Alignment or Stabilizer first?

[pkt1213]

I plan to add a steering stabilizer and have an alignment done before heading out this summer. Which order should I have it done in? Should I add the stabilizer and then have an alignment done or vise-versa?

[Camp CA]

Stabilizer first then alignment and if necessary, center the steering wheel.

[Gary RVRoamer]

If the alignment check requires any adjustment, the stabilizer will have to get adjusted along with it. Take it to a stabilizer dealer who can also align it and check steering wheel center.

[DarkSideJeep]

Originally Posted by pkt1213

I plan to add a steering stabilizer and have an alignment done before heading out this summer. Which order should I have it done in? Should I add the stabilizer and then have an alignment done or vise-versa?

Have the alignment shop install the stabilizer when they do the alignment.

[wolfe10]

It really depends on what stabilizer you choose.


For example, if you choose a Safe-T-Plus, it has to be installed AFTER the alignment (or at least re-centered after the alignment).


Also an alignment, particularly if caster is set to the high side of specs may well help enough with tracking that you don't need to spend the $$ on a stabilizer-- at least for tracking.

[pkt1213]

The current alignment isn't terrible but I don't think it has ever been done. It's a 2020 Thor which has had 2 previous owners in its 6k miles.

I was planning on getting the Safe-T Plus.

[DarkSideJeep]

I have been thinking about this and come to the conclusion that the Alignment and stabilizer are two different things. The stabilizer will do little to correct alignment and wear problems. An alignment will not fix the problems that a stabilizer is intended to fix.

The propose of the stabilizer is to give the driver time to react in the event of a steer tire blowout or some other event that will try to rip the steering wheel out of the driver's hands. In my case I had a wheel bearing fail while going down the highway at 70mph. The coach tried to make a hard right turn into the ditch when the bearing failed. In my opinion the Safe-T-Plus steering stabilizer, rear track bar, and stiffer sway bars helped me keep the coach under control and out of the ditch with the shiny side down. The ditch in that area was deep enough that the roll-over would have been life threating for both myself and my wife.

So, by all means get the alignment bt also have the stabilizer ready and have the alignment tech install it for you since it will need to be adjusted to zero to not impact tacking down the road.

[Dav L]

You should have at least a toe adjustment set whenever a Stabilizer is added so do both at the same time. And Certainly a wiggle / jiggle test on all joint to ensure the steering components are tight and lubed.