2015 Chevrolet Equinox Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2015 Chevrolet Equinox offers limited factory adjustment for wheel alignment.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Not factory adjustable. If camber is out of specification, it typically indicates worn or bent suspension components. Aftermarket camber bolts or slotted strut tower kits can provide adjustment.
• Caster: Not factory adjustable. Similar to camber, caster issues often point to damaged suspension parts. Aftermarket solutions like eccentric bushings or adjustable control arms may be available for correction.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Front toe is adjusted using the tie rod ends.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. Rear camber can be adjusted via an eccentric bolt on the lower control arm.
• Total Toe: Factory adjustable. Rear toe is adjusted using eccentric bolts on the rear toe links.
• Thrust Angle: Not directly adjustable. Thrust angle is a result of the rear toe settings. If thrust angle is out of specification after adjusting rear toe, it may indicate a bent frame or axle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

While the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox has some factory adjustability, achieving optimal alignment within spec, especially after suspension repairs or modifications, might require aftermarket components.

• Front Camber/Caster: If front camber or caster is out of spec due to minor suspension sag or slight impact, aftermarket camber bolts (e.g., from SPC Performance or Ingalls Engineering) can provide a few degrees of adjustment. For more significant correction, adjustable control arms may be necessary.
• Rear Camber: The factory eccentric bolts usually allow sufficient adjustment for rear camber. However, if the range is still not enough, aftermarket eccentric bolts with a greater adjustment range can be considered.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misalignment can manifest in various ways, primarily affecting tire wear, steering, and overall vehicle handling. Here are some common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common and often the first sign of an alignment issue.
  • Feathering: One side of the tread block is worn smooth, and the other is sharp. This usually indicates excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops create a high and low spot on the tread. This can be caused by worn shocks or unbalanced tires, but also by excessive camber or toe issues.
  • Inner or Outer Edge Wear: Excessive wear on either the inside or outside edge of the tire points to incorrect camber settings. Negative camber wears the inside, positive camber wears the outside.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel isn't straight when driving in a straight line, your alignment is likely off.
• Vehicle Pulling: The vehicle constantly drifts or pulls to one side, requiring constant steering correction.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to keep in a straight line.
• Squealing Tires: Tires squealing during turns, even at low speeds, can indicate excessive toe.

When to align

Regular alignment checks are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety, tire life, and fuel economy. Here are key situations that necessitate an alignment:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any work involving steering rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or tie rods will alter your alignment settings.
• After Installing New Tires: To ensure even wear and maximize the life of your new tires, an alignment is recommended.
• After Hitting a Major Pothole or Curb: A significant impact can knock your alignment out of spec.
• After an Accident: Even minor fender-benders can affect alignment.
• When You Notice Any of the Above Symptoms: Don't wait for severe tire wear; address alignment issues promptly.
• Every 12-15,000 Miles or Annually: As a preventative measure, a yearly alignment check or every time you rotate your tires is a good practice.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox can vary based on your location, the shop, and whether only a front or all-wheel alignment is performed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 for a standard alignment. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are required, the cost could increase.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.