Truck pulling to the right slightly, what can i do to fix?

The steer tires all look good, no strange wear. In the past (on other trucks) I would just rotate tires and would usually fix the problem if i saw wear. I was thinking about getting an aligment, but the tech said I have to align all axles... i just want to pay to align only the front (or back) axle and not waste money on both. Any advice on what i should do next? I was thinking about just getting a front axle algiment but was told it would be a waste of money. Happy to answer any questions, as this should be a easy fix. Appreciate your adivce.

Oh i should mention the inner DRIVE TIRE on driver's side has some strange wear on it. the inner edge is worn down fairly good....

 

I would say most likely your drive axel is the issue.
With wear on the inside edge of the tire on drive axel on the driver side it indicates the drive axel is tipped towards the rear on that side.
When this happens much like a “motor boat” it steers you to the right causing you to hold a slight tension on the wheel to the left to make it drive straight.
Have you developed any wear on the outside edge of the passenger steer tire?

 

no not yet, the STEER tires are fairly new, and both currently appear to be in excellent condition. So is your recommendation to have just the rear axle aligned? that inner tire on the (drivers side) drive tire is unusually worn on the inner edge. Truck has a slight pull to the right and yes i have to put tension on the steering wheel to counter this.

I think the TA counter lady told me if i dont align both axles (she has not even seen the truck) that they will go back out of aligment immediatly. I only want to pay for what i need, and the price DOUBLES for both axles... perfer to either rotate tires (not the problem?), or just align the one bad axle (not sure how fixing the bad axle aligment will cause it to immediatly break if both are not done...?)

 

Inner tire wear is often a indication of a loose wheel bearing. It’s a waste of money not doing a 3 axle alignment. I’ve had trucks that pulled and chased every rut that turned out to be back axle alignment plus had one that was a front alignment issue. With T/A doing a alignment you might not notice any change or it’s worse .

 

Magoo what do you suggest? I am willing to take a gamble. Do I have TA do a back axle alignment? Go somewhere else? (I know its...TA....pffft) I live next to a Kenworth Dealer but I dont think they do aligments. I do not hear any wheel bearing issues when driving or strange noises or detect any unusual temperatures on the hub/wheel.

 

Post your general location maybe other members have a recommended shop near by. Most dealerships do a alignment on their brands anyways.

 

live in Janesville, WI. I am familiar with all the local shops here and not interested in driving 50 minutes to Madison WI for a alignment when several big truck shops 5-10 minutes from my house..

 

Basically at this point given the symptoms I have outlined, I am seeking advice if I should get the Front, or the Rear, or both aligned (perfer not to align both if unnessary, plus i dont have the budget to do both this trip)?

*I only have 2 axles on the straight truck

 

They always recommend to do all axels.
Just like with other repairs where they replace everything it fixes the problem but a lot of extra money is spent needlessly.
I would start with that drive axle with the bad wear pattern first.
As far as doing one axel and causing others to go out of alignment is pure ridiculous miss information.
All the symptoms along with the tire wear pattern indicate the drive axel is crooked.
Mike Beckett from MD alignment always says “ the tires will tell you the story”
“If you want to fix it you need to listen to the story they tell”

 

thanks Hulld. I will try having them align just the rear axle tomorrow. (only 1 rear axle on my tractor, other is a drop axle) I will be sure to update the group with the results. Anyone with any other advice? The only story being told is the strange noticable wear on the inner drive tire on the drivers side.