I've got a 1996 F150... At 50k miles, I had the tires replaced and aligned. The shop said I needed the cams replaced. Cost close to $200 (for the cams and alignment). Tires were aligned at 80k miles, too many potholes in VA. New tires at 100k miles, and they said next time I have it aligned I'll have to have the cams replaced, again. I can't imagine it's normal to have to replace the cams that often. What are the cams, anyway? Is there something else going on in the suspension that I could direct the mechanics to look at that might be causing the cams to need to be replaced?

 

The cams are adjustable eccentrics that go in around the kingpins on the front axle, turning them adjusts the camber. As to why they need to be replaced it's hard to say. Sometimes they seize in and for the low cost of the part it's easier and more cost effective labor wise to replace them then try to save them. It's been awhile since i aligned my truck but i think they are also available in different sizes, so if the adjustment is maxed out on the ones you have you may need to upgrade to different shaped cams at the next alignment to get everything back in spec.

-Jon

 

FYI:
Contrary to popular belief, the only time you ever need an alignment is after you have parts replaced or other front end work done. There is no such thing as a routine maintenance alignment. If they try to sell you an alignment, and they haven't already installed new parts, they're yanking your chain.

 

Is there anything you don't know about these trucks?

 

Oh Christ, where do I begin? lol.

That advice is true on any vehicle, not just our trucks. See, the parts that are involved in keeping any vehicle aligned must be replaced when they wear out, therefore, if your vehicle is out of alignment, it needs the worn parts to be replaced. The other possibility is you could have a damaged or bent part caused by hitting a curb, etc. But the same rule applies. If you damaged a part, it must be replaced before alignment. Aligning a vehicle without replacing the worn or damaged parts is a waste of money. Somehow, some very clever marketing guy somewhere got people to think of alignments as routine maintenance. Alignments are no more routine then having your fenders realigned.