2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD - Wheel Alignment Specifications

Adjusting wheel alignment is critical for optimizing tire wear, handling, and overall safety of your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD. This guide provides detailed factory specifications, discusses adjustability, common issues, and when you should consider an alignment.

Quick reference

Adjustability

On your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, the front suspension offers adjustability for camber and caster through eccentric cams located on the lower control arms. These cams allow for precise adjustments to bring these angles within specification. Front toe is adjusted via the tie rod ends.

The rear axle on the Sierra 2500HD is a solid axle design, meaning rear camber and rear toe are generally not adjustable from the factory. If these angles are found to be out of specification, it often indicates a bent axle housing, damaged suspension components, or issues with the mounting points. In such cases, component replacement or specialized aftermarket correction kits would be necessary.

SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) is a non-adjustable "set" angle determined by the design of the steering knuckles and ball joint locations. If SAI is out of spec, it usually points to bent suspension components.

Thrust angle is a calculation of whether the rear wheels are tracking straight relative to the vehicle's centerline. While not directly adjustable, an out-of-spec thrust angle typically indicates a misalignment of the rear axle or frame, or issues with independent rear suspension components if applicable.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For fine-tuning front camber and caster beyond what the factory eccentric cams might allow, or for correcting issues after lifting or leveling the truck, aftermarket adjustable control arms or cam bolt kits (such as those from SPC Performance or Moog) can provide a greater range of adjustment. These are particularly useful if you frequently carry heavy loads or tow, which can affect ride height and, consequently, alignment angles.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels can manifest in several noticeable ways, impacting your driving experience and the longevity of your tires:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Saw-tooth feel across the tread, often indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Outer Edge Wear: Typically linked to excessive positive camber or incorrect toe settings.
  • Inner Edge Wear: Often caused by excessive negative camber or incorrect toe settings.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular dips and rises on the tread, which can be related to worn suspension components, but also exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Pulling or Drifting: The vehicle consistently wants to stray to one side of the road, requiring constant steering correction.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: Even when driving straight, the steering wheel may be off-center.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The steering feels vague, and the truck may wander within the lane with little input.
• Vibrations: While often linked to tire balance, severe alignment issues can also contribute to vibrations felt through the steering wheel or floorboard.

When to align

It's advisable to have your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's alignment checked in the following situations:

• After suspension or steering component replacement: Any work involving tie rods, ball joints, control arms, or other suspension parts necessitates an alignment.
• New tires: To ensure your new tires wear evenly and last as long as possible.
• After an impact: Hitting a large pothole, curb, or being involved in a minor accident can knock your alignment out.
• Annually or every 12,000-15,000 miles: Regular checks can catch small deviations before they lead to significant tire wear or handling problems.
• If you notice any of the symptoms of bad alignment listed above.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD can vary depending on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments or additional parts are needed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialized adjustments or new components (like cam bolts) are required, the cost could be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.