Misaligned or Loose Engine Cradle
A misaligned or loose engine cradle affects a vehicle's wheel alignment angles. The lower control arms are typically attached to the engine cradle with rubber bushings. Inspect the cradle for damage, looseness, or cracked and worn lower control arm bushings.
A damaged or misaligned engine cradle affects the camber. Check for dowel pins and alignment holes to align the cradle and frame for proper installation.
An incorrect camber angle results in excessive steering pull and tire wear. A shifted engine cradle will cause positive camber on one side and negative camber on the other. The vehicle pulls to the side with the most positive (+) camber.
Engine cradles get bent from hitting curbs and parking stops. If a cradle is bent or misaligned, it will need repair, replacement, or alignment before performing a wheel alignment.