Hofmann Pro42 Operator's Manual

Portable imaging alignment systems with pro42
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Operators Manual
Portable Imaging Alignment Systems with Pro42

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Summary of Contents for Hofmann Pro42

  • Page 1 Operators Manual Portable Imaging Alignment Systems with Pro42...
  • Page 2 Blank page...
  • Page 3 SAFETY INFORMATION For your safety, read this manual thoroughly before operating the equipment. The Aligner is intended for use by properly trained skilled automotive technicians. The safety messages presented in this section and throughout the manual are reminders to the operator to exercise extreme care when performing wheel alignments with this product.
  • Page 4 Chapter 1 - Safety Safety INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT!! SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS Risk of electrical shock. • Do not operate equipment with a damaged power cord or if the equipment has been dropped or damaged, until it has been examined by a qualified service person. • If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a current rating equal to or greater than that of the equipment should be used.
  • Page 5 Risk of entanglement or crushing. There are moving parts on vehicle lifts during operation. • Keep all persons clear of lifts. • Read lift manufacturer’s operation instructions carefully. • Follow lift manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Contact with moving parts could cause injury. Risk of pinching or crushing body parts when jacking vehicles. • Keep hands and other body parts away from jacking surfaces.
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents SAFETY INFORMATION ......................III Introduction ..........................9 Assembly and Setup........................9 Power On Sequence ........................9 Software ............................. 9 Shutting Down the Computer ....................10 Screen Layout and Navigation ....................11 Toolbar Buttons......................... 12 Main Carousel Bar ........................
  • Page 7 Table of Contents Wheel Roll Message......................... 31 Readings Screen ........................32 Turn Wheels Straight Ahead ..................... 32 Adjust Front First ........................33 Cross Values / Total Toe ......................33 Readings Toolbar Buttons ....................... 34 Level and Lock Steering Wheel ....................35 All Readings Screen .........................
  • Page 8 Table of Contents Page 8...
  • Page 9: Introduction

    Chapter I Introduction Introduction The document covers basic and advanced The boot sequence will take a few moments. software features which may or may not be If any problems are encountered during the included in all aligner models. This document Power On boot-up sequence, consult the primarily is designed to cover software naviga- service representative in your area.
  • Page 10: Shutting Down The Computer

    Chapter I Introduction !! IMPORTANT NOTE !! Shutting Down the Computer To avoid damaging important files It is necessary to shut down Windows ® properly before turning off or restarting the aligner or the computer. Use the following steps to shut down the aligner from within the Alignment software: 1.
  • Page 11: Screen Layout And Navigation

    Chapter I Introduction Screen Layout and Navigation The software features a common interface throughout its many screens. Becoming familiar with the various screen navigation functions is essential for efficient use of the aligner. 1 - Carousel Control - Select primary 3 - Toolbar –...
  • Page 12: Toolbar Buttons

    Chapter I Introduction Toolbar Buttons Toolbars are found on all screens within the software. This page describes the most common buttons found on the Home and Readings screens, some of these buttons can also be found on other pages. Help – launches context-sensitive help screens. Meters –...
  • Page 13 Chapter I Introduction Measure – from any Readings screen, launches the Measure screen. Adjust – from any Readings screen, launches the Adjust features. Zoom – makes the selected meter fi ll the entire screen. Unzoom – returns from a zoomed meter to the standard meter screen. Edit - Edit the Customer data currently in use.
  • Page 14: Main Carousel Bar

    Chapter I Introduction Main Carousel Bar These buttons or icons are located on the sliding “Carousel” located to the left of the display screen. The Carousel bar contents will change with the content of the screen currently dis- played. Subjects related to alignment will be displayed when performing an actual alignment while subjects pertaining to aligner Setup or Calibration may be displayed when Calibration or Preferences is selected.
  • Page 15: Preferences - Setup

    Chapter II Setup - Preferences Preferences - Setup Preferences is used to setup various functions and features within the Aligner software. Numerous operating attributes or “preferences” can be altered to suit the operators indi- vidual tastes. Although the Aligner is shipped with the most common elements selected as default, an operator is able to tailor several elements of the alignment process as well as the display features to customize his machine.
  • Page 16 Chapter II Setup - Preferences Languages – Selects from various languages for the screen display and printout. Specifi cations - Select the desired specifi cations database to be used if installed. Features - Provides control of operational properties, both standard and those which are optional. Displays - Custom logos may be placed in the “logo”...
  • Page 17: Performing A 4-Wheel Alignment

    Chapter III Operation Steps to Performing a 4-Wheel Alignment There are many reasons why a wheel alignment may be performed on a vehicle such as: Accelerated or uneven tire wear Pull, wandering, or other steering / handling problems After replacement of worn suspension or steering system components After-collision repairs Routine vehicle maintenance Regardless of the reasons for alignment, it is important that the technician performs these Basic steps neces-...
  • Page 18: Basic Alignment Procedures

    Chapter III Operation Basic Alignment Procedures Positioning the Vehicle on the Lift Proper vehicle positioning on the alignment lift is an important step for safety and accuracy. 1. Make sure the front turntable and rear slip plate locking pins are in place. NOTE: Steps 2 - 5 are recommended to make sure the front tires are placed in the center of the turntables.
  • Page 19: Attach The Targets/Pods

    Chapter III Operation Attach the Targets/Pods The targets/pods are attached to the wheels using the wheel clamps. The targets go on the front wheels, the measuring pods on the rear. There are several methods of attachment depending on the wheel lip configuration. The integrated claws provide the versatility needed to grab virtually any wheel.
  • Page 20: Begin Wizard Procedure

    Chapter III Operation Begin Wizard Procedure The Wizard procedure sets the aligner to follow a cer- tain process path resulting in a completed alignment. Each pre-programmed procedure, called a Wizard, sets the aligner up to perform certain functions in a predetermined order and determines whether certain functions can be skipped.
  • Page 21: Begin A New Alignment

    Chapter III Operation Begin a New Alignment This screen gives the choice to: “To begin a new alignment” or “Continue an alignment” If the “NEXT” icon is selected the computer memory of the previous alignment is erased allowing a new customer and vehicle to be setup.
  • Page 22: Adding A New Customer

    Chapter III Operation Adding a New Customer A new record can be entered by clearing all informa- tion on the data window. Information is cleared by selecting Clear Fields on the toolbar (F7). Once the screen has been cleared, enter the new customer information as desired.
  • Page 23: Selecting A Default Make

    Chapter III Operation Selecting a Default Make To select a desired Make of Vehicle as “Default so it comes up fi rst every time, highlight the Make then click on “F10” select default make Icon. This will anchor the selection. This is useful for dealership or shops that work on same makes the majority of the time.
  • Page 24: Editing Specifications

    Chapter III Operation View Specifi cations This screen displays Year, Manufacturer, and Model of the selected vehicle with Minimum, Preferred and Maximum specifi cations for the front and rear wheels. Dashes in any position indicate there are no manufac- turer specifi cations for that wheel or angle. For angles not displayed on this screen, refer to the specifi cation book included in the literature package.
  • Page 25: Adjustment Animations

    Chapter III Operation Adjustment Animations Illustrations of adjustments specifi c to the selected vehicle can be viewed by clicking on the “INFO” icon on the Toolbar. Animations are also accessible from the readings screens. An animation of the adjustment procedure will appear on the screen. Animations can be paused, stopped and restarted at the operators preference by using the controls at the immediate bot- tom of the animation screen.
  • Page 26: Powering The Pods

    Chapter III Operation Charging the Pods The batteries used in the Portable Aligner Pods are long life and do not require charging between alignments. It is recommended to monitor the battery condition LEDs and place them on the charger when below 40% or when only two LEDs are illuminated.
  • Page 27: Runout Compensation

    Chapter III Operation Runout Compensation Compensating for the amount of runout of the wheel assemblies is an important factor in the alignment process. If not correctly determined, there may be errors in the displayed camber and toe angles. The Aligner calculates the plane of the rear wheel assemblies by measuring variations in toe and camber during a four position 360-degree rotation of the wheel.
  • Page 28: Rear Runout

    Chapter III Operation Rear Runout A. Turn the wheel forward (top of the clamp LED will flash toward the front of the vehicle) to the 9 during Runout o’clock position or until the runout display on the monitor indicates a “Stop Sign”. The runout LED indicator stops flashing and glows continuously when the correct position is attained.
  • Page 29: Front Runout

    Chapter III Operation Front Runout When compensating the front wheels the companion Pod’s 5 power indicator LEDs will blink for increased visibility if the monitor is not visible. Compensating the Right Front Wheel A. When the Screen prompts the user to pro- ceed to the first point of rotation, forward 25 degrees, rotate the wheel until the stop sign appears on the screen or the LEDs...
  • Page 30: Perform Steering Angle Measurement

    Chapter III Operation NOTE: Basic Portable Aligners do not automatically go to “Steering Angle Measurement” but will require the user to select from the Measure Menu located on each of the Readings Screens. Perform Steering Angle Measurement If Advanced features are installed on the aligner, Steer- ing Angle Measurements will begin immediately after compensation.
  • Page 31: Wheel Roll Message

    Chapter III Operation The Aligner prompts you where to stop, depending on which measurements you want. For example to mea- sure caster only, move the wheels from one caster posi- tion to the other caster position, and then return to the center steering position.
  • Page 32: Readings Screen

    Chapter III Operation Chapter III Operation Chapter III Operation Readings Screen The Readings screen displays the primary vehicle alignment information in an intuitive, three dimensional format. The screen appears as a vehicle with the body lifted off, viewed from the rear and above. Review the fi gure above to become familiar with the screen layout and functions.
  • Page 33: Adjust Front First

    Chapter III Operation Rear Readings Screen After the All Readings screen, the Rear Meter Readings screen appears. This screen displays, both in meter and numerical format, the angle measurements and information needed to determine if corrections are nec- essary. The display is divided into three rows: Camber, Toe and Thrust Angle.
  • Page 34: Readings Toolbar Buttons

    Chapter III Operation Readings Toolbar Buttons Buttons available on all the Readings Screens toolbar from left to right are: Previous and Next buttons Also icon buttons associated with the keyboard “F” keys are: • F1 Help – displays operation assistance for the screen presently open •...
  • Page 35: Level And Lock Steering Wheel

    Chapter III Operation Level and Lock Steering Wheel Before front readings are displayed it is necessary to level the steering wheel and lock it in place using the steering wheel holder. Once these steps are completed press “OK” to move forward. Front Meter Readings Screen The Front Meter Readings screen is similar to the rear.
  • Page 36: Print Results

    Chapter III Operation Print Results Select Print on the toolbar (F4) on either the Front or Rear Readings screen to go to the Printer Menu screen. The options are: 1-Select Desired Alignment Report - Select the desired type of report to be printed from the drop down box.
  • Page 37: Measure Menu

    Chapter III Operation Measure Menu When the Measure icon is selected from the toolbar on any readings screen, a screen appears that allows the operator to measure any wheel alignment angle. The icons on this screen are explained below: • Caster Swing –...
  • Page 38: Measuring Caster/Sai And Toot

    Chapter III Operation Measuring Caster/SAI and TOOT Caster and SAI are measured during the +\- 10 degree sweep made when caster is measured. The results of loaded or unloaded (raised) will be similar, but some variation may occur due to the type of vehicle suspension.
  • Page 39: Steering Level Check

    Chapter III Operation Steering Level Check Selecting this feature allows the user to check the level of the steering wheel. When selected you will be asked to turn the steering wheel right 10 degrees then return to center. The screen asks if the steering wheel is level. If so, select the green check mark, if not select the red “X”.
  • Page 40 Chapter III Operation 3. Following the on-screen graphics, rotate the pod or target back approximately as directed by the indicator. 4. When complete, an instruction screen appears reminding you to lower the vehicle. This is only necessary when all wheels that need to be posi- tioned individually have been done.
  • Page 41: Rolling Runout - (Advanced Option)

    Chapter III Operation Rolling Runout - (Advanced Option) Rolling runout is a feature that can be used to compen- sate the wheels of a vehicle when raised compensation is undesirable or not possible. NOTE: The length of rearward travel will be about 40 degrees.
  • Page 42 Chapter III Operation Mount the measurement pods onto the rear wheel clamps. Click on “Next” to continue. Roll the vehicles wheels forward until prompted to stop. Roll the vehicle forward again until prompted to stop. NOTE: If you get this message icon the pods may not be sitting level.
  • Page 43: Vehicle Dimensions - (Advanced Option)

    Chapter III Operation Vehicle Dimensions - (Advanced Option) Vehicle dimensions are useful measurement tools to diagnose vehicles that may have been involved in a collision. Setback occurs when one wheel on an axle is not even with the other. With the Aligner dimensional measurements are automatic, and additional informa- tion about the vehicle’s frame can be determined.
  • Page 44: Maximum Turns

    Chapter III Operation 4. When measuring elevated SAI, the final instruc- tions will be to lower the vehicle and jounce the suspension. 5. The SAI values are displayed on the All Readings screen. 6. Use SAI to diagnose a handling problem or a bent part that is limiting the adjustment of camber.
  • Page 45: Toe Curve Change

    Chapter III Operation Toe Curve Change This feature allows measurement of individual wheel toe change as the suspension system goes through jounce and rebound (spring compression and expan- sion). An excessive amount of toe change can cause premature tire wear. A large change on only one side can cause “bump steer”, a dangerous condition causing the vehicle to rapidly change directions when bumps are encountered.
  • Page 46: Adjust Menu

    Chapter III Operation Adjust Menu One of the most powerful features of the Aligner Series is the assistance given to the alignment technician when performing adjustments on a vehicle. These features are on the Adjust menu, and are accessed through the Adjust icon, located on all Readings Screens.
  • Page 47: Adjust Caster And/Or Camber, And Toe Elevated

    Chapter III Operation Adjust Caster and/or Camber, and Toe Elevated After selecting this icon, instructions appear in prepara- tion for the adjustment. • Install brake pedal depressor • Remove pins from turnplates and rear slip-plates • Press OK This screen now appears alerting you to raise the axle to be adjusted •...
  • Page 48: Ez Toe

    Chapter III Operation EZ Toe This software routine is a an improved method of setting front toe, making it easier to obtain straight steering wheels. It also makes it possible to adjust toe with the wheels turned at any angle left or right, an aide when setting toe on cars with firewall mounted rack and pinion units.
  • Page 49: Shims And Kits

    Chapter III Operation Shims and Kits Many front wheel drive vehicles utilize aftermarket shims to correct front and rear camber and/or toe. This correction is achieved by placing the shim between the rear axle and the spindle. When a vehicle that utilizes rear shims is accessed from the specifi cation database, the technician can use the aligner to determine the proper shim to correct a misalignment.
  • Page 50: Adjust A-Arms

    Chapter III Operation Adjust A-Arms Many vehicles have adjustment provisions for caster and camber located on the suspension A-Arm (control arm), either on the upper or lower arm. The adjustments may be made with shims, eccentric cams, or slots in the frame. Both angles are easily corrected to manufacturer’s specifi cation using the Adjust A-Arm icon.
  • Page 51: Wheel Off Caster, Camber, Toe Adjust

    Chapter III Operation Wheel Off Caster, Camber, Toe Adjust Follow the Same procedures as outlined in Caster, Camber and Toe Elevated above but with the Wheel- off option. First install the brake pedal depressor and remove the lock pins from the turn plates and slipplates. Raise the vehicle using rigid supports.
  • Page 52: Offset Cams And Bushings

    Chapter III Operation Offset Cams and Bushings Many Ford 2-wheel drive trucks and many Ford/GM/ Dodge 4-wheel drive trucks utilize offset sleeves and inserts around the upper or lower ball joints to adjust the caster and camber angles. The program compares the current reading for caster and camber with the preferred specification, displaying the meters on-screen for reference.
  • Page 53 Chapter III Operation The engine cradle can potentially move side to side, changing the camber and SAI angles. Prior to beginning a cradle adjustment, examine the left and right camber values. If one side has excessive positive camber and the other side excessive negative, this vehicle is a candidate for cradle adjustment.
  • Page 54: Drag Link Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature)

    Chapter III Operation Drag Link Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature) The steering linkage on some 4-wheel drive trucks has a single total toe adjuster along with a drag link adjuster to correct the steering direction and straighten the steering wheel. 1. Steer the front wheels to equalize toe by bringing the lower meter into the green area.
  • Page 55: Single Tie Rod Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature)

    Chapter III Operation Single Tie Rod Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature) Some vehicles, such as earlier Ford trucks and 80’s Volkswagens, have a single tie adjuster for total toe, with no provision for adjusting for straight steering direc- tion with a straight steering wheel. For these vehicles, click on the Single Tie Rod Adjust icon.
  • Page 56: Calibration Menu

    Chapter IV Maintenance Calibration Menu This carousel screen selection is the hub of user maintenance and aligner service. The Portable Imaging Aligners are relatively maintenance free when compared to con- ventional systems. Some routine tasks may be required from time to time to assure opti- mum performance.
  • Page 57: Iso Certification

    Chapter IV Maintenance Data Examination Mode - Service Techni- cian mode only. A qualified technician can use this screen for diagnosing various is- sues regarding aligner health. System Configuration - Utilities used to configure the systems camera configuration. The user can select the desired alignment rack if so equipped.
  • Page 58 Chapter IV Maintenance The procedures tend to certify the calibration of the camera-based wheel alignment prod- ucts. The aligner will be certified for accu- racy using an apparatus consisting of axles, stands, and spacers, which are themselves certified annually. All inspection findings re- garding the aligner, will be annotated on the Certificate of Calibration.
  • Page 59: Calibration

    Chapter IV Maintenance Calibration Before an alignment is performed the aligner must be calibrated to the rack that alignments are done on. Although the unit is shipped from the factory calibrated to zero we can not assume that all racks are exactly level in the fi eld.
  • Page 60 Chapter IV Maintenance Place the left pod on the calibration bar so that the boom faces the rear of the rack. Place the right pod on the calibration bar so that the boom faces the rear of the rack. Place the targets on the front turn plates and orient them so that they are facing the pods.
  • Page 61: Front Calibration

    Chapter IV Maintenance FRONT CALIBRATION Place the targets in the bar so that the targets face the rear of the rack. Place the Pods on the rear of the rack so that the boom of the pod points towards the rear of the rack.
  • Page 62: Calibration Factors

    Chapter IV Maintenance Calibration factors Select the “Calibration Factors” button from the Calibration Carousel Menu. Each line item represents the current calibration factor being used by the system during the alignment process. It is important to note the location of the calibration factors, the choices are Rack A, Rack B or the Floor.
  • Page 63: Sensor Diagnostics

    Chapter IV Maintenance simply install the last known alignment cali- bration and preference data disk and restore the aligner back to the user’s preferred pref- erence. NOTE: IF Th E OPERATOR IS NOT SURE IF Th E SAVED DATA ON Th E FLASh DRIVE IS CURRENT IT IS RECOMMENDED Th AT A CALIBRATION BE PERFORMED.
  • Page 64 These periodic backups allow the customer/ technician to restore all data from that back- up date when the Alignment System is once again functional. When a backup on a Pro42 aligner is performed using the “database util- ity” function, this information should only be restored on the aligner that the backup came from.
  • Page 65 NOTES:...
  • Page 66 HOFMANN – USA 309 Exchange Ave. Conway, AR 72032 Phone: 800 251 4500 Fax: 501 450 2085 Web: www.hofmann-usa.com HOFMANN – Canada 6500 Millcreek Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5N4G4 Phone: 800 267 2185 Fax: 905 821 2073 Web: www.hofmann.ca Notice: The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Snap-on Equipment makes no warranty with regard to this material, shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in connection with furnishings, performance, or use of this material.

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