Hunter Highlights Vol. 116

By 1970, following a quarter century of developing and patenting new and better ways to service automobiles, Lee Hunter’s Hunter Engineering Company had earned its place as a world leader in the production of wheel alignment systems. In the decade that followed, keeping pace with the rapid growth of microprocessing technology, Hunter began introducing an increasingly advanced line of electronic and computerized wheel aligners.

Released in 1974, Hunter’s Electron-A-Line used electronic wheel-mounted sensors and a small computer to process alignment information. Three years later the S7 Electron-A-Line introduced four-wheel alignment technology, an advancement driven primarily by the need to align cars with independent rear suspensions and front-wheel drive. These newly popular driveline features opened the door to rear wheel camber and toe adjustments in passenger vehicles.

In 1979, the S7-TA (Total Alignment) introduced the thrust-line principle. The S7-TA measured front wheel toe in comparison to the rear wheel thrust line. The result was a better alignment, improved tire wear and steering.

TARA members, including shop technicians and owners, visited Hunter’s Heavy-Duty Truck and Bus Safety Center for a service training seminar developed by Hunter staff to meet the specific needs of the organization’s membership. Representatives of Hendrickson International joined the seminar with program segments covering their axle products.

The Automotive Services Technology Committee of SkillsUSA met at Hunter’s Research and Training Center recently to plan upcoming student competition and education events. The committee is comprised of representatives from automotive-related industries and educational fields.