2021 Volvo VNL Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2021 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 non-adjustable. If camber is out of specification, it typically indicates worn components (ball joints, wheel bearings, kingpins, bushings) or a bent axle/spindle. Aftermarket camber/caster kits featuring eccentric bushings or adjustable shims are available to correct minor camber issues without replacing major components.
• Caster: Factory adjustable. Caster is adjusted by shims on the radius rods or torque rods. Adjusting caster can be crucial for steering stability and return-to-center feel.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Factory adjustable. Toe is adjusted via the tie rod ends. This is a critical adjustment for tire wear and steering response.
• SAI (Steering Axis Inclination): Non-adjustable. SAI is determined by the design of the steering knuckle and suspension components. Out-of-spec SAI usually points to bent suspension components, especially the steering knuckle or axle.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory non-adjustable. Similar to the front, out-of-spec rear camber usually indicates worn components, bent axle housing, or damaged suspension mounts. Aftermarket camber correction products are available for specific situations.
• Total Toe/Individual Toe: Factory adjustable on most VNL configurations. This is typically achieved through eccentric bushings or shims on the torque rods or control arms, depending on the suspension setup. Proper rear toe is essential for tracking straight and preventing premature tire wear.
• Thrust Angle: Non-adjustable as a dedicated setting, but it's a direct result of the rear axle's individual toe and squareness to the chassis. If thrust angle is off, it indicates an issue with the rear axle's alignment to the frame, often due to shifted axle, bent components, or improper toe settings on one side.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For situations where factory adjustments are insufficient or non-existent, several aftermarket solutions can be employed:

• Eccentric Bushings: These are commonly used for fine-tuning camber and sometimes caster on non-adjustable suspensions. They replace existing control arm or radius rod bushings with an offset design.
• Adjustable Shims: Primarily for camber and caster adjustments on suspensions that use a shim-based system. Shims are added or removed to change the angle of the spindle or kingpin.
• Adjustable Torque Rods/Radius Rods: For the rear axle, adjustable torque rods allow for precise adjustments to toe and can help in correcting thrust angle issues.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Recognizing the signs of a misaligned truck can save you significant money in tire wear and improve safety:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common symptom. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, often indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Camber Wear: More wear on one side of the tire (inner or outer), indicating excessive positive or negative camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Worn spots alternating with unworn spots, often due to worn suspension components, but can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when the truck is traveling straight, it's a strong indicator of a toe issue.
• Vehicle Pulling: The truck drifts or pulls to one side, requiring constant steering correction. This can be caused by incorrect caster, camber, or a significant thrust angle.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The truck feels "floaty" or difficult to keep in a straight line, often associated with insufficient caster or excessive toe-out.
• Hard Steering: The steering feels heavy or sluggish, sometimes related to incorrect caster.

When to align

Regular alignment checks are crucial for commercial vehicles due to the stresses they endure. You should always get an alignment:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes kingpins, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms, or springs.
• After replacing tires: New tires are an investment; protect them with a proper alignment.
• After hitting a significant pothole, curb, or obstacle: Even if no immediate damage is visible, the impact can knock alignment angles out of spec.
• If you notice any of the "symptoms of bad alignment" listed above.
• Annually or every 50,000 miles: As preventative maintenance, even if you don't notice any issues.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2021 Volvo VNL can vary significantly based on location, shop rates, and the extent of adjustments needed. A basic steer axle alignment might range from $150 to $300. A full three-axle or tandem axle alignment, which is highly recommended for commercial trucks, can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 or more. If camber/caster kits or other specialized hardware are required, the total cost will be higher due to parts and increased labor time.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.