Wheel Alignment: Rear Toe

The toe setting of an independent rear suspension vehicle will affect the vehicle's thrust angle and result in excessive tire wear. In the illustration below, the toe-out setting wore the inside tread of the left rear tire almost bald. Visually inspect the vehicle for a bent or worn component. Manufacturers include a rear toe adjustment on vehicles with independent rear suspension.

Rear toe is checked and set before a front-end alignment is performed. The front toe is the last and most likely angle to require adjustment. Alignment racks display angles in fractions of inches (1/4), but many alignment racks today use degrees (°). Toe-in is considered positive toe (+), and toe-out is considered negative toe (-). Adjust the toe by turning a tie rod, adjustable link, or an eccentric cam located at the wheel is adjusted. A vehicle's rear toe setting affects its steering wheel position.