"Good Enough" Alignment ?

Camber on the front is pretty easy to correct. They should be able to do this for you. That would probably fix the cross camber on the front. I don't think they can fix SAI (steering axis inclination) without replacing struts. If they correct the camber, it might fix this also since it isn't that far off.


I don't understand your notation for the rear - there are two settings: camber and toe.

According to my copy of the service manual (2007), camber should be -1.50° ± 0.5°, toe should be 0.30° ± 0.25°. Cross camber should be 0.5° or less.

The only way to fix the rear is to a) replace parts (the rear axle) which is what the service manual says or b) shim between the backing plate and rear axle.

 

Could you just post the front and rear, left and right, toe and camber? This should be a total of 8 values. I'm not one to work from combined numbers.

Do you have a way to measure the tread depth of each tread on each tire. For my Sumitomo T4s, there would 5 measurements per tire or a total of 20 measurements.

Thanks,
Bob Wilson

Prius Shim Adjustment Procedure

 

My understanding is that the toe settings will have more influence on tire wear than the camber settings. My right rear toe was out of spec, much worse than yours. I used shims to correct the toe but did not attempt to change the camber. My shim is a different shape than the one shown on Bob's webpage. Galaxee's DH made my shims.

 

Thanks! Now I have a clear picture:

Your right side is rough!

See if you can get an EZ-SHIM and find someone to put it on your right rear wheel. This one part can correct the camber and toe.

As for the front right wheel, the NHW11 has a set of camber adjustment bolts. I don't know the NHW20 well enough but I think the middle value one would be perfect. You want to bring the camber into balance.

The front toe is fully adjustable and any competent shop should be able to handle it.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

 

On the NHW-20, for the front camber, there is a certain amount of adjustment that can be done without using a camber bolt. Basically, they just loosen the two bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle (the part the wheel bolts to) and tweaking it in the direction you need. If you can't tweak it far enough, then you can use the camber bolt(s) to increase the amount of movement. The camber bolt is just a bolt with a smaller shank so that the strut can move farther. It is used in place of the original bolt(s) that hold the strut to the steering knuckle.

There is a detailed procedure in the service manual on this. I used the info to determine that the dealer installed the camber bolt in the wrong position on my car (they actually made the cross camber worse). I tweaked the camber myself in my driveway and verified the camber using a digital level that I bought at Sears. The level cost $35 on sale and reads to the nearest 0.1°.

Bob is correct; a competent shop should be able to adjust the front camber and toe easily for you.

 

As 'dogfriend' pointed out, it is a special bolt (also higher quality!) that allows the front strut to be moved to where it can do some good.

More like this:
EZ SHIM Online Application - SPC Alignments

Bob Wilson

 

What is a specialty alignment shop? Before I take mine in for alignment, should I try to find someplace specializing in alignment?

 

Hi Brian,

Such a shop doesn't sell tires. It doesn't sell brake repair or engine oil changes. It focuses on wheel alignment.

When you call to inquire about their pricing for adjusting rear wheel alignment via the use of shims, you don't hear a stunned silence.

 

I have a 2004 and 2005 Prius and both need shims in the rear. Does anybody have any recommendations on a shop in the Northern VA area?

TIA,

Bob