2018 GMC Acadia Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2018 GMC Acadia has limited factory alignment adjustments. On the front axle, only total toe is adjustable via the tie rod ends. Front camber and caster are not factory adjustable. This means that if your Acadia's front camber or caster is out of spec, you will need to install aftermarket parts to bring it back into the correct range.

On the rear axle, total toe is adjustable. Rear camber is not factory adjustable. Similar to the front, correcting rear camber will require aftermarket solutions.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For the front of your 2018 Acadia, if camber or caster are out of specification, the most common solution is to install an aftermarket cam bolt kit. These kits replace the original non-adjustable upper strut-to-knuckle bolts with smaller-diameter cam bolts. This allows for a small amount of adjustment by rotating the cam, which shifts the position of the steering knuckle relative to the strut, thereby changing the camber and caster angles. Several reputable brands, such as Specialty Products Company (SPC), offer kits specifically for the 2018 Acadia.

For the rear, if camber is out of spec, you can use adjustable control arms or eccentric bushings to get the adjustment you need.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned vehicle can exhibit several symptoms, with uneven tire wear being the most common. Here are some things to look for:

• Feathering: This is a pattern of alternating high and low tread blocks, often caused by incorrect toe settings.
• Camber wear: This appears as excessive wear on either the inside or outside edge of the tire. If the top of the tire is tilted inward (negative camber), the inside edge will wear faster. If it's tilted outward (positive camber), the outside edge will wear.
• Heel/toe wear: This is when the leading or trailing edge of the tread blocks wears faster than the rest of the block, often a sign of incorrect toe or worn suspension bushings.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: This is a classic symptom of an alignment issue, often related to caster or camber.
• Crooked steering wheel: If you have to hold the steering wheel off-center to drive straight, your alignment is likely off.

When to align

It's a good idea to have your alignment checked whenever you get new tires. This will ensure that your new investment isn't prematurely worn down by a bad alignment. You should also have the alignment checked after any of the following:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes struts, control arms, tie rod ends, and ball joints.
• After hitting a curb or large pothole: A significant impact can easily knock your alignment out of spec.
• If you notice any of the symptoms of bad alignment.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a four-wheel alignment for a 2018 GMC Acadia can vary depending on your location and the shop you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 for a standard alignment. If you need to have aftermarket parts installed to correct camber or caster, the cost will be higher.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.