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The 2010 Subaru Outback came in six trims, but the rear alignment specs were the same for all. However, the alignment specs for 2010 should not be applied to other model years. For instance, the rear wheels of a 2010 Outback should have toe-in, while the rear wheels of a 2009 Subaru should have toe-out. This is significant, as inaccurate toe settings are the leading cause of tire wire due to misaligned wheels. Also, the caster is not adjustable on the rear end of the 2010 Outback.

Camber

The camber angle is the measurement of the way a wheel tilts as it is viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. If the top tilts outward, away from the center of the vehicle, then the wheel has positive camber. If the wheel tilts inward, toward the center of the vehicle, the the wheel has negative camber. The ideal camber angle setting for the rear end of the 2010 Subaru Outback is zero but it can range by 0.75 degrees in either direction.

Toe

Toe is the angle of a wheel in relation to the centerline of a vehicle. Most vehicles are designed for a wheel to have toe-in, meaning the fronts of the wheels will angle slightly inward toward the centerline of the vehicle. Toe-in is given in positive degrees or inches, while toe-out is given in negative degrees or inches. The toe-in on the rear end of a 2010 Subaru Outback should be set at +0.17 degrees, but it can range by 0.25 degrees in either direction. Tires should wear less the closer they are set to the ideal angle.

Thrust Angle

As with toe, thrust angle is related to the way that the wheels are angled in relation to centerline of the vehicle. However, thrust angle ers specifically to the angle of the rear wheels. It is never adjustable on the front end, and on vehicles where the toe is not adjustable on the rear end, the thrust angle must be compensated for by adjusting the toe on the front end. The thrust angle on the rear end of the 2010 Subaru Outback should be +0.5 degrees.

Produced by Dodge, Durango is a full-sized sport utility vehicle (SUV). It can be equipped with several different Hemi engines. The two powerhouse V-8 engines used in Durango vehicles are the 5.7-liter and the 5.9-liter engine. All Durango SUVs require periodic adjustment, often erred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2000 Durango models.

Caster

Caster is both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Durango caster angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. The angle must be +3.10 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 0.50 degrees on the two-wheel drive (2WD) model and +3.30 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.50 on the four-wheel drive (4WD) model.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber is the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Durango camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be -0.25 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.50 degrees both for the 2WD and 4WD models.

Toe

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total angles on the 2WD and 4WD models must be +0.10 degrees with measuring range of 0.06 degrees.

The Focus is a front-wheel drive economy car introduced by Ford in 2000. It is a "world car" sold with the same basic body type across the globe, with only minor changes made to its handling and steering in some markets outside the United States. It was the first vehicle produced under Fords newly-developed global development strategy, which sought to streamline production and reduce costs. The Focus quickly became one of Fords best-selling cars worldwide.



The Focus retained its original body and design until 2008, when Ford revamped it and introduced the second generation of the vehicle. In 2002 the Focus was available as a 3-door hatchback, a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback or a wagon.

General Alignment Information

The alignment specs for all trims of the 2002 Ford Focus wagon are the same. However, the alignment specs for the 2002 Ford Focus wagon trims do not apply to the other trims of the vehicle for that year. The caster, camber and toe-in are adjustable on the front wheels of 2002 Ford Focus wagons. The camber is not adjustable on their rear wheels.

The aligning of the caster of a vehicle can be a tricky task. It is always best to consult an owners manual or a certified mechanic before attempting to perform your own auto repairs. For more information on vehicle alignment, see the article "A Short Course on Wheel Alignment" linked in the Resources section below.

Front Wheel Specs

The limits for the caster angle of the front wheels of the 2002 Ford Focus are +1.87 to +3.89 degrees, with the ideal angle being +2.88 degrees.

The limits for the camber angle of the front wheels are -1.89 to +0.63, with the ideal angle being -0.63 degrees.

The toe-in can range, by degrees, from -0.12 to +0.12, with the ideal being zero.

Rear Wheel Specs

The limits for the caster angle of the rear wheels for the 2002 Ford Focus wagon are -2.22 to +0.34, with the ideal angle being -0.94 degrees.

The toe-in for the rear wheels can range, by degrees, from +0.3 to +0.7, with the ideal being +0.5

BMW automobiles have a sterling reputation for durability and overall customer satisfaction, according to Pelican Parts. In addition to engine and electrical components, alignment specifications are important to keep your BMW physically balanced and safe to handle. If your steering wheel seems misaligned or your car veers to the left or right it may be time for an alignment adjustment. Standard BMWs may included "nonadjustable" alignment components, so see an automotive professional with questions or concerns.

BMW Camber

Camber alignment specifications are included on the front and back end of a BMW. A zero camber design means tires sit perfectly upright on both the left and right side of the vehicle, making tire pressure evenly distributed. Negative camber indicates tires that tilt towards one another while positive camber ers to tires tilting outwards. BMWs may require various manipulations of camber, depending on the model. A BMW 3-Series, for example, best handles on standard street conditions and vehicle turns when the camber is slightly negative.

BMW Caster

Caster relates to steering alignment. Zero caster ers to a steering axis that, when angled vertically, provides for straight driving. Positive caster indicates strut angling toward the back end of the vehicle, while negative caster means strut angling toward the front. BMW caster --- as with camber --- varies depending upon the model, although most models require 3-9 degrees of angle variety. Front-end and back-end caster can be analyzed independently.

BMW Toe

Toe-in ers to tires where the front edges are angled closer together than back edges. Alternatively, toe-out means tires that angle into each other more on the back edge. Toe helps cars handle while making wide and sharp turns. Toe is adjusted by manipulating the tie rods. Minimal toe-out calibrations may be required for some BMW models, although tires with "neutral" toe are usually most reliable.

First introduced in 1976, the Accord is a mid-sized family vehicle manufactured by Honda and sold internationally. All Accord sedans require periodic adjustment, often erred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2001 Accord models. These specifications stem from a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber represents the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Accord camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be +0.0 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.1 degree on the front wheels and -0.30 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.1 degree on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster represents both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Accord caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +2.48 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 0.1 degree.

Toe

Toe represents the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. The factory specification for the 2001 Accord is 0 mm with maximum allowable difference of 2 mm (0, 1/16 inches).

Many auto repair shops are equipped to perform alignment adjustments on regular cars and trucks, but aligning the front ends of buses, RVs or heavy-duty trucks often requires the use of specialized tools. The types of tools used include primary tools such as alignment gauges and axle-correction tools, as well as an array of supplemental tools like wheel-rim straightening tools, wheel-weight tools and lug-nut-cover tools. Adjusting the alignment of a heavy vehicle is not something an amateur should attempt, especially since most shops rely on heavy-duty lifts or a pit to access the underside of vehicles.

Alignment Guages

Because accurately measuring the angles of several aspects of a wheel, particularly the caster, camber and toe, is crucial to correcting the alignment, alignment gauges are perhaps the most important tool when aligning the front ends of heavy-duty vehicles. Companies such as Specialty Products Company, Josam and Bee Line sell manual, computerized and laser alignment gauges. Specialty Products Company offers manual heavy-duty gauges for around $200, as of December of 2010, while Bee Line offers portable and stand-alone computerized gauging systems that use laser measuring the company claims is accurate to 1/1000 of an inch. Bee Line must be contacted for pricing on its computerized systems, and these systems may require additional tools, accessories and training.

Axle Correction Tools

Axle correction is the only way to adjust the camber to the ideal settings on heavy-duty vehicles such as semi tractors. Bee Line and Josam offer portable and pit-based axle-correction tools capable of applying up to 130 tons of pressure to the axle in order to adjust the camber. Axle-correction tools consist of a steel beam with hydraulic rams connected to it. The beam of the tool is fastened to the axle, and the hydraulic rams extend, applying tons of pressure and bending the axle.

Other Tools

There are a wide array of other tools that can be necessary or beneficial to adjusting the alignment of a heavy-duty truck, depending on the vehicle and the types of adjusts being made. Turntables make it easier to move heavy-duty alignment systems from bay to bay or from location to location. Slip plates allow a wheel to move freely while it is being adjusted. A tandem axle caliper can be used to measure the distance between axles of a semi-tractor. A rim-straightening tool can be sued to manually straighten dents and bends in wheel flanges or rims.

Chevy introduced the Equinox in 2005. According to Edmunds.com, the Equinox is one of a growing number of "plus-sized small crossover SUVs" that combine the style and utility of a traditional SUV while providing better driving dynamics and fuel economy. The Equinox is currently in its second generation, after Chevy redesigned it for the 2010 model year.

General Alignment Information

The 2010 Chevy Equinox came in several all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive trims. However, the alignment specs were the same for all trims. The caster, camber and toe-in were adjustable on the front end, while the camber, toe-in and thrust angle were adjustable on the rear end. The caster is the angle of an imaginary line drawn through the upper steering pivot and the lower steering pivot of a wheel when measured from the side of a vehicle. The camber is the way that a wheel tilts when looked at from the front of the vehicle. The toe-in of a wheel is the angle the wheels point in relation to the center line of the vehicle. The thrust angle is the angle of the rear wheels in relation to the center line of the vehicle.

Front End Alignment

The caster on the front end of the 2010 Chevy Equinox should be set between +0.75 and +2.45 degrees, with a cross tolerance of +0.75 degree. The camber angle on the front end should be set between -0.4 degree and +0.75 degree, with a cross tolerance of +0.75 degree. The ideal setting for the front toe-in is +0.2 degree.

Rear End Alignment

The camber angle on the rear end of the 2010 Chevy Equinox should be set between -0.5 degree and +0.75 degree. The caster is not adjustable on the rear end. The rear toe-in can range from +0.1 degree to +0.2 degree. The thrust angle should be 0.2 degree. Correcting the toe-in on the front and rear ends should automatically correct the thrust angle and center the steering.

Camber is the angle that a wheel tilts when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel tilts out, the wheel has a positive camber. If it tilts in, it has a negative camber. Camber measurements are usually given in degrees, but they are also sometimes given in inches. Most vehicles from the early 1900s came with fixed front and rear axles, and it is still common for vehicles to have fixed rear axles. The preferred caster angle varies significantly from make to make and model to model, and it often varies from year to year and even trim to trim of a given model.

Early American Cars

Early Fords came with fixed axles and the preferred camber setting for most models was +0.25 to +1.0 degree, likewise most early Chevrolets with fixed axles called for a preferred camber setting of +0.5 to +1.5 degrees and early Mopar vehicles with fixed axles had an ideal camber setting of +0.25 to +0.75 degrees. However, the preferred settings could vary from model to model and year to year. It is extremely important to find the camber settings for the specific model, model year and trim before attempting to make any adjustments.

Contemporary Cars

For contemporary vehicles, the camber is usually adjustable only on the front end, unless the vehicle has independent rear suspension. Vehicles without independent rear suspension, such as most pickup trucks, will have a fixed rear axle. The ideal camber is usually zero for fixed axles on contemporary vehicles. If the camber angle is not the ideal setting, it suggests a bent or damaged part rather than an alignment problem, and it cannot be adjusted by normal wheel alignment techniques and more than likely will require more extensive repairs.

Heavy-Duty Vehicles

It is still common for tractor-trailers, buses and RVs to come with fixed front axles. As with other types of vehicles, the camber specs can range from make to make and model to model of heavy-duty vehicles. However, Bee Line, an industry leader in heavy-duty truck alignment equipment, uses zero to +0.4 degrees as an industry standard for the preferred setting of fixed steering axles. Adjusting the camber on heavy-duty vehicles normally requires applying several tones of pressure to bend the vehicles axle.

Introduced in 1995, the Stratus is a four-door mid-sized sedan manufactured by Dodge. All Stratus models require periodic adjustment, often referred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2001 Stratus models. These specifications apply to a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber represents the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Accord camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be +0.1 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.6 degrees on the front wheels and -0.1 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.4 degrees on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster represents both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Stratus caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +3.1 degrees, with the maximum allowable difference of 1.0 degree.

Toe

Toe represents the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total toe acceptable angle is +0.1 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 0.2 degrees.

Toyota introduced the mid-sized Tacoma pickup truck in 1995. A second-generation Tacoma was introduced in 2005. For the 2009 model year, the Tacoma was available in several two- and four-wheel-drive trims of the Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab models with long or short beds. The alignment specs vary significantly from model to model and from trim to trim. Before attempting to align the wheels of a 2009 Tacoma, it is absolutely necessary to identify the exact model and trim of the vehicle being aligned. The specs discussed below are for the Regular Cab two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive trims only and should not be used on other models or trims of the vehicle. The rear end is not adjustable on the 2009 Tacoma because it came with a fixed rear axle.

All Regular Cab 4X2s, Except PreRunner

The caster angle can vary from +3.18 degrees to +1.68 degree. The ideal setting is +3.93 with a cross-tolerance of +0.5 degrees. The camber angle can vary from -0.61 degrees to +0.89 degrees, but the ideal setting is +0.14 with a cross-tolerance of +0.5 degrees. The toe-in can range from -0.11 to +0.21, and the ideal setting is +0.08 degrees. The steering axis inclination (SAI) should be set at 10.8 degrees but can range from +10.0 degrees to +11.6 degrees. The ideal turning angle is 38.8/32.5 degrees with a variance of +1.5 degrees.

The Regular Cab PreRunner 4X2

The caster angle can range from +1.0 to +2.50 with the ideal being +1.75 with a cross tolerance of +0.50. The camber can range from -0.80 degrees to +1.30 degrees; the ideal setting is +0.55 degrees with a cross-tolerance of +0.5 degrees. The toe-in on the front should be set at +0.1 degrees but can range from -0.06 degrees to +0.26 degrees. The ideal SAI is +11.9 degrees, with a variance of 0.8 degrees. The ideal turning angle is 40.3/35.9 degrees, with a variance of 1.5 degrees.

All Regular Cab 4X4 Trims

The caster angle can range from +1.03 degrees to +1.53 degrees, with the ideal setting being +0.78 degrees with a cross tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The camber angle can range from -0.21 degrees to +1.29 degrees, with the ideal setting being +0.54 with a cross-tolerance of 0.5 degrees. The ideal toe-in setting is +0.09 degrees but it can range from -0.07 degrees to +0.25 degrees. The SAI should be set at +11.9 degrees, with a variance of 0.8 degrees. The ideal turning angle is 40.3/35.9 degrees, with a variance of 1.5 degrees.

The current generation of the Chevy Impala was introduced in 2006. It is a full-sized family sedan available in several trims. A 50th Anniversary edition was available for the 2008 model year, and there were four different types of suspension used on the Impala in 2008. Check your owners manual to determine which type of suspension your car has, and always check your owners manual or consult a certified mechanic before attempting to make any auto repairs.

Alignment Specs for the Soft Ride Suspension System

For the front end, the caster angle can range from +2.40 degrees to +3.40 degrees, with the ideal setting being +2.90 degrees. The camber angle can range from -1.30 degrees to -.30 degrees, with the ideal setting being -.80 degrees. The toe-in can range from -.10 degrees to +.30 degrees. The steering-wheel angle can range from -3.50 degrees to +3.50 degrees, but ideally it should be evened out at zero degrees.

For the rear end, the camber angle can range from -1.15 degrees to -.15 degrees, with the ideal being -.65 degrees. The total toe can range from -.10 degrees to +.30 degrees, with the ideal setting being +.10 degrees. The thrust angle can range from -.15 degrees to +.15 degrees. The caster angle is not adjustable on the rear end.

Alignment Specs for the Sport Suspension System

For the front end, the caster angle can range from +2.65 degrees to +3.65 degrees, with the ideal setting being +3.15. The camber angle can range from -1.20 degrees to -.20 degrees, with the ideal setting being -.70 degrees. The toe-in can range from -.10 to +.30 degrees. The steering-wheel angle can range from -3.50 degrees to +3.50 degrees, but ideally it should be evened out at zero degrees.

For the rear end, the camber angle can range from -1.40 degrees to -.40 degrees, with the ideal setting being -.90. The total toe can range from -.10 degrees to +.30 degrees, with the ideal setting being +.10 degrees. The thrust angle can range from -.15 degrees to +.15 degrees. The caster angle is not adjustable on the rear end.

Alignment Specs for the SEO Vehicle Police Car and the SEO Vehicle Police Car LC

For the front end of cars with the SEO Vehicle Police Car suspension system, the caster angle can range from +2.70 degrees to +3.70 degrees, with the ideal setting being +3.20 degrees. The camber angle can range from -1.00 degrees to zero degrees, with the ideal setting being -.50 degrees. The toe-in can range from -.10 degrees to +.30 degrees. The steering angle can range from -3.50 degrees to +3.50 degrees, but ideally it should be evened out at zero degrees.

For the front end of cars with the SEO Vehicle Police Car LC suspension system, the caster angle can range from +2.55 degrees to +3.55 degrees, with the ideal setting being +3.05. The camber angle can range from -1.15 degrees to -.15 degrees, with the ideal setting being -.65 degrees. The toe-in can range from -10 degrees to +.30 degrees. The steering angle can range from -3.50 degrees to +3.50 degrees, but ideally it should be evened out at zero degrees.

The rear-end alignment specs are the same for the SEO Vehicle Police Car and the SEO Vehicle Police Car LC. The camber angle can range from -1.20 degrees to -.20 degrees, with the ideal setting being -.70 degrees. The total toe can range from -.10 degrees to +.30 degrees, with the ideal setting being +.10 degrees. The thrust angle can range from -.15 degrees to +.15 degrees. The caster angle is not adjustable on the rear end.

Lincoln originally introduced the Town Car as a trim of the 1969 to 1971 Continental. It became a separate model in 1972 and has since been Lincolns most recognized and successful sedan. It is known not only for the performance of its V-8 engine, but also for its comfortable ride and its wide, spacious six-person seating. The current generation of the Town Car rolled out in 2003. The alignment specs for all trims of the 2010 Lincoln Town Car are the same, and the alignment cannot be adjusted on the rear wheels.

Caster

The caster angle is the measurement of a positive or negative slope in line between the upper and lower steering pivots in a wheel when looking at it from the side of the vehicle. The caster angle is measured in degrees. The limits for the caster angle in the 2010 Lincoln Town Car are +5.45 degrees to +6.95 degrees. The ideal setting for the caster angle is +6.2 degrees.

Camber

The camber is the angle that the tire slants when looked at from the front of the car. If the top of the tire looks like it is tilting inward toward the cars engine, then the camber angle is negative. If it tilts outward away from the engine, then the camber angle is positive. Like the caster angle, the camber angle is measured in degrees. The limits for the camber angle in the 2010 Lincoln Town Car are -1.35 degrees to +.15 degrees, and the ideal setting for the camber angle is -.6 degrees.

Toe-in

The front wheels of many vehicles are angled slightly toward each other at their fronts to help take pressure off of the vehicles suspension. This inward angle is referred to as the "toe-in" and is the measurement of the exact angle the wheels sit in relation to the centerline of the vehicle when viewed from above. The toe-in can also be presented in inches by measuring the distance between the fronts of the two front tires and the distance between the backs of the two front tires, with the difference being the toe-in. The limits for the toe-in in the 2010 Lincoln Town Car are +.13 degrees to +3.7 degrees. The 2010 "Motor Auto Repair Manual" suggests performing a ball-joint inspection when calculating or adjusting the toe-in.

FYI

Please keep in mind that the alignment specs for a vehicle change from year to year, as well as from model to model. Be sure to check your owners manual or speak with a certified mechanic before making any significant repairs or adjustments to your vehicle.

The Taurus is a mid-size family car introduced by the Ford Motor Co. in the early 1980s. Like other automobiles, the Taurus requires periodic adjustment of the wheels, often referred to as an "alignment," to ensure that the vehicle tracks straight and its tires wear evenly. Factory specifications for an alignment were the same for all Taurus models in 1988. These specifications are given for a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber is the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Taurus camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. The nominal angle should be +0.5 degrees with maximum allowable difference of 0.6 degrees.

Caster

Caster is both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Taurus caster angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Caster angle should have a nominal measurement of +3.8 degrees with maximum allowable difference of 1.0 degree.

Toe

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. The total toe specification is -0.100 inches and an angle of -0.2 degrees.

First introduced on the U.S. market in 1982, Sentra is a compact family car manufactured by Nissan and sold worldwide. All Sentra sedans require periodic adjustment, often referred to as "alignment." The factory specifications for the alignment are the same for all 2002 Sentra models. These specifications are given for a vehicle at curb height with one-half tank of fuel.

Camber

Measured in degrees, camber is the outward or inward tilt of the wheel in relation to the center of the vehicle. The Sentra camber angle should be the same on both left and right wheels. Camber angles must be 50.25 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.45 degrees on the front wheels and -1.00 degrees with the measuring accuracy of 0.45 degrees on the rear wheels.

Caster

Caster is both the rearward and the forward tilt of the steering knuckle from the true vertical. Caster is the measurement in angles that is responsible for directional stability. The Sentra caster angle should be the same on both rear and front wheels. The angle must be +1.36 degrees with the maximum allowable difference of 0.85 degrees.

Toe

Toe is the difference between the leading and trailing inside edges of the front wheels. Total toe angles on the Sentra models must be +0.11 degrees with measuring range of 0.05 degrees. Toe-in specification should be set at 2 mm with maximum allowable difference of 1 mm.