2017 Jeep Cherokee Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

A proper wheel alignment is crucial for the longevity of your tires, the safety of your vehicle, and your overall driving experience. For your 2017 Jeep Cherokee, maintaining factory specifications ensures optimal handling and prevents premature wear on suspension components. This guide provides detailed alignment specifications and essential information for your vehicle.

Adjustability

On the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, front and rear toe are typically adjustable from the factory. Front camber and caster, however, are generally non-adjustable in their factory configuration. This means if your Cherokee is outside the acceptable range for front camber or caster, it usually indicates worn or damaged suspension components, or it may require aftermarket solutions to bring it back into spec.

• Front Toe: Adjustable. This is usually managed by adjusting the tie rod ends.
• Front Camber: Non-adjustable from the factory. If out of specification, it often points to bent components or worn ball joints/bushings. Aftermarket camber bolts or eccentric bushings can be installed to provide adjustability.
• Front Caster: Non-adjustable from the factory. Similar to camber, issues with caster typically suggest damaged suspension parts. Aftermarket control arms with eccentric bushings are available to allow for caster adjustment.
• Rear Toe: Adjustable. Often adjusted via eccentric bolts on the control arms.
• Rear Camber: Non-adjustable from the factory. If the rear camber is out of specification, it signifies worn or damaged components. Aftermarket camber kits are available.
• Thrust Angle: This is a diagnostic angle that reflects the direction of the rear axle compared to the centerline of the vehicle. It's corrected by adjusting individual rear toe.

Recommended adjustment hardware

While the 2017 Jeep Cherokee offers some factory adjustability, achieving perfect alignment after suspension repairs or modifications often requires aftermarket solutions. For front camber and caster, look for:

• Camber/Caster Kits: Several manufacturers offer aftermarket kits, often including adjustable control arms or eccentric bolts/bushings that replace factory components to allow for camber and caster adjustments.

For rear camber, if it's out of specification, aftermarket camber bolts or adjustable control arms are typically recommended.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to a host of problems. Keep an eye out for these common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator. Different alignment angles result in distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, often indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Camber Wear (one-sided wear): Excessive wear on either the inner or outer edge of the tire, pointing to incorrect camber settings.
  • Heel/Toe Wear: Scalloped or cupped wear patterns, which can be caused by a combination of alignment issues, worn suspension components, or improper tire rotation.
• Vehicle Pulling or Drifting: If your Cherokee consistently pulls to one side when driving on a flat road, it's a strong sign of an alignment problem, often related to camber or caster differences between the front wheels.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: Even when driving straight, if your steering wheel is off-center, an alignment is likely needed.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: A vague or imprecise steering feel can be attributed to incorrect toe settings.
• Squealing Tires: While often a sign of underinflation, squealing tires during turns can also indicate an alignment issue.

When to align

Regular alignment checks are good practice, but certain events necessitate an immediate alignment service:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time you replace parts like tie rods, control arms, ball joints, or struts/shocks, an alignment is mandatory.
• New Tires: Always get an alignment when installing new tires. This ensures you get the maximum lifespan and performance from your investment.
• Hitting a Pothole or Curb: Any significant impact can throw your alignment out of whack. If you notice any of the symptoms above after such an event, get it checked.
• After an Accident: Even a minor fender bender can affect your vehicle's alignment. Always include an alignment check as part of post-accident repairs.
• Every 12,000 to 15,000 Miles: As a general preventative measure, getting an alignment check every year or every 12,000-15,000 miles can save you money in the long run.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary based on your location, the shop, and whether any adjustments require aftermarket parts. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 for a standard alignment. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are needed, the cost could be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.