2017 GMC Acadia Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2017 GMC Acadia, like most modern unibody crossover SUVs, offers limited but critical alignment adjustments from the factory. Understanding what can and cannot be adjusted is key to diagnosing and correcting alignment issues.

Front Axle:

• Toe: This is the primary and most critical adjustment available on the front axle. It is adjusted by loosening the jam nuts on the inner and outer tie rods and rotating them to lengthen or shorten the assembly, pushing or pulling the front of the tires inward or outward.
• Camber & Caster: On a stock 2017 Acadia, there is no factory provision for adjusting camber or caster. The front McPherson strut assembly bolts to the steering knuckle in a fixed position. While these angles are measured to diagnose problems (like bent struts, worn ball joints, or subframe shifts), they cannot be corrected with standard alignment procedures. If these angles are out of specification, it typically indicates a damaged or worn component that needs replacement.

Rear Axle:

• Toe: Rear toe is adjustable. The adjustment is typically made via an eccentric bolt on the inboard end of the rearmost suspension link (toe link). Rotating this bolt shifts the link's pivot point, changing the angle of the wheel.
• Camber: Similar to the front, there is no factory provision for adjusting rear camber. The rear multi-link suspension components have fixed mounting points. If rear camber is out of spec, it usually points to worn bushings or a bent component.

Recommended adjustment hardware

When front or rear camber (or front caster) is out of specification due to minor subframe shifts or normal component wear, and not because of significant damage, aftermarket kits can be installed to add adjustability.

• For Front Camber/Caster: The most common solution for the 2017 Acadia is an aftermarket "cam bolt" or "eccentric bolt" kit (like those from SPC Performance, Moog, or Ingalls). These kits replace one of the two bolts that attach the strut to the steering knuckle. The lobes on the cam bolt allow for several degrees of camber and/or caster adjustment by shifting the knuckle's position relative to the strut. This is a highly effective and standard industry practice for adding adjustability where none exists from the factory.
• For Rear Camber: If rear camber correction is needed, adjustable control arms are typically required. These arms replace the fixed-length factory arm and have an integrated eccentric or a threaded turnbuckle design that allows for precise camber changes.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Your vehicle will often give you clear signs when its alignment is off. Look and listen for:

• Steering wheel off-center: When driving straight on a level road, the steering wheel should be centered. If it's crooked, it's a sure sign of an alignment issue, usually toe.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: A constant pull to the left or right can be caused by uneven camber, caster, or toe. It can also be caused by a "radial pull" from a tire, which your technician can check by swapping tires from side to side.
• Sloppy or loose steering feel: Vague steering can be a symptom of incorrect toe settings.
• Uneven tire wear: This is the most common and costly symptom. Specific wear patterns indicate specific alignment problems:
  • Feathering/Sawtooth Wear: When you run your hand over the tire tread, it feels smooth in one direction and sharp in the other. This is a classic sign of incorrect toe.
  • Inner or Outer Edge Wear: If the inside or outside shoulder of the tire is wearing down much faster than the rest of the tread, it points to a camber issue. Positive camber wears the outside edge, while negative camber (more common) wears the inside edge.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: This pattern of diagonal, scooped-out depressions in the tread is usually caused by worn shocks or struts, but it can be initiated or accelerated by a bad alignment.

When to align

Preventative alignment checks can save you hundreds of dollars in premature tire replacement. It's recommended to have your alignment checked, and adjusted if necessary, whenever you:

• Install new tires.
• Replace any suspension or steering components (struts, control arms, tie rods, ball joints).
• Have a significant impact with a curb, pothole, or other road hazard.
• Notice any of the symptoms mentioned above (pulling, off-center wheel, uneven wear).
• As a rule of thumb, an annual check is a good idea, even if you don't notice any obvious problems.

Typical alignment cost

Alignment costs can vary based on your location and the type of shop. For a 2017 GMC Acadia, you can expect:

• Front-end alignment (Two-wheel): $80 - $120. This would only adjust the front toe.
• Four-wheel alignment: $100 - $180. This is the recommended service, as it checks and adjusts both front and rear toe and provides a complete picture of all alignment angles.

Note that these prices do not include the cost of installing aftermarket adjustment kits if camber or caster correction is needed. Expect additional labor charges and the cost of the kits themselves if this is required.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.