Front end/ wheel alignments

[TE Fisher]

Began to think about this procedure the other day when reflecting on some odd wear on the tires of my K1500 suburban. When do you all get a suspension alignment. Being an automotive DIYer, and not able to perform this in the typical garage, getting this done generally costs $$$. I’ve never seen owners manuals indicate a schedule to have this done but I do see indie shops, tire shops and dealerships recommending them. at various schedules. Being the cynic I am, why would these shops not recommend them ($$$$) on a schedule? But then again I also realize that by the time you’re tires show wear, it’s probably too late to save them from some irritating noise. So, how often do you all have your suspension aligned and do you have it done on a regular schedule or are you like me and wait for some evidence that one is needed. Thanks for your input!

Topic

[Zen]

Every time you get new tires, change suspension parts, or the vehicle just does not want to go straight when you let go of the steering wheel that’s when you should get a wheel alignmet.

[Dave]

I think the maintenance schedule for alignments is once a year. I usually say the best time is when you get new tires, but if everything else checks out an alignment is usually not needed.

[Justin]

I usually recommend twice a year. People down here have a bad habit of hitting curbs or big potholes(old people). The nice thing is we have an alignment check machine though it isn’t always 100% accurate.

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[Frank Gonzalez]

If your K1500 has a solid front axle, only toe can be done. If it has independent front suspension a camber, caster and toe alignment can be done Just make sure all ball joints and bushing are ok. If you have a bad joint or bushing, they will have to be replaced before an alignment can be done.

[zero]

Any time you replace a suspension component and any time tires are replaced. If your roads don’t look like a war zone and you don’t drive a ton, every year or 2 should be fine. But of course the suspension components should be in good shape before you spend any money on an alignment. Although a proper alignment should include a somewhat thorough suspension check. That being said, you did identify it as a GM product, odds are something is loose under there.

[derek williamson]

hi if your tyres are showing wear on the inside or outside edge your should get your tracking adjusted or you will start to have car sliding issues

[TE Fisher]

[quote=”DaFirnz” post=151030]Any time you replace a suspension component and any time tires are replaced. If your roads don’t look like a war zone and you don’t drive a ton, every year or 2 should be fine. But of course the suspension components should be in good shape before you spend any money on an alignment. Although a proper alignment should include a somewhat thorough suspension check. That being said, you did identify it as a GM product, odds are something is loose under there.[/quote]

I hear ya on the GM products!! I like my truck but they sure don’t build them to last!

[TE Fisher]

Thanks for the replies everyone. The wear I was talking about on my own truck doesn’t appear to be alignment wear. I check the suspension pretty regularly and a clunking over rough roads alerted me to the lower shock mount which was tight but the sleeve was moving in the mount causing the noise. I subsequently found some flat spots on the outside edge of that tire. Got the tires all rebalanced and moved the offender to the back. Removed both front shocks to check bushings and such and they both looked good externally. The shocks only had 18K mi. on them. Replaced hardware and remounted and torqued to specs. The whole thing got me to thinking about alignments because I do only get it done with new tires or when something suggests there is a problem. Thanks again for your input.

[Scott Osborne]

What year is the truck? The 99-07 trucks have a poorly designed Pittman and control arm. The front tires will always wear funny on those trucks. Tire rotation is crucial. If your a perfectionist you might look into Cognito Motorsports box out kit for the Pittman and control arm. Without that your truck will never maintain a consistent toe.

With my 05 Silverado I check and re-align my truck twice a year. That being said I’m a steering snob and if my front end isn’t absolutely perfect I twitch and go into convulsions. I’m friends with guys who work at a great alignment shop and the always hook me up with a great alignment. All alignment shops aren’t equal. Find a shop that just does alignments and suspension. Take it there. When you get there the first thing they should do before it goes on the lift is drive it. If they don’t drive it first…. Politely ask for your keys back and go some where else. The last thing they should do is also drive it. When they put it on the rack and start to align it, the should NEVER I repeat NEVER align to just what is in spec. The vehicle should be aligned based on the squareness of the four wheels. Every vehicle is different and the spec is only a guideline. You can align within spec and have the vehicle not tract straight. Spend time find a great alignment guy, and treat him right. Lots of people do alignments… But few really know what they are doing.

[zero]

The engines and transmissions can last forever, their front ends are just built out of paper. There was a reason taxis were almost always Caprices.

[Author]

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