2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Note: These values are for a stock-height vehicle. Lifted or lowered trucks will require different specifications.

Adjustability

Front Axle: On the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, the front suspension offers factory adjustments for camber, caster, and toe.

• Camber & Caster: These are adjusted simultaneously via eccentric cams on the lower control arm mounting bolts. Rotating the front bolt primarily affects caster, while rotating the rear bolt primarily affects camber. An experienced technician will move both in concert to bring both angles into specification.
• Toe: Front toe is adjusted by lengthening or shortening the tie rod ends.

Rear Axle:

• Camber & Toe: The rear axle on a solid-axle Sierra 1500 is non-adjustable from the factory. If rear camber or toe are out of specification, it typically indicates a bent axle housing, axle tube, or a damaged wheel hub/bearing assembly, which must be replaced to correct the angles.
• Thrust Angle: Since the rear toe is not adjustable, the thrust angle is also not directly adjustable. A thrust angle outside of the acceptable range points to a bent frame or axle housing.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For a stock 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, no special hardware is typically required as the factory adjustments are usually sufficient. However, if the truck has been lifted or has sustained damage, the factory adjustment range may not be enough. In these cases, offset upper control arm bushings or adjustable upper control arms (UCAs) can be installed to provide a greater range of camber and caster adjustment.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Your truck will often give you clear signals when its alignment is off. Look and listen for these common symptoms:

• Vehicle pulls to one side: If you need to constantly apply steering pressure to keep the truck driving straight, it's a classic sign of an alignment issue, often related to caster or camber.
• Off-center steering wheel: When driving straight, the steering wheel should be centered. If it's crooked, the toe adjustment is likely off.
• Tire Wear:
  • Feathering/Scuffing: When you run your hand across the tire tread, it feels smooth in one direction and sharp in the other, like a saw blade. This is a tell-tale sign of incorrect toe.
  • Inner/Outer Edge Wear: Excessive wear on the inside edge of the tires points to too much negative camber. Wear on the outside edge indicates too much positive camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: This looks like a pattern of alternating high and low spots on the tire tread. While often caused by worn-out shocks or struts, it can also be a symptom of a severe alignment problem.

When to align

It's a good practice to have your alignment checked annually. However, you should get an alignment performed immediately after:

• Installing new tires: Protect your investment by ensuring the alignment is true from the start.
• Replacing suspension or steering components: Any time you replace parts like control arms, ball joints, tie rods, or the steering rack, the alignment will be affected.
• A significant impact: Hitting a large pothole, a curb, or being involved in a minor collision can easily knock your alignment out of specification.

Typical alignment cost

The cost for a four-wheel alignment on a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 typically ranges from $120 to $250. The price can vary based on your location and whether any specialized adjustments or parts are needed. Given the adjustability of the front end, it's a more involved process than on a simple sedan, which is reflected in the cost.

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