2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the front suspension allows for adjustment of camber and caster through eccentric cams located on the lower control arm mounts. Front toe is adjustable via the tie rod ends. The rear axle on the Silverado 1500 is a solid axle design, meaning that camber, caster, and individual toe are generally not adjustable from the factory. Any significant deviation from the preferred rear values would indicate a bent axle housing or other damaged suspension components which would require repair or replacement rather than adjustment. Rear total toe and thrust angle are consequences of the front toe relationship to the rear axle and can be influenced by front adjustments to a certain extent, but the rear axle itself is not designed for direct angular adjustments.

Recommended adjustment hardware

While the factory eccentrics offer a good range of adjustment for most situations, if you've lifted your Silverado or are experiencing alignment issues beyond the factory adjustment range, aftermarket solutions may be necessary. For increasing the adjustment range of front camber and caster, SPC Performance offers upper control arms with adjustable ball joints and eccentric bushings that can provide a wider window for alignment, especially after suspension modifications. These types of components are generally recommended when factory adjustments are maxed out, or when seeking a more precise or aggressive alignment for specific driving conditions.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Recognizing the signs of a misaligned vehicle can save you from premature tire wear and compromised handling. Here are some common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is often the most noticeable symptom. Different alignment angles contribute to different wear patterns:
  • Feathering: If the tire tread blocks are worn smooth on one side and sharp on the other, resembling the edge of a feather, this often points to excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Inner or Outer Edge Wear: If only the inside or outside edge of the tire is wearing down quickly, this typically indicates excessive negative or positive camber, respectively.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: This wavy wear pattern, where chunks of tread are worn off in an irregular pattern around the tire, can be caused by worn suspension components or an imbalance, but can also be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Vehicle Pulling: If your Silverado consistently drifts to one side when driving on a flat, straight road, it's a strong indicator of an alignment problem, often related to camber or caster differences between the front wheels.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: When driving straight, if your steering wheel is not perfectly horizontal, even when the vehicle is tracking straight, an alignment is likely needed.
• Loose or Sloppy Steering: While often a sign of worn steering components, improper toe settings can contribute to a feeling of loose or imprecise steering.

When to align

It's not always obvious when an alignment is necessary. Here are key situations that should prompt an alignment check:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time components like tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms, shocks, struts, or springs are replaced, an alignment is mandatory.
• After Hitting a Significant Pothole or Curb: A hard impact can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• When Installing New Tires: Protecting your investment in new tires means ensuring they start their life with proper alignment.
• Every 12-15,000 Miles or Annually: Regular alignment checks as part of your routine maintenance can catch minor issues before they become major problems.
• When You Notice Any of the Symptoms Above: Don't wait for extreme tire wear; address alignment issues as soon as symptoms appear.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can vary depending on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments require seized parts to be freed or aftermarket parts installed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 for a standard two-wheel (front) or four-wheel alignment. If additional parts or labor are needed to free seized components or install aftermarket adjustment kits, the cost will increase. Many shops also offer alignment packages that include a one-year warranty or free re-checks.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.