How Much Does an Alignment Cost for a Semi-Truck?

If you drive a semi-truck, you know how important it is to keep your truck in top shape. This means getting routine maintenance done on time, making repairs when problems are first detected, and so on. One of the most important aspects of semi-truck maintenance is correcting a misalignment, but when an operator needs an alignment, one of the first things they start to wonder about is how much an alignment will cost for a semi-truck. 

We’re going to dig into what exactly alignment means, and why it’s important for semi-trucks. Then we’ll look at some of the signs that you may need to have alignment work done, and what can factor into the cost of the job. Finally, we’ll look at some hard numbers relating to what you can expect to spend when your rig needs alignment work, and where you can turn to have it fixed by trusted local professionals.

What Does Alignment Mean?

Alignment for your semi-truck means adjusting the angles of the truck’s wheels to meet the requirements of the manufacturer. When your truck is properly aligned, it’s able to drive straighter and without pulling to one side or the other. When the alignment is off, there will almost always be a pull to one side, and there can be several other problems that impact your driving.

Why is Alignment Important for a Semi Truck?

While semi-truck alignment helps ensure a smooth ride, that’s not its sole purpose. Alignment is actually a critical factor in the general performance and fuel economy of your vehicle. Misalignments lead to increased and often uneven tire wear, which can dramatically shorten the life of the tires. This results in a more frequent need for replacement, and a higher overall cost of operation for your truck.

Additionally, misaligned wheels can cause a significant reduction in your truck’s handling abilities, which can make it very difficult to steer. When steering is harder, so is vehicle control, which can result in dangerous situations, particularly during inclement weather. Poor handling is also a notorious thief of fuel economy, reducing efficiency and increasing fuel costs due to an increased rolling resistance.

Yet another issue with poor alignment is that it can lead to premature wear and tear on other critical truck components and systems, such as suspension and steering. This can result in the need for even more repairs, unplanned downtime, and even loss of productivity and profits.

Common Signs of Misalignment in Semi-Trucks

Identification and early intervention can help save semi-truck operators from increased repair costs and downtime. To give you some insight on what to look for, four of the most common signs of misalignment include the following:

1. Uneven or Rapid Tread Wear: Misalignment will often cause tires to wear unevenly.
2. Pulling: If your truck pulls to one side or drifts during a straightaway, you’re misaligned.           
3. Off-Center Steering Wheel: A crooked steering wheel when you’re driving straight is another indication of misalignment.
4. Steering Wheel Vibration: Feeling any level of vibration in the steering wheel is a clear sign of misalignment.

5 Factors Affecting the Cost of Semi-Truck Alignment

1. Type of Alignment: The different types, such as two-wheel or four-wheel alignments, can cause the price to be comparably higher or lower.
2. Extent of Misalignment: More severe misalignments may require additional labor charges from more complex alignment procedures. 
3. Make & Model: Some trucks may need specialized equipment or complex procedures to complete an alignment, which all have the potential to increase the cost significantly.
4. Repair Location: Where you choose to get your truck fixed will have an incredible impact on the price you pay for that service. At a trusted mechanic or technician’s shop, you can expect to pay an average price, for example, while going to a dealer would have you spending much more.
5. Additional Services: Sometimes, alignment isn’t the only thing that needs to be done. Frequently, a truck will require additional services, such as a tire patch or replacement, or even suspension system work, before the alignment can be correctly and accurately performed.

Average Costs for Semi-Truck Alignment

As you can see, there are some factors that can have a considerable effect on the cost of an alignment for your semi-truck. That said, you can expect or plan on paying between $200 and $500 in most cases, depending on your truck and its needs.

On the one hand, a basic alignment on an older truck or one with more general needs might be on the lower end of that scale. On the other hand, a truck with specialized needs, higher precision, or with requirements for additional services can push that average cost to the higher end of the price range.

One thing that is very important to remember is that even though an alignment can seem like a substantial expense, having an alignment performed professionally can help save much more money over the long term. This is because an alignment done by experienced mechanics will reduce tire wear, improve fuel efficiency, and help prevent expensive damage to other components.

Why Choose Blaine Brothers for Semi-Truck Alignment?

Blaine Brothers is a trusted leader in semi-truck maintenance and repairs of all types for drivers in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our technicians are highly skilled and have years of experience successfully correcting semi-truck alignment issues. We invest in state-of-the-art equipment for our shops and adhere to industry-best practices to ensure that your semi-truck is correctly and accurately aligned so you can operate more safely, more efficiently, and more consistently.

The alignment of your semi-truck is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that should not be neglected. Regular alignment checks and adjustments can save you money, promote safer general operations, and help your truck perform optimally. If you believe you’re having an issue with your truck’s alignment because you’re seeing one or more of the signs we discussed, or if it’s just been a while since you’ve had the alignment checked, it’s likely time to have one of our trusted, local technicians take a look at it. Reach out to Blaine Brothers today to make an appointment for semi-truck alignment.