Alignment: Service and Repair
Wheel AlignmentThe suspension can be adjusted for caster, camber, and toe. However, each of these adjustments are related to each other. For example, when you adjust camber, the toe will change. Therefore, you must adjust the front/rear alignment whenever you adjust caster, camber, or toe.
Pre-Alignment Checks
For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel alignment, do the following:
1. Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect measurement.
2. Make sure the suspension is not modified.
3. Check the tire size and tire pressure.
Tire size ('00-03 models):
Front: 205/55R16 89W
Rear: 225/50R16 92W
Tire size ('04-07 models):
Front: 215/45R17 87W
Rear: 245/40R17 91W
Tire size ('08 model):
Front: 215/45R17 87W
Rear (except CR model): 245/4OR17 91W
Rear (CR model): 255/40R17 94W
Tire pressure (at cold):
Front/Rear: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2, 32 psi)
4. Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
5. Check the suspension ball joints (Hold a tire with your hands, and move it up and down and right and left to check for wobbling.)
6. Bounce the vehicle up and down several times to settle the suspension.
7. Check the ride height of each suspension. Make sure the vehicle is empty, is parked on a level surface, and has properly inflated tires (the treadwear indicator must not be showing). If the height is out of specification, adjust the load as necessary.
Caster Inspection/Adjustment
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the caster angle. If adjustment is required, go to step 2.
Caster angle: 6°00' ± 15'
Maximum difference between the right and left side: 0°15'
2. Hold the self-locking cam nut (A) on the rear of the lower arm, and loosen the flange bolt (B).
3. Replace the self-locking cam nut with a new one, and lightly tighten it.
NOTE: Always use a new self-locking cam nut whenever it has been loosened.
4. Turn the adjusting cam collar (C) until the caster is correct.
5. After adjusting, tighten the flange bolt while holding the self-locking cam nut.
6. Bounce the vehicle several times, and recheck the caster reading.
Front Camber Inspection/Adjustment
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the camber angle. If adjustment is required, go to step 2.
Front camber angle: -0°30' ± 10'
Maximum difference between the right and left side: 0°10'
2. Hold the adjusting bolt (A) on the front of the lower arm, and loosen the self-locking nut (B).
3. Replace the self-locking nut with a new one, and lightly tighten it.
NOTE: Always use a new self-locking nut whenever it has been loosened.
4. Turn the adjusting bolt until the camber is correct.
5. After adjusting, tighten the self-locking nut while holding the adjusting bolt.
6. Bounce the vehicle several times, and recheck the camber reading.
Rear Camber Inspection/Adjustment
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Check the camber angle. If adjustment is required, go to step 2.
Rear camber angle: -1°30' ± 10'
2. Hold the adjusting bolt (A) on the control arm, and loosen the self-locking nut (B).
3. Replace the self-locking nut with a new one, and lightly tighten it.
NOTE: Always use a new self-locking nut whenever it has been loosened.
4. Turn the adjusting bolt until the camber is correct.
5. After adjusting, tighten the self-locking nut while holding the adjusting bolt.
Front Toe Inspection/Adjustment
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Center the steering wheel spokes and install a steering wheel holder tool.
2. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead. If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
Front toe-in: 0 ± 2 mm (0 ± 0.08 in.)
3. Hold the tie-rod end (A), and loosen the tie-rod locknut (B).
4. Turn the tie-rod until the toe is correct.
5. After adjusting, tighten the locknut while holding the tie-rod end. Reposition the rack-end boot if it is twisted or dislocated.
Rear Toe Inspection/Adjustment
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Release the parking brake to prevent an incorrect measurement.
2. Check the toe. If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
Rear toe-in:
'00-03 models: 6.0 ± 2 mm (0.24 ± 0.08 in.)
'04-08 models:
Except CR model: 3.6 ± 2 mm (0.14 ± 0.08 in.)
CR model: 5.5 ± 2 mm (0.22 ± 0.08 in.)
3. Hold the adjusting bolt of the control arm (A), and loosen the self-locking nut (B). Hold the adjusting bolt of the lower arm (C), and loosen the self-locking nut (D).
4. Replace the self-locking nuts with new one, and lightly tighten them.
NOTE: Always use new self-locking nuts whenever they have been loosened.
5. Turn both adjusting bolts in opposite directions until the toe is correct.
NOTE: Adjust the rear toe by adjusting the control arm and the lower arm by the same amount in opposite directions to each other (for example, when you move the control arm out, move the lower arm in, and vice versa).
6. After adjusting, tighten both self-locking nuts while holding the respective adjusting bolts.
Turning Angle Inspection
Use commercially available computerized four wheel alignment equipment to measure wheel alignment (caster, camber, toe, and turning angle). Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
1. Turn the front wheels right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angles of both wheels.
2. If the turning angles are out of specification or the inward turning angles differ between the right and left, check the toe, and adjust accordingly.
3. If the toe adjustment, is correct but the turning angles are out of specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.