Chevy Silverado Alignment Problems (Easy Fixes)

Alignment is vital for the proper drivability of any car. However, you can easily go out of alignment if the main components responsible are altered in any way. The idea is to minimize strain on the suspension and steering components as they are responsible for maintaining proper alignment. 

Chevy Silverado alignment problems are not rare—it happens to the best of vehicles. This can happen in the event of a sudden impact or disturbance when you hit a pothole, curb, or speed bump, worn or loose suspension components, or vehicle modifications such as lifting. You can easily tell when your vehicle has been thrown off alignment. It often manifests as difficulty in steering, increased premature tire wear, and even reduced fuel economy. 

This article highlights some of the common alignment problems, their symptoms, and how you can maintain the alignment in your Chevy Silverado. 

Chevy Silverado Alignment Problems 

Alignment typically keeps your wheels pointed in the right direction. If your wheels happen to be misaligned, you can come across a few uncomfortable and dangerous situations like difficulty steering, premature tire wear, and reduced fuel economy. Wheel alignment does not only involve adjustment of the wheels. It is done by adjusting the car’s suspension and steering which connect the vehicle to its wheels. 

To attain proper alignment, the angles of the tires need to be adjusted, which has a direct implication on how the tires make contact with the road. Every vehicle comes with its optimal alignment angles, a factor that is dependent on the model, make, and manufacturer recommendations. 

What are the common symptoms that the Chevy Silverado needs alignment? 

The following are the common signs that will let you know that the Chevy Silverado needs alignment. 

• If the steering in your Chevy Silverado is noisy. However, there are other reasons why your steering may be noisy, hence it will be best if you have it checked by a professional to get to the root cause of the matter. 
• Your steering wheel may be crooked or pointed to either the left or right when you are driving straight. 
• There is likely to be uneven wear or tear on the tire tread. 
• Whenever you are holding your steering straight but your Chevy Silverado tends to pull either to the left or the right. 
• Squealing tires 
• Your steering wheel feels unresponsive or loose. 

What causes bad alignment in my Chevy Silverado? 

There are several causes of bad alignment in the Chevy Silverado. Here are the common ones. 

• Wear and tear on the suspension components
• Speed bumps, contact with added road hazards, and potholes will also cause your wheels to be misaligned. 
• Failure to alter the suspension when you change the height of your vehicle. Ideally, the suspension is designed to work within a specified height that comes specified by the manufacturer. With any modifications made to the height of the vehicle, the suspension should also be adjusted. Otherwise, you are likely to misalign your vehicle.
• Accidents and other impacts. 

How do I maintain the alignment on my Chevy Silverado?

Typically, wheel alignments are best solved by certified mechanics who come with professional equipment. Still, there are some steps that you can apply to help maintain the alignment in your Chevy Silverado. 

For one, remove any heavy or bulky items in your trunk. Too much weight weighing down on the back end of your vehicle can potentially throw off your alignment. Hence, it will be best if you remove anything you do not need. 

Another thing is to maintain the right air pressure on your tires. If there is a corner of your vehicle that is underinflated, it can also throw off your alignment. 

Also, ensure that you slow down and avoid hitting potholes and curbs. Embracing conservative driving habits can go a long way in reducing strain on the suspension and steering components. 

Why is alignment important for Chevy Silverado? 

If your vehicle becomes misaligned, you will notice that handling and steering become hard to manage. Moreover, the performance of your Chevy Silverado will become worse. Also, driving straight becomes troublesome, and the fuel efficiency will diminish braking. This poses a great risk to the passengers and other pedestrians. The tires will degrade faster than usual and in the long run, it will cost you more money if you leave the alignment undone. 

How often should I get an alignment on my Chevy Silverado? 

When you should get an alignment for your vehicle will depend on the manufacturer’s specifications. Thus, it is advisable to always check your maintenance manual to get the ideal mileage or time interval. The general rule of thumb, however, is that the Chevy Silverado requires an alignment every 5000 or 10,000 miles. 

On top of that, your driving habits also contribute to the frequency of getting your vehicle aligned. This includes the general road conditions that you tend to cruise on. Driving into potholes, hitting a curb, or driving on poorly maintained roads will affect your alignment. 

How will a wheel alignment help my vehicle? 

Proper tire alignment goes a long way in ensuring optimal drivability. They can help your tires last longer and guarantee smooth driving with your wheels always pointed in the right direction. Moreover, regular wheel alignment can help your vehicle guzzle gas more quickly, giving you a more efficient ride. 

How does tire wear affect my car’s alignment? 

Poor alignment tends to cause uneven tire wear. If you notice excessive wear on your tire treads, it is important to take your vehicle for an alignment adjustment. Moreover, poor alignment can shorten the lifespan of your tires by thousands of miles. 

How much is the Chevy Silverado alignment?

Ordinarily, the alignment costs anywhere from $60 to $150. The accurate cost depends on several factors including parts availability and location. Also, during alignment, you may be required to replace the bearings, ball joints, and additional suspension parts to align your tires. Location, however, is the main estimate for labor values.

Conclusion 

Wheel alignment is necessary to give you the best driving experience. Misalignment, however, is a very common occurrence. It can be avoided to some extent, but it is important to stay aware of the common causes. This article comes in handy in outlining the symptoms, causes, and fixes.