2020 Chevrolet Malibu Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2020 Chevrolet Malibu, front toe is the primary factory-adjustable angle. This is achieved by adjusting the tie rod ends. Front camber and caster are not directly adjustable from the factory. If these angles are out of specification due to normal wear, minor impacts, or settling of suspension components, they typically require aftermarket solutions for adjustment.

The rear suspension on the 2020 Malibu allows for adjustment of rear total toe. This is usually done via an eccentric bolt or cam on a lower control arm. Rear camber is generally non-adjustable from the factory. If rear camber is outside the acceptable range, it often indicates worn components or the need for an aftermarket camber kit.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For the front suspension, if camber or caster is out of spec, an aftermarket camber/caster kit, often involving eccentric bolts or adjustable control arms, would be needed to bring these angles back within the recommended range. SPC Performance and Ingalls Engineering are common manufacturers of such correction kits. For the rear, if camber is out of spec and not caused by worn components, aftermarket camber bolts or adjustable control arms might be necessary.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Misalignment can manifest in several noticeable ways, most commonly through tire wear patterns and handling characteristics.

• Feathering: This occurs when one side of the tire tread block is worn smooth while the other side is sharp. This is a classic sign of excessive toe-in or toe-out. If you run your hand across the tread, it will feel smooth in one direction and rough in the other.
• Camber wear (one-sided wear): If the inside or outside edge of your tire is significantly more worn than the rest of the tread, it indicates incorrect camber. Negative camber wear shows more wear on the inside edge, while positive camber wear shows more wear on the outside edge.
• Cupping or scalloping: Irregular dips and valleys on the tire tread, often appearing as if sections have been scooped out. While often associated with worn shocks or unbalanced tires, severe alignment issues, particularly combination problems, can contribute to this.
• Steering wheel off-center: If your steering wheel is not straight when driving in a straight line, it's a strong indicator of an alignment problem, especially with front total toe.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: The car consistently wants to stray to the left or right, requiring constant steering correction to maintain a straight path. This can be caused by unequal caster, camber, or severe total toe issues.

When to align

It's crucial to have your wheels aligned regularly to ensure optimal tire life, fuel economy, and vehicle safety.

• After suspension or steering component replacement: Any time components such as tie rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or shocks are replaced, an alignment is essential.
• After installing new tires: To protect your investment in new tires and ensure even wear from the start, an alignment is highly recommended.
• After an impact: Hitting a curb, pothole, or being involved in a minor accident can throw your alignment off. After such an event, it's wise to get an alignment check.
• Regular maintenance: Even without specific events, an annual alignment check or every 10,000-15,000 miles is good preventative maintenance.
• When symptoms appear: As soon as you notice any of the symptoms of bad alignment described above, schedule an alignment service.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment can vary depending on your location, the type of shop, and any special requirements (e.g., if adjustment hardware is needed). Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. Some shops offer lifetime alignment packages, which can be cost-effective in the long run.

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