Alignment: Service and Repair
Wheel AlignmentThe suspension can be adjusted for front and rear toe.
Pre-Alignment Checks
For proper inspection and adjustment of the wheel alignment, do these checks:
1. Release the parking brake to avoid an incorrect measurement.
2. Make sure the suspension is not modified.
3. Make sure the fuel tank is full, and that the spare tire, the jack, and the tools are in place on the vehicle.
4. Check the tire size and tire pressure.
Tire size (4-door):
LX, LX+, LX PZEV, and LX+PZEV models:
Front/Rear: P215/60R16 94H
EX, EX-L, EX PZEV, and EX-L PZEV models:
Front/Rear: P225/50RI7 93V
Tire size (2-door):
Front/Rear: P225/50R17 93V
Tire pressure (4-door) (at cold):
LX, LX+, LX PZEV, and LX+PZEV models:
Front/Rear: 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2, 30 psi)
EX EX-L, EX PZEV, and EX-L PZEV models:
Front/Rear: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2, 32 psi)
Tire pressure (2-door) (at cold):
Front/Rear: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2 32 psi)
5. Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
6. 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.)
7. Before doing alignment inspections, be sure to remove all extra weight from the vehicle, and no one should be inside the vehicle (driver or passengers).
8. Bounce the vehicle up and down several times to stabilize the suspension.
9. Check that the steering column is set at the center tilt and telescopic position.
Caster 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. Check the caster angle.
Caster angle:
4-door: 3° 48'+0°25' -05'
2-door: 3° 47'+0°25' -05'
(Maximum difference between the right and left side: 0°45')
^ If the measurement is within specifications, measure the camber angle.
^ If the measurement is not within specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
Camber 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. Check the camber angle.
Camber angle:
Front: 0° 00'+30' -45'
Rear: -1° 00'+30' -45'
(Maximum difference between the right and left side: 0° 30')
^ If the measurement is within specifications, measure the toe-in.
^ If the measurement is not within specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
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. Set the steering column to the middle tilt and telescopic positions. Center the steering wheel spokes, and install a steering wheel holder tool.
2. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
Front toe-in: 0±2 mm (0±0.08 in.)
^ If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
^ If no adjustment is required, go to rear toe inspection/adjustment.
3. Loosen the tie-rod locknuts (A) while holding the flat surface sections (B) of the tie-rod end with a wrench, and turn both tie-rods (C) until the front toe is within specifications.
4. After adjusting, tighten the tie-rod locknuts. Reposition the rack end boot if it is twisted or displaced.
5. Go to rear toe inspection/adjustment.
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 avoid an incorrect measurement.
2. Check the toe.
Rear toe-in: 2±2 mm (0.08±0.08 in.)
^ If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
^ If no adjustment is required, remove the alignment equipment.
3. Hold the adjusting bolt (A) on the rear control arm (B), and loosen the self-locking nut (C).
4. 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 tightened to the specified torque.
5. Adjust the rear toe by turning the adjusting bolt until the toe is correct.
6. Tighten the self-locking nut while holding the adjusting bolt.
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 wheel right and left while applying the brake, and measure the turning angle of both wheels.
2. If the measurement is not within the specifications, even up both sides of the tie-rod threaded section length while adjusting the front toe. If it is correct, but the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.