Adjust and align the front and rear wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, toe) to factory specifications using specialized alignment equipment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Alignment report printout × 1 — N/A

Preparation

1. Verify customer complaint and previous alignment history if available
2. Inspect all tires for proper inflation per door jamb sticker (typically 32-35 PSI)
3. Check tire tread depth and irregular wear patterns that indicate alignment issues
4. Perform visual inspection of suspension components including tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings, and strut mounts for wear or damage
5. Check for bent or damaged wheels and ensure all lug nuts are properly torqued
6. Verify vehicle is at curb weight - fuel tank should be at least half full, remove heavy cargo
7. Bounce each corner of vehicle several times to settle suspension before measurement
8. Position vehicle on alignment rack with all four wheels on rolling compensating plates

Procedure

1. 1

   Mount alignment sensors and perform rolling compensation
   Attach alignment targets/sensors to all four wheels according to alignment machine manufacturer instructions. Ensure sensors are level and securely mounted. Perform rolling compensation procedure by rolling vehicle forward and backward approximately one wheel revolution to account for wheel runout and tire irregularities. Follow alignment machine prompts to complete compensation.
2. 2

   Measure initial alignment angles
   With vehicle settled and weight on all four wheels, measure and record all alignment angles: front camber, front caster, front toe, rear camber, and rear toe. Print initial alignment reading for customer records. Compare measurements to Toyota factory specifications for 2014-2019 Corolla (typical specs: front camber -0.67° ±0.75°, front caster +2.75° ±0.75°, front toe 0.0° ±0.16°, rear camber -1.25° ±0.75°, rear toe 0.12° ±0.16°).
3. 3

   Adjust rear toe if out of specification
   If rear toe is out of specification, loosen the tie rod jam nuts on both rear toe control rods using 18mm wrench. Rotate the toe control rod to adjust toe angle - turning rod clockwise (from rear of vehicle) increases toe-in, counterclockwise decreases toe-in. Adjust left and right sides equally to maintain thrust angle at zero. Monitor alignment machine display and adjust until rear toe is within specification.
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Adjust rear camber if necessary and equipped
   Standard 2014-2019 Corolla does not have factory rear camber adjustment. If vehicle is equipped with aftermarket camber bolts, loosen the upper strut mounting bolts at the shock tower. Rotate camber bolt to achieve desired camber angle. If no adjustment capability exists and camber is significantly out of specification, inspect for bent suspension components or collapsed springs. Note on repair order if rear camber cannot be adjusted.
   Torque spec

   Camber Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Adjust front camber using strut cam bolts
   To adjust front camber, loosen but do not remove the lower strut-to-knuckle cam bolts on the side requiring adjustment. Use 17mm wrench to hold cam bolt position. Rotate the eccentric cam to move the bottom of the wheel in (increase negative camber) or out (decrease negative camber). Monitor alignment machine display. Adjust both sides to achieve equal camber within ±0.5° side-to-side. Do not fully tighten cam bolts yet.
6. 6

   Verify caster angle
   Check front caster angle readings on alignment machine. Caster is not directly adjustable on 2014-2019 Corolla. If caster is significantly out of specification or varies more than 0.75° side-to-side, this indicates bent strut, lower control arm, or subframe damage. Document finding and recommend further inspection. Caster will be affected slightly by camber adjustment.
7. 7

   Adjust front toe
   Loosen tie rod jam nuts on both front outer tie rods using 18mm wrench while holding tie rod end with vise grips or pliers to prevent rotation of the ball stud. Rotate the outer tie rod to adjust toe - turning tie rod end out (lengthening tie rod) increases toe-out, turning in (shortening) increases toe-in. Adjust both sides equally to maintain steering wheel centered position. Monitor alignment machine and adjust until total toe is 0.0° ±0.16° (0.08° ±0.08° per wheel).
   Torque spec

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque all fasteners to specification
   With all alignment adjustments complete and verified on alignment machine display, torque all loosened fasteners. Torque front cam bolts to 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) - this is critical as improper torque will cause alignment shift. Torque tie rod jam nuts to 55 Nm (41 lb-ft). If rear camber bolts were adjusted, torque to 75 Nm (55 lb-ft). If tie rod lock nuts were loosened, torque to 65 Nm (48 lb-ft).
   ⚠Cam bolts MUST be torqued to exactly 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) or camber will shift during driving - this is the most critical torque specification for alignment retention
   Torque spec

   Cam Bolts122 Nm (90 lb-ft)

   Tie Rod Jam Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

   Camber Bolts75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

   Tie Rod Lock Nut65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Perform final alignment measurement
   After all fasteners are torqued, bounce each corner of vehicle once to settle suspension. Allow vehicle to settle for 10-15 seconds. Take final alignment measurements and verify all angles are within factory specification. Print final alignment report showing before and after measurements. Verify steering wheel is centered with wheels pointed straight ahead.
10. 10

    Road test vehicle
    Remove alignment sensors and lower vehicle from rack. Test drive vehicle in straight line at 30-40 mph on level road to verify steering wheel is centered, vehicle tracks straight without pulling, and no abnormal handling characteristics exist. Return to shop and verify no alignment changes occurred during test drive if concerns exist.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all tie rod jam nuts and cam bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify steering wheel is centered before releasing vehicle
3. Provide customer with before and after alignment printout showing all adjustments made

Verification

• Final alignment reading shows all angles within Toyota factory specifications
• Steering wheel is centered when driving straight with hands-off for brief moment
• Vehicle tracks straight on level road without pulling left or right
• No unusual tire scrubbing or steering resistance during turns
• All adjustment fasteners are properly torqued and secured

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