2018 Freightliner Cascadia — Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2018 Freightliner Cascadia offers a range of alignment adjustments from the factory, but some angles require aftermarket solutions for full control.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Front axle camber is not factory adjustable. To correct for camber that is out of specification, eccentric bushings or offset kingpin shims are typically used.
• Caster: Caster is adjustable on the front axle by using tapered shims that are inserted between the axle and the spring.
• Toe: Toe is easily adjustable on the front axle by loosening the tie rod end clamps and rotating the adjusting sleeves.

Rear Axles:

• Camber: Rear axle camber is not adjustable from the factory. Correction typically requires specialized axle bending or straightening equipment, which should only be used by experienced technicians.
• Toe: Rear axle toe, or "tandem scrub," is adjustable on most Cascadias by loosening the mounting bolts on the axle and shifting it into alignment. This is a critical adjustment for tire wear and fuel economy on a tandem-axle truck.
• Thrust Angle: The thrust angle is a measurement of the direction the rear axles are pointed in relation to the centerline of the truck. This is adjusted at the same time and in the same manner as rear axle toe.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For most alignment corrections on a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia, the factory adjustment methods are sufficient. However, in cases of significant camber wear on the front axle due to sagging springs or bent axle components, aftermarket eccentric bushings are a common and effective solution. For caster adjustments, a variety of tapered shims are available to achieve the desired angle. No special hardware is typically needed for toe adjustments, as this is a built-in feature of the tie rod ends.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned truck will exhibit a number of symptoms, the most obvious of which is unusual tire wear. Here are some common patterns to look for:

• Feathering: This is a pattern of alternating high and low tread blocks across the face of the tire. It is a classic sign of incorrect toe setting.
• One-sided wear: If the inside or outside shoulder of the tire is wearing more quickly than the rest of the tread, it is a strong indication of a camber issue.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This appears as a series of dips or scoops around the circumference of the tire. It can be caused by a combination of misalignment, worn suspension components, or out-of-balance tires.

Beyond tire wear, a misaligned Cascadia may also pull to one side, have a crooked steering wheel when driving straight, or feel unstable at highway speeds.

When to align

It is recommended to have the alignment checked on your 2018 Freightliner Cascadia at least once a year or every 100,000 miles. However, there are a number of other situations that should prompt an alignment check:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes kingpins, tie rod ends, springs, and bushings.
• After purchasing new tires: A fresh set of tires is a significant investment. A proper alignment will ensure they wear evenly and last as long as possible.
• After hitting a curb, pothole, or other road hazard: A significant impact can easily knock the alignment out of specification.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a commercial truck alignment can vary depending on the shop and the extent of the adjustments needed. A simple front-end alignment may cost between $200 and $400, while a full three-axle alignment will be more in the range of $400 to $600. If aftermarket parts or significant labor are required to correct for bent or worn components, the cost can be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.