Frame and Structural Repair / In shop only
Chassis Repair and Alignment in Yorba Linda
Chassis repair and alignment addresses the frame and the components mounted to it, including suspension mounting points, axle positioning and running gear geometry. Chassis lube and basic in shop service runs $300 to $1,200 at 1 to 5 hours. Corrective alignment work runs higher.
Alignment problems on recreational vehicles have two possible causes and they need completely different repairs. Either the running gear has moved relative to a straight frame, or the frame itself has moved and the running gear is faithfully following it.
Adjusting axles on a frame that has diamonded will produce a vehicle that tracks straight and wears tires unevenly forever. Establishing which problem you have takes an afternoon and saves a great deal of money.
Frame problem or running gear problem?
We measure the frame first, always. If frame datum points read within tolerance the problem is in the running gear, which means axle position, spring hanger condition, equalizer wear, or on a motorhome the steering and suspension geometry.
If frame points read out, adjusting the running gear is treating a symptom. The frame gets corrected first and the alignment is set afterward against a chassis that is actually square.
What fails on RV and trailer running gear?
Spring hangers and equalizers are the most common. They are welded to the frame, they carry every road input, and on many towables they are lighter than the load justifies. Hangers elongate their bolt holes, equalizers wear, and axle position drifts as a result.
On motorhome chassis the failures are more conventional: worn bushings, tired shocks, sagged springs, and on air suspension systems, bag and valve failures that change ride height and therefore geometry.
- Elongated spring hanger holes and worn bushings
- Equalizer and shackle wear changing axle spacing
- Bent or rotated axles from curb strikes and overload
- Sagged leaf packs altering ride height and geometry
- Air suspension bag and valve failure
- Cracked hanger welds at the frame attachment
What does chassis service include?
Basic chassis lube and service, at $300 to $1,200 and 1 to 5 hours, covers lubrication of all fittings, inspection of suspension and steering components, fastener torque verification at critical points, and a written condition report on the running gear.
Corrective work is quoted separately once that report identifies what needs attention. We do not bundle unknown repair into a service price.
What Is Included
- 01Frame datum measurement to establish whether the chassis is square
- 02Full running gear inspection with a written condition report
- 03Lubrication of all chassis fittings
- 04Suspension and steering component wear assessment
- 05Fastener torque verification at critical structural points
- 06Axle position measurement and correction where required
Our Process and Timeline
Shop hours and calendar days are different things. These are the stages and the realistic duration of each.
- 011 day
Frame measurement
Datum points checked so we know whether we are chasing a frame problem or a running gear problem.
- 021 day
Running gear inspection
Hangers, equalizers, bushings, springs, shocks and axles inspected and documented on a written report.
- 031 to 5 days
Corrective repair
Worn or failed components replaced, cracked hanger welds repaired, axle position corrected.
- 041 day
Alignment and verification
Geometry set against a verified square chassis and confirmed by measurement.
Common Problems and How We Solve Them
New tires wore out in six thousand miles.
SolutionAlmost always axle position or frame square rather than tire quality. Measurement identifies which within a day.
The trailer pulls to one side.
SolutionTypically an axle that has rotated or a spring hanger that has elongated. Both are visible on measurement and both are repairable.
The coach wanders on the freeway.
SolutionOn a motorhome chassis this is usually steering and suspension wear rather than frame. The inspection report separates the two.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is RV chassis service?
Basic chassis lube and service runs $300 to $1,200 at 1 to 5 hours, performed in shop. Corrective repairs are quoted separately after the condition report.
Can you align a trailer?
Yes. We measure the frame first to establish it is square, then correct axle position against it. Aligning axles to a bent frame does not solve anything.
Do you do wheel alignment on a motorhome chassis?
We perform chassis and suspension geometry work in shop. Engine and drivetrain service is not something we take on.
How often should chassis service be done?
Annually for a coach in regular use, or before any long trip. Towables that sit for long periods need it more often, not less, because grease migrates away from bearing surfaces when static.
Vehicles We Perform This On
Related Services
We Can Help. Contact Us Today.
Bring the vehicle to our Yorba Linda facility and we will document the damage properly, work directly with your carrier, and give you a written figure built from published rates and real labor hours.
All work is performed at our Yorba Linda facility. We do not offer mobile, roadside or fleet route service.