GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Important: Under no circumstances should the axle housing be straightened in order to correct an alignment problem. Replace the axle assembly if faulty.

The rear wheels cannot be aligned by conventional means. If the wear on the rear tires is uneven or abnormal, it may indicate that the axle housing is misaligned or damaged. To check for a misaligned or damaged axle housing, use the following procedure:

  1. Inspect the following components for misalignment or damage and replace, if necessary:
  2. • The springs
    • The spring hanger and shackle
    • The rear axle
  3. Tighten all rear axle components to specifications. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Rear Suspension.
  4. Place the vehicle on an alignment machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for set up.
  5. Compensate for the rear wheel runout the same way as if checking for front wheel toe-in.

    If it is necessary to back the vehicle onto an alignment machine in order to measure the alignment, the actual toe-out will be read on the scale as toe-in.

  6. Measure the camber of the rear wheels. The camber should be 0.03 degrees negative to 0.05 degrees positive.
  7. Measure the toe-out of the rear wheels. The toe-out should be 0-0.05 degrees or 0-1.58 mm (0-1/16 in).
  8. If the measurements are not within specifications, the body or frame rails may be misaligned or damaged. The necessary straightening operations may be done using frame straightening equipment or by relocating the spring to the axle without removing the axle housing from the vehicle. Any attempt to correct a misaligned rear axle should only be attempted by a qualified individual. For more information, refer to Frame Straightening Description in Frame and Underbody.
  9. If the frame, the springs, and the springs attaching points are within specification, the rear axle assembly must be replaced. Refer to Rear Axle Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.