2017 Honda CR-V Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2017 Honda CR-V offers limited factory adjustment for wheel alignment.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Not factory adjustable. Significant camber issues often point to worn or bent suspension components. To correct slightly out-of-spec front camber, aftermarket camber bolts can be installed in place of the upper strut mounting bolts. These allow for a small degree of adjustment by shifting the knuckle's position relative to the strut.
• Caster: Not factory adjustable. Like camber, caster issues typically indicate damaged or worn components like control arm bushings, ball joints, or the subframe. Aftermarket caster kits, usually incorporating eccentric bushings or adjustable control arms, would be required for adjustment, though this is less common on a CR-V.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Front toe is adjusted by rotating the tie rod ends on each side. This lengthens or shortens the tie rod, pushing or pulling the front of the wheel in or out to achieve the specified toe setting.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. Rear camber on the 2017 CR-V is typically adjusted via an eccentric bolt found on the lower control arm, allowing for changes in the pivot point of the control arm and thus, camber.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Rear toe is adjusted using an eccentric bolt on one of the rear multi-link suspension arms, similar to the camber adjustment, which pivots the arm to alter the toe angle.
• Thrust Angle: Thrust angle is not directly adjustable but is a result of individual rear toe settings. If both rear toe settings are correct, the thrust angle will fall within specifications. If the thrust angle is out, it indicates a difference in toe between the left and right rear wheels, or potentially a bent rear axle/subframe in extreme cases.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For most 2017 Honda CR-V owners, factory adjustments are sufficient for maintaining proper alignment, especially for toe settings. However, if your vehicle has lowered suspension, has been involved in an accident, or has worn components leading to out-of-spec non-adjustable angles:

• Front Camber: Aftermarket camber bolts (e.g., SPC, Ingalls) can provide approximately ±1.5 to ±1.75 degrees of adjustment, which is usually enough to bring lightly out-of-spec front camber back into range without replacing major components.
• Front Caster: While less common for routine alignment, adjustable control arms or eccentric bushings are available from various aftermarket manufacturers if front caster becomes a persistent issue due to component wear or accidental damage.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to accelerated tire wear, decreased fuel economy, and compromised handling. Here are common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator.
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread blocks, where one side of the tread block is worn smooth and the other side is sharp. This often indicates excessive toe in or toe out.
  • Inner or Outer Edge Wear: Excessive wear on one shoulder of the tire, while the other side remains relatively unworn. This is a classic sign of incorrect camber (too much negative or positive).
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular, scooped-out depressions around the tire's tread. While often linked to worn shocks/struts, it can also be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: If your steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, it's a strong sign that the toe adjustment is off.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: The car consistently drifts or pulls to the left or right when driving on a flat road, requiring constant steering correction. This can be caused by incorrect camber, caster, or toe on one side.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: The vehicle feels unstable and difficult to keep in a straight line, especially at higher speeds. This can be due to excessive negative caster or toe out.
• Squealing Tires: Tires may squeal during turns even at low speeds if the alignment is severely off, as they are not rolling true.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are crucial for tire longevity and vehicle safety. Consider an alignment in these situations:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any time parts like tie rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or shocks are replaced, an alignment is necessary.
• After Installing New Tires: To ensure you get the maximum lifespan and performance from your new tires.
• After an Accident or Hitting a Large Pothole/Curb: Even a seemingly minor impact can knock alignment angles out of specification.
• Every 15,000 Miles or Annually: As a preventative measure, especially if you regularly encounter rough roads.
• When You Notice Any of the Above Symptoms: Don't wait for tire wear to become severe; address alignment issues promptly.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2017 Honda CR-V typically ranges from $80 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. This price can vary depending on your location, the type of shop (dealership vs. independent), and whether any seized or rusted components make the adjustment more time-consuming. Premium or lifetime alignment packages may cost more upfront but offer savings in the long run.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.