Truck alignment question

Agree^^^^^^

Only the best alignment shops will road test and ensure everything is straight and the truck drives as it should and the wheel is centered. Most all the shop we use for alignments most don’t get driven and never straighten a steering wheel. Takes 15 minutes to take it down the road and center the wheel once it’s driving straight.

 

Local shop that does my alignment charges a decent amount to center a steering wheel. Something like $90. For my truck it’s as easy as popping the cover, remove, turn, bolt back on, cover on, and done.

 

If a mechanic takes pride in his work then the steering wheel will be centered. Its not hard to do. When replacing a steering gear or any component that could change the steering wheel position I use a strait edge against the steering tire and look down the edge at the front outer drive tire. If I can see the same amount of tire on both sides then nine times out of ten the steering wheel is centered. Take it for drive around the block to verify.
Newer trucks with stability control have a steering angle sensor and it has to be set correctly.

 

Auto mechanics usually test drive.

Semi mechanics don't seem interested in test driving any problems.

 

Steering wheel centering is easy. Look center mark on the steering gear box and pitman arm to have power steering centered exactly.
If steering wheel is off disconnect steering shaft and set it right.
Adjust drag link if needed to have front wheels straight.

 

last problem I had. Took mechanics 6 months and a call to caterpillar tech support. They'd replace fuel parts and never test drove it.

6 new injectors and problem finally solved. The entire fuel system was replaced.

 

Too funny, and you are a mechanic?

When I get any truck worked on, I have a standard that I expected to be met or the shop manager hears it from me or one of the others in my company.

I never said it has to do with the actual geometry of the front end, I said it should be done because the alignment isn't finish without making sure everything is done RIGHT.

There are a lot of lazy mechanics like there are a lot of POS cheap owners, so it is my job to make sure what they are being paid for is done right.

 

I worked in a truck dealership for twenty four years. I must have worked with over
fifty mechanics during that time. Very few of them were licensed to drive a truck so
they could not test drive them.

 

If you’re replacing a steering gear, you only have one choice, line up the marks on pitman arm and gear shaft. The rest can be adjusted as needed.