Premature And/Or Irregular Rear Tire Wear / Adjust Rear Alignment Using Shims - keywords axle performance suspension worn

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Some customers of FWD vehicles may comment about premature and/or irregular rear tire wear. This condition may be caused by the rear alignment being out of specifications. This does not apply to vehicles with AWD or independent rear suspensions.

Verify the customer concern and adjust the rear alignment by adding shims.

Service Procedure

1. Install the alignment equipment according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Jounce the front and rear bumpers three times prior to checking the wheel alignment.
3. Measure the rear alignment angles and record the readings.
4. Raise and support the vehicle.
5. Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly.
6. Remove the brake caliper from its mounting bracket. Support the caliper with heavy mechanic's wire, or equivalent. Ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose.
7. Remove the caliper mounting bracket from the suspension knuckle.
8. Remove the brake rotor retaining screw.
9. Remove the brake rotor.
10. Remove and DISCARD the wheel bearing/hub bolts.
11. Remove the wheel bearing/hub. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
12. Clean the wheel bearing/hub and suspension knuckle surfaces.
13. Install the shim between the wheel bearing/hub and the suspension knuckle following the installation instructions provided with the shim kit. To aid in the installation, an EZ Shim installation tech video is also available on the Specialty Products Company website at www.SPCalignment.com.
14. Connect the wheel speed sensor electrical connector.
15. Install the wheel bearing/hub and NEW bolts. Tighten: Tighten the NEW bolts to 80 N.m (59 lb ft).
16. Using the J 42450-A, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface of the hub/axle flange.
17. Using the J 41013, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface and mounting surface of the brake rotor.
18. Install the brake rotor.
19. Install the brake rotor retaining screw. Tighten: Tighten the screw to 10 N.m (89 lb in).
20. Install the caliper mounting bracket to the suspension knuckle. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).
21. Install the brake caliper to its mounting bracket. Tighten: Tighten the bolts to 34 N.m (25 lb ft).
22. Check for caliper to rotor clearance. If the rotor is locked up, add spacers #75970 behind the caliper as necessary.
23. Install the rear tire and wheel assembly.
24. Repeat above steps for the other side, if necessary.
25. Recheck rear alignment and road test the vehicle.

Shims and spacer kits can be obtained by contacting Specialty Products Company by phone at 1-800-525-6505 or by visiting their website at www.SPCalignment.com. Ask about a distributor near you. The wheel bearing/hub bolts may be obtained by following your normal parts process.

WARRANTY INFORMATION- For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

*This labor operation number is for PI use only. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

**This time includes time to check alignment and road test vehicle.

Please follow this diagnostic or repair process thoroughly and complete each step. If the condition exhibited is resolved without completing every step, the remaining steps do not need to be performed.