Alignment: Service and Repair
Wheel Alignment
The 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. Check the tire size and tire pressure.
Tire size:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
P195/65R15 89H M+S
LX (except '06-07 2-door U.S.A.), and LX-P models:
P205/65R15 92H M+S
DX ('06-07), LX ('06-07 2-door U.S.A.), SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models:
P205/60R16 91V M+S
Tire pressure:
DX, VP, LX ('06-07 2-door U.S.A.), SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models:
Front: 220 kPa (2.2 kgf/cm2, 32 psi)
Rear: 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2, 30 psi)
LX (except '06-07 2-door U.S.A.) and LX-P models:
Front: 210 kPa (2.1 kgf/cm2, 30 psi)
Rear: 200 kPa (2.0 kgf/cm2, 29 psi)
4. Check the runout of the wheels and tires.
5. Check the suspension ball joints. (Hold a wheel with your hands, and move it up and down and right and left to check for wobbling.)
6. Bounce the suspension up and down several times to stabilize the suspension.
Caster Inspection
Use a 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:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
3°10' ± 45'
DX ('06-07), LX, LXP, SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models:
3°15' ± 45'
2. If out of specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
Camber Inspection
Use a 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:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
0°03' ± 45'
DX ('06-07), LX, LXP, SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models:
0°00' ± 45'
Maximum difference between the right and left side:
0°45'
Rear:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
-0°50' ± 30'
DX ('06-07), LX, LXP, SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models:
-1°00' ± 30'
2. If out of specification, check for bent or damaged suspension components.
Front Toe Inspection/Adjustment
Use a 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.
2. Check the toe with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
Front toe-in: 0 ± 2 mm (0 ± 1/16 inch)
- If no adjustment is required, remove the alignment equipment.
- If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
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 rack ends (C) until the front toe is within specifications.
4. After adjusting, tighten the tie-rod locknuts. Reposition the rack-rod boot if it is twisted or displaced.
Rear Toe Inspection/Adjustment
Use a 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 inch)
- If no adjustment is required, remove the alignment equipment.
- If adjustment is required, go to step 3.
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 loosened.
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 a 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.
Turning angle:
Inward wheel:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
39°00' ± 2°
DX ('06-07), LX, LXP, SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models
38°50' ± 2°
Outward wheel:
DX ('03-05), and VP models:
31°50'(reference)
DX ('06-07), LX, LXP, SE, EX, EXL and EX-SE models
31°40 (reference)
2. If the turning angle is not within the specifications, check for bent or damaged suspension components.