2018 Volvo VNL – Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2018 Volvo VNL, some wheel alignment angles are factory-adjustable, while others require aftermarket solutions or indicate a need for repair if out of specification.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Factory-adjustable using eccentric bushings or shims, depending on the suspension configuration. This allows for fine-tuning the vertical tilt of the wheel. If camber is significantly out of range and cannot be adjusted, it may indicate worn suspension components or a bent axle/spindle.
• Caster: Factory-adjustable, typically via shims or eccentric mounts. Caster influences steering stability and return-to-center feel. Misalignment can lead to steering wander or excessive steering effort.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Fully adjustable at the tie rods. This is the most common and critical adjustment on large trucks, directly impacting tire wear and straight-line stability.
• SAI (Steering Axis Inclination): Not directly adjustable. SAI is determined by the design of the steering knuckle and suspension. If SAI is out of specification, it generally indicates bent or damaged components, such as a bent axle beam or steering knuckle, and requires repair rather than adjustment.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Not typically adjustable on the solid drive axles of a Volvo VNL. If rear camber is out of specification, it almost always indicates a bent axle housing, worn wheel bearings, or other structural damage that needs to be addressed through repair or replacement of components.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Often adjustable on multi-leaf spring or air-ride suspensions through eccentric bushings or shims at the spring hangers or control arm mounts. If not directly adjustable without specialized kits, severe toe issues indicate axle shift or frame damage.
• Thrust Angle: Primarily addressed by ensuring the rear axle is perpendicular to the centerline of the vehicle. This is achieved by adjusting the individual toe on the rear axle or by ensuring equal wheelbase measurements on both sides. Unequal thrust angle often points to issues with rear axle alignment, bent components, or frame damage.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For most adjustments on the 2018 Volvo VNL, OEM-style eccentric bushings, shims, or tie rod ends are used. In cases where factory adjustment range isn't sufficient due to minor wear or custom applications, aftermarket heavy-duty eccentric bushings or specialized alignment kits might be available from suspension component manufacturers. Always consult with a qualified heavy-duty alignment shop for recommendations.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misaligned wheels can lead to a variety of issues, impacting safety, fuel economy, and tire life. Recognizing these symptoms early can save you significant costs:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common and evident symptom. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, typically indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular, scooped-out depressions around the tire, often caused by worn suspension components exacerbate by alignment issues.
  • Shoulder Wear (one side): Excessive wear on either the inner or outer edge of the tire, usually a sign of incorrect camber.
  • Heel/Toe Wear: Similar to feathering but more pronounced, indicating an issue with how the tire rolls, often related to toe or worn bushings.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when driving in a straight line, it's a clear indicator of alignment problems, usually toe-related.
• Vehicle Pulling: The truck consistently drifts to one side, requiring constant steering correction. This can be caused by camber, caster, or toe issues.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels unstable and drifts across the lane, often due to insufficient caster or excessive toe-out.
• Excessive Steering Effort: The steering feels heavy or hard to turn, which can be a symptom of incorrect caster or binding steering components.
• Vibrations: While often linked to tire balance, persistent vibrations, especially at higher speeds, can sometimes be exacerbated by alignment issues.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are crucial for heavy-duty vehicles like the Volvo VNL. Consider an alignment in these situations:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes kingpins, tie rods, drag links, leaf springs, air bags, shock absorbers, and axle repairs.
• After replacing tires: New tires should always be paired with a fresh alignment to ensure even wear from the start.
• After hitting a significant pothole, curb, or obstacle: Even if no visible damage, an impact can knock alignment angles out of specification.
• When experiencing any of the symptoms of bad alignment.
• As part of routine maintenance: Many fleets opt for alignments at regular service intervals or based on mileage, typically every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, or annually.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a heavy-duty truck alignment for a 2018 Volvo VNL can vary significantly based on location, shop rates, and the extent of adjustments needed. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 for a basic 3-axle alignment. If additional parts or extensive labor (e.g., seized adjustment eccentrics, worn kingpins) are required, the cost will be higher. Always ask for a detailed estimate before any work begins.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.