DIY Alignment Check?

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 10:56 pm

Long story short, after ending up in a ditch a couple of weeks ago, I've been concerned about my alignment, especially since I slightly dinged the passenger side front and rear rim.

Is there an easy way for me to check this out myself? Hopefully this hasn't already been discussed.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:17 pm

Not really. The only way to check the alignment is to take it in and have it checked professionally. As few signs as to an alignment issue would be: abnormal wear on the tires, pulling while driving, steering wheel not level.... things like that....

Also most will recommend that you have your alignment checked every 12 months any way.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:22 pm

Thanks, Digger. It's all because of this complicated story. Rotated tires, then ended up in a ditch. Got this "oversized tire" noise now, but not sure if it is because of this is the first time my tires have been rotated, or because I messed something up.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:23 pm

Gageraid wrote:

Thanks, Digger. It's all because of this complicated story. Rotated tires, then ended up in a ditch. Got this "oversized tire" noise now, but not sure if it is because of this is the first time my tires have been rotated, or because I messed something up.

Like a road hum that changes with speed?

Also what do you run tire wise?

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:27 pm

(Stock) Wranger ST 225. Most noticeable when decelerating. Noises are hard to describe, but I'd say it's a hum of some sort. Definitely the front tires. Doesn't really get louder or change with speed. Still rides straight. Can't really see any odd wear patterns since I just rotated and it's only been 200 miles or so.

Diggerfreek · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:30 pm

I'm going be a little bias here and blame it on the tires since I despise the stock tires...

Did the noise start after the "fun in the ditch"? or after the rotation?

Gageraid · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:32 pm

Diggerfreek wrote:

I'm going be a little bias here and blame it on the tires since I despise the stock tires...

Did the noise start after the "fun in the ditch"? or after the rotation?

I'm saying it's the tires, too since I know I've driven it 11K without a rotation and who knows if the previous owner ever rotated.

I had the music on after the rotation so I couldn't tell ya if the noise was there or not before the ditch

and 10 mins later I ended up in that ditch. Not fun. VERY IMPRESSED I got out, though.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Jan 06, 2013 11:42 pm

If you went into a ditch that hard I'd have it checked
Better than wearing out your tires faster then normal

JeepNCrowd · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 12:20 am

I get my tires aligned every time I go offroading. I almost always knock it off at least a little. In my city we have a chain place called Brake Check. I bought the life time alignment for like $120, now every time I need an alignment its only about $3. I've re-aligned over 6 times at least. I would check with your local shops and see if any of them offer a deal like that. It saves money on tire wear.

Ted15 · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 6:19 am

JeepNCrowd wrote:

I get my tires aligned every time I go offroading. I almost always knock it off at least a little. In my city we have a chain place called Brake Check. I bought the life time alignment for like $120, now every time I need an alignment its only about $3. I've re-aligned over 6 times at least. I would check with your local shops and see if any of them offer a deal like that. It saves money on tire wear.

NTB does something similar but it costs a little more, about a $100 bucks for a year. It's also a good idea to get something like that it you just did a lift. That way, every time you tweak your suspension you can have it aligned, just sayin.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 1:21 pm

Thanks for the replies, guys. I'll see if I can find a shop with a deal like that.

Gageraid · **Posted:** Mon Jan 07, 2013 4:43 pm

Took it to the shop today to have the noise diagnosed. At first the mechanic didn't hear a thing and then asked me to come for the ride.

We noticed some very strange wear pattern on the front passenger side. Rotated it since they messed it up last time I was there, and found out I have bad bearing in the front passenger side.

Taking her back Saturday morning to get it worked on.
Bearings and alignment.
FYI when he was looking up parts he told me apparently there are two different types of bearings, imported, or domestic.
I'll be sure to report back here after she's been taken care of.

DIY Alignment Check?

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