Leveling disaster

[BanditsDOM]

I just finished leveling my truck with Bilstein 5100s, new end links, and UCAs. The ride was great at first, but after an alignment, it's pulling to the left and making a horrible rumbling noise. Turns out the caster is off and the tires are hitting my mud flap! Plus, I noticed grease coming out of the CV boot. The dealer replaced the axle shaft before the alignment, but charged me for the alignment. Should it have been included since they had to tear everything down? Any advice on what to do next?

 

[Fidel_25]

Are you running on stock tires?

 

[BanditsDOM]

No issues with stock tires @Fidel_25.

Update: Last time, I stayed all day at the dealership for my appointment to get the alignment redone. Unfortunately, it didn't go well. They tried to give me a more positive caster on the driver's side.
The tire is not hitting the liner anymore however, it still pulls to one side.

They attempted adjustment multiple times to put the truck back on the Hunter alignment machine I left the dealership at almost 6 PM and left my truck behind for them to research.

There seems to be a gap distance of 1/2" now where the passenger tire is to the driver's side tire.
I had no issues after the level. The only thing that's changed are the driver's side front axle and the level itself.

 

[Skelly0402]

I just finished leveling my truck with Bilstein 5100s, new end links, and UCAs. The ride was great at first, but after an alignment, it's pulling to the left and making a horrible rumbling noise. Turns out the caster is off and the tires are hitting my mud flap! Plus, I noticed grease coming out of the CV boot. The dealer replaced the axle shaft before the alignment, but charged me for the alignment. Should it have been included since they had to tear everything down? Any advice on what to do next?

Leveling a truck should make it feel solid, not bring on a whole new set of headaches. It sounds like the alignment might not have been done right if you're pulling to the left and having the caster issues. And the rumbling noise with the CV boot grease leaking, definitely not a good sign. I think the dealer should have included the alignment, especially since they had to mess with the axle. You might want to press them on that. Hope you get everything sorted soon, nothing worse than a bad ride after all that work!

 

[JaniceH_1999]

The pull and rumble definitely point to alignment and caster issues. As for the grease leaking out of the CV boot, that’s not normal, and could’ve been caused by the dealer’s work on the axle. If they had to tear everything down for the shaft replacement, the alignment should have been part of the job, especially if they messed with any suspension or steering components. I’d push back on that charge. Also, double-check that your UCA and end link installation didn’t get affected in the process. Might need to take it to a different shop to recheck everything.

I just finished leveling my truck with Bilstein 5100s, new end links, and UCAs. The ride was great at first, but after an alignment, it's pulling to the left and making a horrible rumbling noise. Turns out the caster is off and the tires are hitting my mud flap! Plus, I noticed grease coming out of the CV boot. The dealer replaced the axle shaft before the alignment, but charged me for the alignment. Should it have been included since they had to tear everything down? Any advice on what to do next?

 

[Riddel0916]

That caster being off could definitely cause the pulling and the tire rubbing. It’s also concerning that there’s grease leaking from the CV boot—if the dealer replaced the axle shaft, it might be related. They should’ve at least ensured everything was buttoned up properly before handing it back to you. And yeah, considering they replaced the axle, charging for the alignment feels a bit off. I'd go back and ask for an explanation or at least a refund. Hopefully, it’s an easy fix once everything’s realigned and sorted!

 

[Humphrey0293]

I just finished leveling my truck with Bilstein 5100s, new end links, and UCAs. The ride was great at first, but after an alignment, it's pulling to the left and making a horrible rumbling noise. Turns out the caster is off and the tires are hitting my mud flap! Plus, I noticed grease coming out of the CV boot. The dealer replaced the axle shaft before the alignment, but charged me for the alignment. Should it have been included since they had to tear everything down? Any advice on what to do next?

that’s a mess! The dealer should’ve included the alignment if they replaced the axle—sounds like they’re trying to double-dip. The pulling to the left and caster issues are big red flags, so getting that alignment fixed is a priority. As for the CV boot, any grease leaking out isn’t good—it might be worth taking it back to the dealer or to another shop for a second opinion. I’d push the dealer to make it right, especially if they caused the issue after the shaft replacement. Good luck getting it sorted!