2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wheel Alignment Specifications

Proper wheel alignment is crucial for the longevity of your tires, the safety of your vehicle, and your overall driving experience. For your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, maintaining factory specifications ensures optimal handling and prevents premature wear on suspension components.

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, several alignment angles are adjustable from the factory, while others require aftermarket solutions if they fall out of specification.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Factory non-adjustable. If front camber is outside the specified range, it often indicates worn or bent suspension components. Aftermarket camber bolts or eccentric bushings can be installed to provide adjustment.
• Caster: Factory adjustable. Caster is adjusted via eccentric bolts on the lower control arm, allowing for changes to the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis. This adjustment impacts steering stability and return-to-center feel.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Factory adjustable. Toe is adjusted by rotating the tie rod ends, which lengthens or shortens the tie rods, changing the angle of the front wheels relative to each other.
• SAI (Steering Axis Inclination): Factory non-adjustable. SAI is a geometric angle built into the steering knuckle and suspension design. If SAI is out of specification, it typically points to bent steering knuckles or other significant suspension damage.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. Rear camber can be adjusted on the 2015 Grand Cherokee, usually through eccentric bolts on the lower control arm or specific cam bolts designed for the rear suspension.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Factory adjustable. Rear toe is typically adjusted using eccentric bolts on the rear lower control arms or trailing arms, similar to the front toe adjustment but affecting the rear wheels.
• Thrust Angle: Factory non-adjustable in itself, as it's a result of the individual toe settings. If rear individual toe is set correctly, the thrust angle should naturally fall within specification. A significant thrust angle indicates a problem with the rear toe settings or a bent rear axle/cradle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

While some angles are adjustable from the factory, if you find your non-adjustable angles like front camber consistently out of spec, consider these options:

• Aftermarket Camber Bolts/Eccentric Bushings: Brands like SPC Performance or Moog offer kits that replace stock bolts or bushings, providing adjustability for front camber. These are often necessary when lifting the vehicle or after significant suspension wear.
• Slotted Brackets: For certain vehicles (though less common on the Grand Cherokee for front camber adjustment), slotted brackets on control arms can allow for some camber adjustment.

Always ensure any aftermarket parts are specifically designed for your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and are installed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms of bad alignment

An improperly aligned vehicle can exhibit several noticeable symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common and telling sign. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Inner or outer edge of the tire feels sharp on one side and smooth on the other when you rub your hand across it. Often caused by incorrect toe settings.
  • Shoulder Wear (One-sided): Excessive wear on either the inner or outer shoulder of the tire. Indicates too much positive or negative camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Depressions or scoops worn into the tread. Can be a sign of worn shocks, unbalanced tires, or occasionally, severe toe issues.
• Vehicle Pulling or Drifting: The vehicle constantly wants to steer to one side, requiring you to hold the steering wheel off-center to drive straight. This is often due to uneven caster or camber settings between the front wheels, or a significant thrust angle.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels difficult to keep in a straight line, requiring constant small steering corrections. Can be caused by insufficient caster or excessive toe-out.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: When driving straight, the steering wheel is turned to one side. This usually indicates that the toe was adjusted without first centering the steering wheel.
• Squealing Tires: Tires squealing during normal turns can sometimes be an indication of incorrect toe settings.

When to align

It's advisable to have your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee's alignment checked in the following situations:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes tie rods, ball joints, control arms, shocks/struts, or the steering rack.
• After purchasing new tires: Proper alignment helps maximize the lifespan of your new investment.
• After an accident or hitting a major pothole/curb: Even minor impacts can knock alignment angles out of spec.
• Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or annually: Regular checks can catch minor deviations before they become major problems.
• If you notice any of the "symptoms of bad alignment" listed above.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee can vary depending on your location, the shop, and whether a 2-wheel or 4-wheel alignment is performed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are required, the cost could be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.