2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers some factory adjustability for alignment angles, but not all. Understanding what can be adjusted and what might require aftermarket solutions is key to a proper alignment.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Factory non-adjustable. If camber is out of specification, it typically indicates worn components (e.g., ball joints, control arm bushings) or damage. Aftermarket camber bolts or slotted strut tower bolts can be installed to provide adjustment.
• Caster: Factory non-adjustable. Similar to camber, caster issues often point to worn or damaged suspension components. Aftermarket eccentric bushings or adjustable control arms are available to correct caster.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Both total toe and individual toe are adjusted via the tie rod ends. This is a routine adjustment during any alignment.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. Camber on the rear axle can generally be adjusted via eccentric bolts on the lower control arms.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Rear toe is typically adjusted via eccentric bolts on the lower control arms or trailing arms.
• Thrust Angle: This is a calculated angle based on the individual rear toe settings. A non-zero thrust angle indicates that the rear wheels are not tracking straight with the centerline of the vehicle. While not directly adjustable, correcting individual rear toe will resolve a thrust angle issue.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For situations where factory adjustability is lacking, specific aftermarket solutions can be employed:

• Front Camber/Caster Correction:
  • Aftermarket Camber Bolts: These replace the factory strut bolts and allow for a small range of camber adjustment. Brands like SPC (Specialty Products Company) or Moog offer such options.
  • Adjustable Upper Control Arms: For significant camber or caster issues, especially if lifting the vehicle, adjustable upper control arms provide a wider range of correction.
• Rear Camber/Toe Correction: While the rear has some factory adjustment, if you're significantly lowering or lifting the vehicle, or if the factory eccentrics are seized, aftermarket adjustable control arms or eccentric lockout kits might be necessary.

Always consult with a qualified alignment technician to determine the best solution for your vehicle's specific needs.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee can manifest in several ways, often impacting tire wear, handling, and fuel economy. Here are common symptoms and their associated tire wear patterns:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator.
  • Edge wear (inner or outer): Often indicates excessive negative or positive camber, respectively. If one edge of the tire is significantly more worn than the other, camber is likely out of spec.
  • Feathering: A sawtooth pattern across the tread, where one side of the tread block is rounded and the other is sharp. This is a classic sign of incorrect toe settings (either too much toe-in or toe-out).
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops out of the tread, often linked to worn or loose suspension components (shocks, ball joints), but can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: If your steering wheel is off-center when driving straight, it's a strong sign of a toe issue, even if the vehicle drives straight.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: The vehicle consistently drifts or pulls to the left or right, requiring constant steering correction. This can be caused by camber or caster differences between the front wheels, or an incorrect thrust angle.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels difficult to keep in a straight line, requiring frequent small steering inputs. This can be due to too little positive caster or excessive toe-out.
• Squealing Tires: While often a sign of aggressive driving, tires that squeal during normal turns can also indicate an alignment problem, specifically excessive toe-out.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's performance, safety, and tire longevity. Here are key situations when you should get your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee aligned:

• After any Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: This includes tie rod ends, ball joints, control arms, sway bar links, shocks/struts, and steering racks. Even if only one component is replaced, it can alter the alignment angles.
• When Installing New Tires: New tires are a significant investment. An alignment helps ensure they wear evenly from the start, maximizing their lifespan and performance.
• After an Accident or Hitting a Large Pothole/Curb: Even seemingly minor impacts can knock your alignment out of specification. If you experienced a hard hit, it's wise to have it checked.
• If You Notice Any of the Above Symptoms: Don't wait for excessive tire wear. If you experience pulling, uneven steering, or unusual tire wear, get an alignment promptly.
• Every 12-15,000 Miles or Annually: As a preventative measure, a yearly alignment check or one every 12-15,000 miles is good practice to catch minor deviations before they become major problems.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee can vary depending on your location, the type of shop, and whether any adjustments require seized parts to be freed or aftermarket parts to be installed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $90 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If additional labor is needed to free seized bolts, install camber kits, or diagnose worn components, the cost will be higher. Always ask for a detailed estimate before any work begins.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.