Front End Specialist: I need your help.
02-08-2016, 06:07 PM
#1
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Front End Specialist: I need your help.
I have a 2015 JKUR with 4000 miles on it. I had the first alignment done on it at 900 miles with a new AEV 2.5" lift and another one 3000 miles with new Synergy tie rods, track bar and drag link by a Goodyear Tire Service Center and today, 4000 miles at the local Jeep dealership. All the results indicate that the camber is out of factory specs. The dealer gave me an estimate of $620 for them to install aftermarket 1 degree offset ball joints that I pay for and their installation and new alignment. Another dealer told me the out of spec camber dimensions are not covered because the Jeep is lifted.
What is the proper way to correct the out of spec flaw in the camber as there is not an adjustment? AEV told me in the rare cases that they get this situation, that they have the axle replaced.
The dealer contacted Jeep engineering. I missed the call back, but the message said I would not like their answer to correcting it. I will call them tomorrow to get the scoop.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
What is the proper way to correct the out of spec flaw in the camber as there is not an adjustment? AEV told me in the rare cases that they get this situation, that they have the axle replaced.
The dealer contacted Jeep engineering. I missed the call back, but the message said I would not like their answer to correcting it. I will call them tomorrow to get the scoop.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
02-08-2016, 06:14 PM
#2
JK Jedi Master
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Post the numbers, how far out of spec are they?
Not all that uncommon to see this reported. Many people say they had out of spec camber on bone stock jeeps just rolling off the dealers lot. Unfortunately this is not something that is adjustable with stock parts, and offset/adjustable joints are the usual fix.
But, if the numbers are not that far out, some people chose to leave it alone and just watch for signs of tire wear. Many never fix it, others eventually get around to it.
As far as warranty goes, it is usually on a dealership by dealership basis. Those who are more mod/lift friendly may work with you, others will do anything they can to not pay a claim.
Not all that uncommon to see this reported. Many people say they had out of spec camber on bone stock jeeps just rolling off the dealers lot. Unfortunately this is not something that is adjustable with stock parts, and offset/adjustable joints are the usual fix.
But, if the numbers are not that far out, some people chose to leave it alone and just watch for signs of tire wear. Many never fix it, others eventually get around to it.
As far as warranty goes, it is usually on a dealership by dealership basis. Those who are more mod/lift friendly may work with you, others will do anything they can to not pay a claim.
Last edited by nthinuf; 02-08-2016 at 06:17 PM.
02-08-2016, 06:20 PM
#3
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Post the numbers, how far out of spec are they?
No all that uncommon to see this reported. Many people they had out of spec camber on bone stock jeeps just rolling off the dealers lot. Unfortunately this is not something that is adjustable with stock parts, and offset/adjustable joints are usual fix.
But, if the numbers are not that far out, some people chose to leave it alone and just watch for signs of tire wear. Many never fix it, others eventually get around to it.
No all that uncommon to see this reported. Many people they had out of spec camber on bone stock jeeps just rolling off the dealers lot. Unfortunately this is not something that is adjustable with stock parts, and offset/adjustable joints are usual fix.
But, if the numbers are not that far out, some people chose to leave it alone and just watch for signs of tire wear. Many never fix it, others eventually get around to it.
02-08-2016, 06:30 PM
#4
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Post the specs...
If the customer added a lift and big tires, then took it offroad and smacked down on boulders and jumped over logs at speed, why would the dealership/factory pay for it? If it is an unlifted jeep with stock tires, and the problem occurred at the factory, or in transit, or in normal onroad driving, they would obviously be more willing to install the joints or replace the housing. How do you prove one over the other?
In cases where the specs are borderline, people have indicated that they saw no unusual wear on the tires. And left it alone. If the specs are bad enough, you should easily be able to tell that the tires are wearing differently. I am not up to speed on the actual indications for out of spec camber, but - camber is the top of the tire leaning in or out further than the bottom of the tire, causing the tire to ride on one edge more than the other?
Also, this could be from bent C's - or maybe from bad balljoints - and the new ones will get you back in spec? Have you specifically had them checked, other than throwing it on a rack and printing the specs?
If the customer added a lift and big tires, then took it offroad and smacked down on boulders and jumped over logs at speed, why would the dealership/factory pay for it? If it is an unlifted jeep with stock tires, and the problem occurred at the factory, or in transit, or in normal onroad driving, they would obviously be more willing to install the joints or replace the housing. How do you prove one over the other?
In cases where the specs are borderline, people have indicated that they saw no unusual wear on the tires. And left it alone. If the specs are bad enough, you should easily be able to tell that the tires are wearing differently. I am not up to speed on the actual indications for out of spec camber, but - camber is the top of the tire leaning in or out further than the bottom of the tire, causing the tire to ride on one edge more than the other?
Also, this could be from bent C's - or maybe from bad balljoints - and the new ones will get you back in spec? Have you specifically had them checked, other than throwing it on a rack and printing the specs?
Last edited by nthinuf; 02-08-2016 at 06:58 PM.
02-08-2016, 06:31 PM
#5
Super Moderator
I've seen an axle replaced with the camber out by .2°, but the camber still wasn't where it should have been when it got back from the dealer. I don't see the jeep being a tightly spec'd vehicle out of the factory, which is why they don't have a good answer for you.
I've not seen adjustable bj's and my dealer hadn't recommended them with the camber issue I had.
I've not seen adjustable bj's and my dealer hadn't recommended them with the camber issue I had.
02-08-2016, 06:34 PM
#6
JK Jedi
factory crate dana 44's are coming from the factory out of spec. large alignment shop here told me that it is the norm to be ~-0.8 or 0.9 on left and -7 or so on right. He said brand new off the lot. my buddy drove from my garage to the alignment rack and was -.8 and -.7. mine are -0.9 and -0.6 and have not moved in 40,000 miles.
02-09-2016, 02:23 PM
#7
Like everyone else already said, many axles roll off the lot out of spec. Just the way it is. Post your numbers and we can give you a better answer.
And if the customer beat on their jeep causing camber to go out, then yes, the customer should pay to correct it.
And if the customer beat on their jeep causing camber to go out, then yes, the customer should pay to correct it.
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02-09-2016, 02:45 PM
#8
Super Moderator
To effectively correct the caster on the front axle you will need to adjust the upper control arms. If you do not have adjustable front control arms then you have two options, 1. leave it as is and enjoy the Jeep or 2. get adjustable front control arms. As for taking your Jeep someplace to get it aligned you are just paying for them to recenter your steering wheel since all the stock components are a fixed length. As for the offset ball joints do not go down that road because you will be stuck having to use them as long as you own the Jeep. You best bet is to invest in a set of adjustable front upper control arms. There are several great ones out there or you can get a kit from Rough Stuff and make your own using the stock upper control arms you have or by getting a second set.
R/
Will
R/
Will
02-09-2016, 02:52 PM
#10
Super Moderator
If the camber is out it could be a bent axle housing or inner C's. But if you want to fix your caster then you know how to. 