Wheel Alignment: Rear Toe

wheel alignment rear toe out

The toe setting of an independent rear suspension vehicle will affect the vehicle's thrust angle and result in excessive tire wear. In the illustration, the toe-out setting wore the inside tread of the left rear tire almost bald. Visually inspect the vehicle for a bent or worn component. Manufacturer's include a rear toe adjustment on vehicles with independent rear suspension. Adjust toe by turning a tie rod or an eccentric cam located at the wheel being adjusted.

Rear toe is checked and set before a front end alignment is performed. Front toe is the last and most likely angle to require adjustment. Alignment racks display angles in fractions of inches (1/4), but many alignment racks today use degrees (°). Toe-in is considered positive toe (+), and toe-out is considered negative toe (-). A vehicle's rear toe setting affects its steering wheel position.