Why Is My Truck Dog Tracking? (And Can It Be Fixed?)

Does your truck look like it's driving sideways down the road?

That's called dog tracking, and it's a sign that the rear axle isn't properly aligned with the front wheels.

Dog tracking can happen for several reasons, including:
• A bent or damaged rear suspension component
• A shifted rear axle after an accident
• Incorrect suspension installation
• Worn suspension parts
• Improper thrust angle

Common symptoms include:
✔ The truck appears to "crab walk"
✔ The steering wheel isn't centered
✔ The vehicle doesn't track straight
✔ Uneven tire wear
✔ The rear of the truck feels like it's follows a different path than the front

The good news is that dog tracking can often be diagnosed with a proper wheel alignment. An alignment measures the vehicle's thrust angle, which tells us whether the rear axle is pointing in the same direction as the front wheels.

If the rear axle is out of position, simply adjusting the front alignment won't solve the problem. The underlying issue—whether it's worn components, accident damage, or suspension geometry—must be identified and corrected first.

At Midnite Auto, we don't just perform a wheel alignment. We inspect the entire suspension system to determine why your truck is dog tracking, so the correct repair can be made.

📍 Midnite Auto – Sacramento
Truck Wheel Alignment • Suspension Repair • Rear Axle Alignment • Lifted Truck Specialists