Negative Camber

[31R]

So I have a stock 18 JLUR. It's been pulling to the right since I've had it. I finally brought it in to have it looked into for loose steering and the pulling. They did an alignment check, looks like they adjusted the caster a bit. But what got me was the -1.5 Camber on the front left. I brought it back in and was told they can't adjust it (which I understand) but is that normal? Anyone else getting this?

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[31R]

Dealer also said it's because my Jeep has an aftermarket lift. I was like dude it's stock lol.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Dealer is an idiot, and it looks like they are trying to take advantage of you. Camber does not change with suspension height on a solid axle. If it is truly off, then the axle was manufactured incorrectly. -1.5° should be very noticeable when looking at the front of the Jeep.

How did they claim to adjust the caster? This generally would take aftermarket parts that I doubt the dealer would have on hand.

 

[31R]

Dealer is an idiot, and it looks like they are trying to take advantage of you. Camber does not change with suspension height on a solid axle. If it is truly off, then the axle was manufactured incorrectly. -1.5° should be very noticeable when looking at the front of the Jeep.

How did they claim to adjust the caster? This generally would take aftermarket parts that I doubt the dealer would have on hand.

All they did was show me the alignment report with what changes made. They pointed the the slight adjustment of the caster on the alignment report but didn't explain how. I'm waiting on a callback from the service manager, we'll see what they say.

 

[Renegade]

That negative camber is likely the cause of your pull to the right. There is less road force on the left than the right because of the left front tire tilting "in" at the top. Not being adjustable, have you hit any large pot holes with the left front tire?

 

[californiajeeping]

The only alignment adjustment without using different parts on the JL is toe. Sometimes caster can change very slightly by loosening the LCAs and retightening them. This is because there is slop in the bolts and bushings of the LCAs and if they are tightened in a different position.

 

[31R]

That negative camber is likely the cause of your pull to the right. There is less road force on the left than the right because of the left front tire tilting "in" at the top. Not being adjustable, have you hit any large pot holes with the left front tire?

No, the Jeep hasn't seen anything crazy yet. 90% of my driving has been in town with speeds not exceeding 45.

 

[31R]

The only alignment adjustment without using different parts on the JL is toe. Sometimes caster can change very slightly by loosening the LCAs and retightening them. This is because there is slop in the bolts and bushings of the LCAs and if they are tightened in a different position.

Makes sense for such a little difference in the caster after they did an alignment.

 

[Rock Krawler Suspension]

It would appear to be a bent axle but, I would ask the dealer to do an alignment and diagnose. It is also possible that the alignment heads were not on properly and caused an inaccurate reading.

On a side note, I love your avatar, I have nearly the same picture of myself.

 

[californiajeeping]

It would appear to be a bent axle but, I would ask the dealer to do an alignment and diagnose. It is also possible that the alignment heads were not on properly and caused an inaccurate reading.

On a side note, I love your avatar, I have nearly the same picture of myself.

Agreed. Would also be a good idea to pay $19 for an alignment report only (no adjustments at that cost) at a Firestone or other non-dealer vehicle service center.

 

[31R]

It would appear to be a bent axle but, I would ask the dealer to do an alignment and diagnose. It is also possible that the alignment heads were not on properly and caused an inaccurate reading.

On a side note, I love your avatar, I have nearly the same picture of myself.

Thanks, right on brother! The green zone started to turn into a tourist spot before I left lol.

 

[31R]

Agreed. Would also be a good idea to pay $19 for an alignment report only (no adjustments at that cost) at a Firestone or other non-dealer vehicle service center.

Thanks for the tip, i'll be sure to do that!

 

[JDsJL]

I have the same camber issue on my 2018 JLUR. -1.6 on left and -.6 on the right. Jeep pulls moderately to the left. I have wheeled pretty hard but nothing that I would have thought to bend an axle. I'm running 37's on a 3.5" lift. I am sure dealer will laugh at me if I take it to them for a bent axle...

 

[RV Wrench]

So I have a stock 18 JLUR. It's been pulling to the right since I've had it. I finally brought it in to have it looked into for loose steering and the pulling. They did an alignment check, looks like they adjusted the caster a bit. But what got me was the -1.5 Camber on the front left. I brought it back in and was told they can't adjust it (which I understand) but is that normal? Anyone else getting this?

Not that it makes much difference, but I wouldnt trust a mechanic or shop that pulled up a spec for the wrong vehicle.

That spec chart is for a JK, not a JL.

If your axle is bent, I would take it back to Jeep. I know there are offset/adjustable ball joints for other vehicles, but probably not for the new D44 yet.

 

[Madeinusa]

Wondering if anyone has had success with the dealer correcting this issue under warranty? I bought a used 2019 JLU with 16K miles on it in February, and took it in for an alignment because it was pulling to the right. Toe-in was way out of whack, but the tech pointed out the issue with the left upper ball-joint causing the negative camber. He can fix it with aftermarket parts, but this think is still under the bumper-to-bumper warranty. I called the dealer service department and they set me up with an appointment, but they seem to be playing dumb on this issue. I just installed a spacer lift, and I expect they'll try to tell me that's what caused it. It's a solid front axle, so I know that's not it.

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