maintenance
Wheel Alignment
for 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV 65 kWh Single Motor FWD · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
1.0 h
Tools
12
Steps
9
🤖AI-generated, not yet human-verified. This walkthrough was produced by AI and may contain errors. Treat it as a guide, cross-check every step and torque value against the manufacturer's service manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. This is a moderate-risk job — take extra care.
This procedure covers adjusting the wheel alignment on a 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV to factory specifications, including toe, camber, and caster angles for optimal tire wear and handling.
Warnings
⚠The Bolt EUV weighs approximately 3,700 lbs; ensure lift or rack is rated for this weight and vehicle is properly secured.
⚠Do not loosen cam bolts or subframe bolts without proper vehicle support; suspension load changes can cause injury.
ℹ️Alignment must be performed with fuel tank at least half full and no cargo to represent normal vehicle weight.
ℹ️Battery state of charge should be above 20% to ensure accurate ride height due to battery weight distribution.
Tools required
Wheel alignment machine (computerized)Essential
Torque wrench (capable of 11-129 Nm)Essential
Vehicle lift or alignment rackEssential
19mm wrenchEssential
18mm wrenchEssential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Tie rod adjustment tool or pliersEssential
Alignment turning platesEssential
Wheel chocksEssential
Pry bar (for cam bolt adjustment)
Brake pedal depressor
Wire brush
Parts
- Alignment shims — Use if camber/caster cannot be adjusted within spec
Preparation
- Ensure vehicle is on level surface and tires are inflated to specification (39 PSI front, 38 PSI rear for 2023 Bolt EUV).
- Inspect suspension components, tie rods, ball joints, and wheel bearings for excessive wear; alignment cannot correct worn components.
- Verify wheel and tire sizes match OEM specifications; verify all four wheels/tires are matching sizes.
- Check for accident damage or frame misalignment that would prevent proper adjustment.
- Position vehicle on alignment rack with turning plates under front wheels and slip plates under rear wheels.
- Ensure fuel tank is at least half full and remove any cargo or passengers.
- Bounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension before taking measurements.
Procedure
- 1Attach alignment sensors and perform initial measurementAttach alignment machine wheel sensors to all four wheels according to machine manufacturer's instructions. Ensure sensors are securely mounted and properly calibrated. Perform rolling compensation procedure by moving vehicle forward and backward as directed by alignment machine. Record initial alignment readings for front and rear wheels including toe, camber, and caster values.
- 2Adjust rear toe (if out of specification)Rear toe is adjusted via the rear toe links. Loosen the tie rod jam nuts on both rear toe links. Rotate the inner tie rod to adjust toe setting; turning clockwise increases toe-in, counterclockwise increases toe-out. Adjust both sides equally to maintain thrust angle at zero. Target specification: 0.20° ± 0.20° total toe (0.10° ± 0.10° per wheel). Once specification is achieved, hold the inner tie rod stationary and torque jam nuts to specification.Torque specTie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 3Verify rear camber and caster (non-adjustable)The 2023 Bolt EUV rear camber is not adjustable from the factory. Verify rear camber is within specification: -1.00° ± 0.75° per wheel. If out of specification, inspect for bent components, damaged suspension bushings, or collision damage. Aftermarket camber kits may be required if adjustment is needed and no damage is present. Document readings.
- 4Adjust front camber (if equipped with adjustable strut bolts)If vehicle is equipped with cam bolts or slotted strut mounting holes, loosen the upper strut-to-knuckle cam bolts. Use a pry bar to move the top of the knuckle inward (increase negative camber) or outward (decrease negative camber). Target specification: -0.70° ± 0.75° per wheel. Ensure left and right camber are within 0.50° of each other for even tire wear. Do not fully tighten bolts yet; snug only to allow final adjustment.⚠Support the lower control arm with a jack stand before loosening cam bolts to prevent sudden suspension movement.Torque specCam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
- 5Verify front caster (non-adjustable)Front caster angle is not directly adjustable on the 2023 Bolt EUV. Verify caster is within specification: 4.00° ± 0.75° per wheel. Cross-caster (difference between left and right) should not exceed 0.50°. If out of specification, inspect for bent struts, damaged subframe, or improper ride height. Document readings. Caster can only be adjusted by adding shims between strut and knuckle or replacing damaged components.
- 6Adjust front toeLoosen the tie rod lock nuts on both front outer tie rods using a 19mm wrench while holding the tie rod end with an 18mm wrench. Rotate the outer tie rod to adjust toe; turning the tie rod so it lengthens increases toe-out, shortening increases toe-in. Adjust both sides equally to maintain steering wheel centered position. Target specification: 0.20° ± 0.20° total toe (0.10° ± 0.10° per wheel). Verify steering wheel is centered when wheels are straight ahead.Torque specTie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)
- 7Torque all fasteners to specificationWith vehicle still on alignment rack and suspension at ride height, torque all loosened fasteners in the following order: First, torque front cam bolts (if adjusted) to 129 Nm (95 lb-ft) while maintaining alignment position. Second, torque front tie rod lock nuts to 68 Nm (50 lb-ft). Third, torque rear tie rod jam nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). Verify no components were moved during torquing process.⚠Cam bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension; do not raise vehicle until fasteners are torqued.Torque specCam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)Tie Rod Lock Nut68 Nm (50 lb-ft)Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
- 8Perform final alignment verificationBounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension after torquing. Perform final alignment measurement to confirm all angles are within specification. Verify total toe, individual toe, camber, and caster on all four wheels. Confirm steering wheel is centered with wheels straight ahead (within ±2° of center). Print final alignment report showing all measurements in green/acceptable range.
- 9Remove alignment equipment and test driveRemove all alignment sensors and equipment from vehicle. Lower vehicle from alignment rack. Perform test drive to verify steering wheel position remains centered during straight-line driving. Check for pulling to either side, uneven tire scrub, or steering wheel vibration. Verify electric power steering system operates normally with no warning lights on instrument cluster.
Reassembly
- No disassembly required for standard alignment procedure.
- If dust boots or splash shields were removed for access, reinstall and secure with fasteners torqued to specification.
- Verify all tie rod boots are properly seated and not torn during adjustment.
Verification
- Verify final alignment printout shows all angles within manufacturer specification (green range).
- Confirm steering wheel is centered within ±2° when driving straight on level road.
- Verify vehicle tracks straight with no pulling to either side during test drive.
- Check that all torqued fasteners were properly tightened and no components are loose.
- Ensure no suspension warning lights are illuminated on instrument cluster after test drive.