Does tire rotation require re-balance and front end alignment?

[FloonDog]

Just got my 18 Raptor back from the dealer (13k miles) and I asked for oil change and tire rotation. They claim the Raptor requires the tires to be re-balanced and a front end alignment. Gave me a song and dance about how expensive the tires were and then presented me with a $500 bill! Two of those and I can buy a new set of tires! Is this true? I've never heard of such a thing unless there was uneven wear. Sounds like a dealer trying to overcharge for anything they can. Thanks!!

 

[Rapt-up]

Something doesn't sound right . My dealership never tries to upsell you when you bring your truck in for service. They do only what you ask . If they see something wrong they let you decide what you want to do . I like upfront and honest !

 

[Ruger]

I believe that the owner's manual says to rotate tires every 5,000 miles. If this dealer's service department is trying to sell you on the idea that your truck needs to have its tires balanced and also needs an alignment every 5,000 miles then you need to find a different dealership.

I highly recommend that you do oil changes and tire rotations yourself. There is no substitute for the owner of a vehicle like this to know the vehicle, visually and manually familiarize himself with the vehicle, and know what things are supposed to look like under the truck and under the hood so that he can recognize when something is amiss.

 

[Sozzy12]

If you are jumping and hammering on the truck, then an alignment may be in order. Otherwise, someone is getting screwed.

 

[Fastback89]

I actually work at a tire store and have had many comebacks with complaints of shaking after tires were rotated. We almost always balance the tires during rotation. The alignment sell is a different story...

 

[smurfslayer]

No, you absolutely do not require a rebalance for a tire rotation, until or unless you’re driving so hard as to shed some wheel weights or they weren’t properly balanced in the first place. Absent some other mechanical problem, tire rotation is a benign maintenance item.

You don’t need it for tire rotation.

Now, if you have abnormal tire wear showing either uneven wear, feathering of the tread in an abnormal pattern then yes, maybe an alignment is in order.

Listen for weasel words. Is the s/a saying ‘mechanic found an issue, you need ...’ or is it softer like ‘we recommend that you do...’

Now, that said... i did have an old Ford Exploder that had a bent wheel, so when I rotated that wheel to the front, huge vibe in the steering wheel was immediately noticeable. shoved it to the back, problem solved.

Edit to add: I’ve had 2 rotations on the Rap, no new vibrations, shakes, etc.

 

[wheelman55]

I think that the service writer made bank on you. Bummer.

I’ve got 33k on my 2018. It’s been off-road, but not hammered, for several thousand of those miles. Never needed an alignment.

I had balance beads put in my 2018 Raptor since day one. You have the wheel weights taken off, put in 6 oz of beads per tire, and you will never need a balance. I use the beads in Raptor, F350 and double axle 12k trailer. They all run smooth as silk on the highway.

I use 6 tires/wheels and have another 10-15k miles left on the tires. The tires have even wear. I rotate them myself.

Here’s a link to the beads: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01991X4AI/?tag=fordraptorforum-20

Live and learn.

 

[JohnyPython]

Everyone has gotten hosed at the dealer. At least once in their life.

Best advice is to follow the maintenance schedule by the manufacturer. If it doesn’t require it then leave it alone.

Also, get intimate with your Raptor. Oil changes, tire rotation, filter changes, washing etc is all doable by most.

 

[Schizofilly]

12,3xx on the clock did the second rotation myself as the dealership just went front to back with the first one and refused to make it right when I pointed out the rotation pattern in the manual. Anyways, as someone above noted a rebalance is not an abnormal practice. Most tire shops will do it automatically to avoid having you return the next day saying you've got a vibration. Alignment at 13k is excessive unless 10k of those were beating the shit or of your truck. If they didn't even mention beforehand I would be pissed.


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[The Car Stereo Company]

i have the lifetime alignment from firestone. i have been there 17 times now with my gen 1. anytime someone said i needed an alignment i always said i would take care of it myself, and i would get it to firestone for an alignment. i have never rebalanced my tires during rotation, and if you needed one, discount/americas tire does i for $10 a tire at some spots. dont get sucked into what a mechanic or dealer says without getting a second opinion..... or 3rd opinion