2017 Chevrolet Malibu Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, front toe is adjustable from the factory. This is typically done via tie rod ends, allowing for precise adjustment to achieve the preferred toe settings. Front camber and caster are not factory-adjustable. If these angles are outside the specified range, it often indicates worn or damaged suspension components, or it may require aftermarket solutions to correct.

The rear axle of the 2017 Malibu offers factory adjustment for both camber and toe. These adjustments are usually made using eccentric bolts or cams, which allow for fine-tuning to bring the wheels into specification.

For non-adjustable angles like front camber and caster, if you find them consistently out of spec and no worn components are evident, correction kits such as camber bolts or eccentric bushings may be available from aftermarket manufacturers to provide adjustability. These kits replace original equipment bolts or bushings with components that allow for a limited range of adjustment.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, if you need to correct front camber or caster beyond what worn components can explain, consider researching aftermarket camber bolts or adjustable strut mounts. Brands like SPC Performance or Ingalls Engineering often offer solutions for vehicles with non-adjustable factory settings. Always ensure any aftermarket parts are compatible with your specific vehicle and meet safety standards. When dealing with factory-adjustable rear camber and toe, using high-quality OEM or equivalent aftermarket eccentric bolts is recommended if the original hardware is corroded or damaged.

Symptoms of bad alignment

An improperly aligned 2017 Chevrolet Malibu can exhibit several tell-tale signs, with tire wear being one of the most common and costly.

• Feathering: This occurs when the tread ribs of your tires are worn smooth on one side and sharp on the other, resembling the edge of a feather. This is often a strong indicator of incorrect toe settings (either too much toe-in or toe-out).
• Inner or Outer Shoulder Wear: If only the inner or outer edge of your tire tread is significantly worn down, it typically points to an issue with camber. Negative camber wears the inner edge, while positive camber wears the outer edge.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This pattern appears as dips or scoops around the circumference of the tire. While it can be caused by alignment issues, it's also often a symptom of worn or damaged suspension components like shocks, struts, or ball joints.
• Vehicle Pulling: If your Malibu consistently drifts or pulls to one side when driving on a flat road, it's a classic sign of an alignment problem, often related to caster or camber differences between the front wheels.
• Uneven Steering Wheel: If your steering wheel isn't centered when you're driving straight, but the car is going straight, it indicates that the toe adjustment was made without setting the steering wheel straight first.

When to align

To maintain optimal handling, tire life, and fuel economy, it's crucial to get a wheel alignment for your 2017 Chevrolet Malibu in the following situations:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time you replace parts like tie rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or springs, an alignment is essential. These components directly affect wheel angles.
• When Installing New Tires: To ensure you get the maximum lifespan out of your new investment, an alignment should always accompany new tire installation.
• After an Accident or Hitting a Large Pothole/Curb: Even a seemingly minor impact can knock your alignment out of specification.
• When Noticing Alignment Symptoms: If you experience any of the symptoms of bad alignment mentioned above, don't delay getting it checked.
• Regular Maintenance: Even without obvious symptoms, it's a good idea to have your alignment checked annually or every 10,000-15,000 miles as a preventative measure.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2017 Chevrolet Malibu can vary based on location, the type of shop (dealership vs. independent), and whether any adjustments are needed beyond simple toe corrections. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are required for non-adjustable angles, the cost could be higher due to parts and increased labor time.

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