2014 Peterbilt 579 Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick Reference: 2014 Peterbilt 579 Alignment Specs

These specifications are for a 2014 Peterbilt 579 and should be used as a guideline. Always refer to the manufacturer's service information for the most accurate and up-to-date data.

Adjustability

Understanding which angles can be adjusted with factory equipment is crucial for planning an alignment job on a 2014 Peterbilt 579.

• Front Axle: On a standard Peterbilt 579, only front toe is adjustable from the factory. This is done by loosening the clamp bolts on the tie rod and rotating the tie rod itself to lengthen or shorten it. Caster can be adjusted using shims at the axle seat. Camber and SAI are not factory adjustable. If camber is out of specification, it typically indicates bent or worn components, such as a bent axle, worn kingpins, or damaged spindles. In some cases, aftermarket eccentric kingpins can be installed to provide a small range of camber and caster adjustment.

• Rear Axles (Tandem): The rear axles on a tandem-axle truck are not typically adjustable for camber. However, rear axle alignment (tracking) is critical. The axles must be perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the vehicle's centerline. This is adjusted via the suspension's radius rods (torque rods). By adjusting the length of the adjustable radius rods, a technician can move the axles to achieve the correct alignment and a near-zero thrust angle.

Recommended Adjustment Hardware

For a 2014 Peterbilt 579 where front camber or caster is out of spec due to slight sagging or wear, aftermarket solutions are often necessary.

• Offset Kingpins: Specialty manufacturers like SPC or Moog offer offset or eccentric kingpins. These have an offset built into them that can be rotated during installation to provide a positive or negative change to camber and/or caster, typically up to 1.5 degrees.
• Adjustable Bushings: For caster, some aftermarket control arms or bushings may offer an eccentric design to allow for fine-tuning.
• Shims: Caster is most commonly adjusted with shims of varying thickness placed between the spring and the axle beam.

Symptoms of Bad Alignment

A misaligned truck will communicate the problem through its tires and handling characteristics.

• Feathered Tire Wear: This occurs when the tread ribs are worn smoothly on one side and are sharp on the other. This is a classic sign of incorrect toe. The direction of the feathering indicates if the tire is toed-in or toed-out.
• One-Sided Shoulder Wear: If the inside or outside shoulder of the tire is wearing down significantly faster than the rest of the tread, it's a primary indicator of a camber issue. Positive camber wears the outside shoulder, while negative camber wears the inside.
• Vehicle Pulling: A constant pull to one side can be caused by unequal caster or camber from side to side. It can also be caused by tire conicity or a "radial pull," which should be ruled out by swapping tires side-to-side.
• Dog Tracking or Thrust Angle Issues: If you feel like you have to steer slightly to one side to keep the truck going straight, or if you notice the trailer is not following directly behind the tractor, you may have a rear axle alignment issue. This causes excessive tire scrub on the rear axles and can dramatically increase fuel consumption.
• Worn Kingpins and Tie Rod Ends: While not a tire wear pattern, checking for play in kingpins and tie rod ends is a critical pre-alignment step. Worn components will make a true alignment impossible to hold.

When to Get an Alignment

Regular alignment checks are part of proper preventative maintenance for a heavy-duty truck. An alignment should be performed:

• After purchasing a new set of steer tires to maximize their lifespan.
• After any suspension or steering component replacement (e.g., kingpins, tie rod ends, spring replacement, axle seat work).
• After a significant road hazard impact, like hitting a large pothole or curb.
• Whenever you notice irregular tire wear patterns or a change in handling, such as a new pull or steering wheel that is off-center.
• At least once a year or every 100,000 miles as part of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.

Typical Alignment Cost

The cost for a heavy-duty truck alignment varies based on location and the specific services needed. A simple front-axle steer alignment (checking and adjusting toe) can cost between $150 and $250. A full three-axle alignment, which includes checking and adjusting the front axle toe and caster and aligning the two rear axles, is more comprehensive and can range from $400 to $700. If worn parts are discovered and need replacement, the cost will increase accordingly.

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