Perform a four-wheel alignment on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry to restore proper wheel angles and ensure optimal tire wear, steering stability, and vehicle handling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tie rod end — Replace only if worn or damaged during adjustment

Preparation

1. Drive vehicle onto alignment rack ensuring front wheels are centered on turntables and rear wheels on slip plates
2. Verify tire pressures match vehicle door placard specification (typically 35 PSI front and rear)
3. Bounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension components
4. Install steering wheel holder to lock steering wheel in straight-ahead position
5. Inspect suspension components for worn ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, or damaged struts that would prevent proper alignment
6. Check for bent or damaged wheels and verify all four tires are same size and close to same tread depth
7. Release parking brake and ensure transmission is in neutral or park

Procedure

1. 1

   Mount alignment sensors and perform initial measurement
   Attach alignment machine wheel clamps and sensors to all four wheels according to alignment machine manufacturer instructions. Perform wheel compensation procedure (rolling compensation or run-out compensation) as required by your alignment system. Complete initial measurement to determine current alignment angles including caster, camber, toe, and thrust angle.
2. 2

   Verify alignment specifications
   Compare measured values to Toyota factory specifications. For 2018-2024 Camry 2.5L: Front caster 3.52° ±0.75°, Front camber -0.57° ±0.75° (not adjustable), Front toe 0.0° ±0.16° (0.00 ±0.16 inches), Rear camber -1.35° ±0.75°, Rear toe 0.12° ±0.16° (0.12 ±0.16 inches). Note that thrust angle should be within ±0.1° for proper tracking.
3. 3

   Adjust rear camber if necessary
   If rear camber is out of specification, loosen the two rear suspension cam bolts (eccentric bolts) on the rear lower control arm using a 19mm socket. Rotate the cam bolt to adjust camber angle while monitoring alignment machine display. Front cam bolt primarily affects camber. Make small adjustments and recheck readings. Once specification is achieved, hold cam bolt head and torque nut to specified value.
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Adjust rear toe
   Loosen the rear cam bolt (toe adjust cam) on the rear lower control arm using a 19mm socket. Rotate the rear cam bolt to adjust toe angle while monitoring alignment machine. Positive rotation (clockwise from behind vehicle) increases toe-in. Make small adjustments as cam bolts are highly sensitive. Once rear toe meets specification (0.12° ±0.16° per wheel), torque cam bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts129 Nm (95 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Set rear axle thrust angle
   Verify that total rear toe creates a thrust angle within ±0.1°. If thrust angle is excessive, adjust left and right rear toe equally to center the rear axle. The thrust angle should point directly forward along vehicle centerline. This ensures the rear axle is tracking straight and front wheels can be aligned parallel to thrust line.
6. 6

   Loosen front tie rod jam nuts
   At each front tie rod, use penetrating oil on jam nut threads if corroded. Use a 17mm wrench to loosen the tie rod jam nut (located between tie rod end and steering rack boot). Do not loosen the tie rod end castle nut at the knuckle. Mark or count the exposed threads on tie rod for reference before adjustment.
7. 7

   Adjust front toe
   Rotate the tie rod shaft using the flats near the tie rod end or by gripping the tie rod with adjustable pliers. Turning the tie rod in (threading it into the tie rod end) increases toe-in; turning it out decreases toe-in. Make equal adjustments to left and right sides to maintain centered steering wheel. Monitor alignment machine display and adjust until front toe is 0.0° ±0.16° total. Ensure steering wheel remains centered throughout adjustment.
8. 8

   Torque tie rod jam nuts
   Once front toe is within specification and steering wheel is centered, hold tie rod shaft stationary and torque both tie rod jam nuts to specification using a 17mm wrench and torque wrench. Verify that tie rod end boot is not twisted and sits properly against steering knuckle.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Perform final measurement
   Complete a final alignment measurement to confirm all angles are within specification. Verify front caster is equal side-to-side within 0.5°, front camber is within tolerance (even if not adjustable), front toe is 0.0° ±0.16°, rear camber is -1.35° ±0.75°, rear toe is 0.12° ±0.16°, and thrust angle is within ±0.1°. Check that steering wheel is centered when wheels point straight ahead.
10. 10

    Document results and remove equipment
    Print or save alignment report showing before and after measurements. Remove steering wheel holder and alignment sensors. Remove wheel clamps carefully to avoid disturbing alignment. Lower vehicle from rack and perform final verification.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly required for standard alignment procedure
2. Ensure all cam bolts and tie rod jam nuts are torqued to specification
3. Verify steering wheel is centered and all alignment machine components are removed from vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle in straight line at moderate speed to confirm vehicle tracks straight without pulling left or right
• Verify steering wheel is centered when driving straight with hands off wheel momentarily on level road
• Check that steering returns to center smoothly after turns
• Monitor tire wear over next 500-1000 miles to confirm proper alignment is maintained
• Recheck alignment if vehicle has been involved in impact with curb or pothole

More procedures for this vehicle