Wheel Polishing & Alignment
Polished Rims, Precise Alignment, and Enhanced Appearance & Performance
Monson Truck & Trailer Repair offers professional wheel polishing and alignment services for Class 7–8 semi‐trucks and trailers. Whether you need mirror-finish aluminum rims or a laser‐accurate steer axle alignment, our ASE-certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to restore wheel aesthetics, improve handling, and extend tire life—keeping your fleet safe and looking sharp.
The Importance of Polished Wheels & Proper Alignment
The Importance of Polished Wheels & Proper Alignment
Wheel rims and alignment play a vital role in both vehicle performance and appearance:
- Enhanced Aesthetics & Corrosion Resistance: Polished aluminum wheels not only look professional but also shed brake dust and road grime, reducing corrosion and extending rim life.
- Improved Handling & Tire Longevity: Accurate wheel alignment (correct toe, camber, and thrust angle) prevents uneven tire wear, reduces steering pull, and improves fuel efficiency.
- Safety & Compliance: Misaligned steer axles increase the risk of blowouts and non-compliance during DOT inspections. Polished wheels also facilitate visual brake and hub inspections.
- Fleet Image & Pride: Clean, gleaming wheels project a professional image for your fleet, reinforcing brand reputation and driver morale.
Monson’s Wheel Polishing & Alignment service ensures your wheels are both visually striking and mechanically precise—maximizing uptime, minimizing tire costs, and presenting a polished appearance.
How Our Wheel Polishing & Alignment Process Works
How Our Wheel Polishing & Alignment Process Works
Initial Consultation & Pre-Inspection
- Review the condition of existing wheels: check for cracks, bent lips, or structural damage that may require replacement.
- Conduct a quick alignment scan to identify current toe, camber, and thrust angle values.
Wheel Polishing Preparation
- Remove wheels from vehicle and mount on a balancer to verify run-out.
- Clean wheels with industrial-strength wheel cleaner to remove grease, oil, and road debris.
- Strip existing finish (oxidation or old clear coat) using fine abrasive pads or chemical strippers as needed.
Polish & Protect
- Hand-polish aluminum surfaces with progressively finer compounds (coarse → medium → fine) to eliminate oxidation and pitting.
- Buff to a mirror finish, then apply a high-temperature wheel sealant or clear coat to protect against brake dust and road salt.
- For chromed steel rims, remove old plating, repackage to chrome plating facility, and buff after reinstallation.
Alignment Setup & Measurement
- Position truck on laser alignment rack; load to typical operating weight (fuel, fluids, and driver).
- Mount ProAlign laser heads to wheel hubs or lug nuts and capture baseline alignment readings.
- Record toe, camber, caster, and thrust angle on a digital printout for customer review.
Alignment Corrections
- Adjust tie rods, drag links, and eccentric cams to correct steer alignment to factory specs.
- Install or adjust camber/caster shims on steer axles if required.
- Repeat measurements on drive and trailer axles; adjust accordingly to correct tracking and drive axle alignment.
Final Road Test & Certification
- Conduct a controlled road test (3–5 miles) to verify steering response, vehicle tracking, and absence of pull.
- Provide a signed alignment report showing “Before vs. After” values for all alignment angles.
- Reinstall polished wheels, torque lug nuts to spec, and conduct a spin check to confirm no new run-out.
Handover & Maintenance Recommendations
- Demonstrate care instructions for polished wheels (recommended wash frequency, approved cleaners).
- Advise alignment check intervals (every 25,000 miles or after any front-end repair or collision).
Key Benefits of Wheel Polishing & Alignment
Key Benefits of Wheel Polishing & Alignment
Mirror-Finish Appearance
Polished rims enhance fleet image, aid in visual inspections (stem, hub, and brake components), and reduce brake dust buildup.
Improved Fuel Economy
Properly aligned wheels minimize rolling resistance, delivering up to 1.5 MPG improvement on long-haul routes.
Extended Tire Life
Eliminating toe and camber misalignment prevents uneven wear and extends tire life by up to 20%.
Enhanced Driver Comfort & Safety
Correct alignment reduces steering effort, eliminates pull, and minimizes vibration—reducing driver fatigue and improving handling.
Corrosion Protection & Maintenance Ease
Sealed, polished aluminum resists rust, making routine cleaning quicker and preserving rim integrity for years.
Why Choose Monson for Wheel Polishing & Alignment
Why Choose Monson for Wheel Polishing & Alignment
Certified, Experienced Technicians
Our team holds ASE and specialist alignment certifications, ensuring precise adjustments to heavy-duty steer and drive axles.
State-of-the‐Art Equipment
- ProAlign laser alignment rack for ±0.02° accuracy on steer, drive, and trailer axles.
- Hydraulic balancers and wheel run-out gauges to detect and correct rim or hub run-out before polishing.
OEM & Premium Finishes
We use only top-grade polishing compounds and protective sealants specifically formulated for heavy-duty aluminum surfaces and high-heat applications.
Transparent Pricing
- Basic Wheel Polishing (per wheel): $125 (aluminum rims, single side)
- Full Wheel Polishing (per wheel): $195 (polish both inner + outer faces, clear‐coat protectant)
- Steer Alignment: $175 per axle (includes all four angles, report)
- Drive/Trailer Alignment: $150 per axle (includes toe and camber adjustments)
- Full Tractor-Trailer Alignment (all axles): $395 (steer + drive + trailer, full report)
Fast Turnaround & Fleet Programs
- Most wheel polishing jobs completed within 48 hours.
- Alignments typically same-day service—drop off in the morning, pick up by afternoon.
- Fleet discount packages for 5+ vehicles—mobilize alignment service at your yard for volume savings.
Our Wheel Polishing & Alignment Services
Steer & Front Axle Alignment
- Laser Steering Alignment
- Utilize ProAlign laser alignment rack to measure toe-in/out, camber, and caster on steer axles with ±0.02° accuracy.
- Adjust tie-rod lengths, drag links, and eccentric cams to factory-specified tolerances.
- Thrust Angle & Set-Back Correction
- For multi-steer or tandem-steer configurations, measure and correct thrust angle to prevent dog-tracking or crown pull.
- Address unequal tire wear by correcting set-back differential between left/right steer tires.
- Steer Head Centering
- Center the steering wheel and verify centering shims, reducing driver fatigue and aligning steering wheel at dead-ahead.
- Caster & Camber Shimming
- Install precision shims behind kingpin bearings or adjust tie-rod ends to ensure proper camber and caster for optimal steering response.
Wheel Polishing & Restoration
- Aluminum Rim Polishing
- Hand-grind and buff aluminum wheels to remove oxidation, pitting, and light corrosion.
- Apply a multi-step polishing process using fine compounds to achieve mirror-finish shine.
- Corrosion Removal & Protective Coating
- Use specialized wheel cleaners and abrasive pads to eliminate embedded brake dust and surface rust.
- Apply clear-coat or high-temperature wax sealant to inhibit future corrosion and simplify maintenance.
- Custom Logo Etching & Detailing
- Add fleet logos or identification numbers via laser etching (requires pre-approval).
- Provide color-fill options for recessed lettering or rim accents.
- Chromed Steel Wheel Reconditioning
- Strip old chrome plating if necessary, replate in collaboration with certified chrome shop, and buff to OEM shine.
Trailer & Drive Axle Alignment
- Trailer Tracking Alignment
- Inspect and adjust trailer axle camber and toe to ensure straight tracking behind tractor.
- Level trailer frame height and check axle placement for tandem or tri-axle setups.
- Multi-Point Drive Axle Alignment
- Measure drive axles for back-to-back caster and camber differences.
- Correct drive axle misalignment to eliminate tire cupping and vibration.
- Lift Axle & Tag Axle Adjustments
- Ensure proper load distribution by setting lift/tag axles at OEM heights.
- Adjust ride height sensors and mechanical stops on air-ride lift axles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I polish my aluminum wheels?
We recommend polishing every 12–18 months for active fleets, or sooner if operating in corrosive environments (road salt, heavy brake dust). Light cleaning can be done monthly with non-acidic aluminum wheel cleaner.
Do I need to align wheels after polishing?
Wheel polishing does not affect alignment. However, if you’ve recently had front-end or suspension work, always schedule an alignment to ensure proper handling.
Can bent or cracked rims be polished?
No. Structural damage (bends, cracks) must be repaired or rims replaced. During our pre-inspection, we identify any damage and recommend repair or replacement before polishing.
How long does a full tractor-trailer alignment take?
Typically 3–4 hours, depending on access and adjustment complexity. We load the vehicle to normal operating weight to ensure accuracy.
Will polishing wheels reduce the need for brake cleaning?
Yes. A smooth, sealed aluminum surface prevents brake dust from embedding, making routine wash-downs quicker and reducing corrosion on wheel faces.
Achieve Perfect Shine & Precision Handling
Don’t let dull wheels or misaligned axles undermine your fleet’s performance and image. Monson’s Wheel Polishing & Alignment experts are ready to deliver mirror-finish rims and laser-accurate alignment—providing the safety, longevity, and professional appearance your trucks deserve.