costs and increase work bay efficiency. This also makes ‘one trick repair gadgets’ – that are unable to perform other critical undercar functions – obsolete,” he stated.

Bosch’s KTS diagnostic tools are an efficient and economical solution for the growing number of vehicles that require SAS reset.

Bosch KTS diagnostic tools now integrate into the FWA alignment system to work quickly and easily with the software’s simplified and standardized procedures. The Bosch wheel alignment system can then wirelessly connect to the vehicle OBDII to recalibrate SAS to match the final alignment angles of the vehicle. By combining the KTS tools with the Bosch FWA Wheel Aligners, shops now have a cost-effective option to properly complete alignments on vehicles requiring SAS reset.

With KTS diagnostics integration into the Bosch FWA Wheel Alignment System, over a dozen additional services are now possible in the alignment bay:

-Health Check, Global OBDII Functionality w/ Module Status Report

-Maintenance Light Resets

-TPMS Sensor Reprogramming

-Brake System Bleeding Procedures and Test Codes

-Wheel Speed Sensor Diagnostics

-Anti-Lock Brake System Diagnostics

-Computer Fault Codes Related to Engine and Transmission

-Engine and Exhaust Emission Controls

-2 Channel Oscilloscope, Cylinder Balance Testing

-Digital Volt, Ohm Meter

-Vehicle Inspection List w/ Parts Database

-Shop Management Pro Software Integrates the PC with Shop Management Systems

Connecting the Bosch FWA wheel alignment system to the vehicle’s OBD II connector allows the modern service bay to work with confidence and full service capability. This moves the alignment bay well into the 21st century by providing access, knowledge and processes to significantly increase profits and ensure the vehicle is fixed properly the first time.

Bosch is a proud supporter of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s Know Your Parts education and awareness campaign. This initiative promotes the importance of quality brand name aftermarket parts backed by full service suppliers, to preserve the industry’s good reputation. For more information visit: http://kyp.aftermarketsuppliers.org.

Click to www.autoserviceworld.com for more news.