Should I Get Alignment at Dealer or Independent Shop?

[Hearhear]

I need to take my Wrangler in to get the alignment checked, as my steering wheel is off center a bit. I need to know if it’s a true alignment issue or if the steering wheel just needs adjusting.
But, I’m honestly afraid to let the dealer touch my Jeep with such an involved process. Should I take it to a reputable independent shop instead? Or will Jeep really know what they’re doing and I’m overthinking this? Anyone else get an alignment recently at a Jeep dealer?

Sponsored

 

[Dyolfknip74]

I need to take my Wrangler in to get the alignment checked, as my steering wheel is off center a bit. I need to know if it’s a true alignment issue or if the steering wheel just needs adjusting.
But, I’m honestly afraid to let the dealer touch my Jeep with such an involved process. Should I take it to a reputable independent shop instead? Or will Jeep really know what they’re doing and I’m overthinking this? Anyone else get an alignment recently at a Jeep dealer?

There is literally no way to "align" anything in a JL except using the drag link/tie rod. In saying that, if you take it to a real offroad shop, they will do that as opposed to charging you for a full "alignment"

 

[AlgUSF]

I perceive that my steering wheel is off a little (I'm a bit of a perfectionist), however the alignment is on-point as my tires are wearing perfect after 10K. I would take it to a local shop if I was concerned. I just got used to the steering wheel being a little off.

 

[Gorpf]

Independent shop

 

[AlgUSF]

There is literally no way to "align" anything in a JL except using the drag link. In saying that, if you take it to a real offroad shop, they will do that as opposed to charging you for a full "alignment"

^^^^^ This

Alignment on most vehicles these days is just a toe adjustment as camber and caster are fixed. TYPICALLY, these days if your camber or caster is off then something is bent (i.e. replace the bent part). Last time I had a vehicle aligned was when I had to replace a tie-rod end.

 

[JEEP4U]

All angles are adjustable.......You will just need the correct parts to do it.

example: MOOG-K100056 upper ball joints allow for .5 degrees of caster or camber, depending how they are indexed, when installed. Adjustable length front upper or lower control arms will allow for caster changes.

If you not willing to pay for the correct parts to get the adjustments you would like......then all you need or can do is........... SET THE TOE AND LET IT GO!

Independent or dealer should be able to handle either.

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

I don't trust the stealership or an independent shop. Did you change any of your steering components or just finish a trail ride? The drag link will straighten your steering wheel and your tie rod will adjust your toe in or out. If you can't do it or rather not, then get with a Jeep club near you in "USA" LOL. They'll help you out or will know a trustworthy shop.

 

[LCW]

Watch some YouTube videos and do it yourself. There’s not a simpler vehicle to align.

 

[JEEP4U]

I don't trust the stealership or an independent shop. Did you change any of your steering components or just finish a trail ride? The tie rod will straighten your steering wheel and your drag link will adjust your toe in or out. If you can't do it or rather not, then get with a Jeep club near you in "USA" LOL. They'll help you out or will know a trustworthy shop.

Zeke...Not correct.
The tie rod will adjust toe.............draglink will adjust steering wheel (yaw) angle.

 

[Some Random Guy]

Do you have oversized tires? If so, that might answer the question. Not all dealerships will align Jeeps with oversized tires. Mine won’t.

 

[zouch]

unless you have reason to believe that something was changed/damaged recently, i wouldn't bother taking it anywhere; there's nothing on these to "align" in stock trim except the Toe-In. dealer or independent would probably use the same alignment rack, and neither would likely be be able to give you the same readings 2 times in a row.

if you only want to straighten your steering wheel, you can do it yourself with a 15mm wrench in less time than you'll spend on the phone trying to make an appointment to have someone else do it for you.

I need to take my Wrangler in to get the alignment checked, as my steering wheel is off center a bit. I need to know if it’s a true alignment issue or if the steering wheel just needs adjusting.
But, I’m honestly afraid to let the dealer touch my Jeep with such an involved process. Should I take it to a reputable independent shop instead? Or will Jeep really know what they’re doing and I’m overthinking this? Anyone else get an alignment recently at a Jeep dealer?

 

[19 JLUR Bright Whit3]

Zeke...Not correct.
The tie rod will adjust toe.............draglink will adjust steering wheel (yaw) angle.

OOPS. I reversed those. LOL

 

[Hearhear]

Do you have oversized tires? If so, that might answer the question. Not all dealerships will align Jeeps with oversized tires. Mine won’t.

Yes, I have the Extreme Recon package. But that is a stock package, not a backyard modification.

 

[dshark1]

When I first got my Rubi. My steering wheel was off center. Spent most my time @ the 10-11 o’clock position to track straight. Went into the dealership for first free oil change & told them too check alignment, they said it was fine but adjusted the steering wheel. So much better!

 

[hoag4147]

Yes, I have the Extreme Recon package. But that is a stock package, not a backyard modification.

Very simple

Sponsored