2020 Nissan Altima Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2020 Nissan Altima offers a degree of adjustability for its wheel alignment, though not all angles are factory-adjustable.

Front Axle:

• Camber: Factory non-adjustable. If camber falls outside the specified range, it usually indicates worn or bent suspension components, or a strut tower issue. Aftermarket camber bolts or slotted strut mounts can be installed to allow for camber adjustment.
• Caster: Factory non-adjustable. Similar to camber, deviations in caster typically point to damaged or worn suspension parts. Aftermarket eccentric bushings for control arms can provide some caster adjustment.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Both total toe and individual toe for the front wheels can be set using the tie rods. This is the primary alignment adjustment on the front of the Altima.

Rear Axle:

• Camber: Factory adjustable. The rear camber can typically be adjusted via eccentric bolts on the lower control arms, allowing for correction within the specified range.
• Toe: Factory adjustable. Similar to the front, the rear toe is adjustable, usually through eccentric bolts or sleeves on the tie rods or control arms, allowing precise setting of total and individual rear toe.
• Thrust Angle: This is a calculated angle derived from the rear toe settings. While not directly adjustable, correcting the individual rear toe will inherently correct the thrust angle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For the 2020 Nissan Altima, if your vehicle requires adjustment beyond the factory capabilities, especially for front camber or caster, here are some common solutions:

• Front Camber/Caster Correction:
  • Aftermarket Camber Bolts: These replace the factory strut-to-knuckle bolts and have a smaller shank diameter or an eccentric lobe that allows the strut to be moved outward or inward, thereby adjusting camber. Some may also offer minor caster adjustments.
  • Slotted Strut Mounts: These allow for sliding the top of the strut assembly, offering more significant camber (and sometimes caster) alteration.
  • Adjustable Control Arms/Bushings: For more extensive correction or for enthusiasts, adjustable lower control arms or eccentric bushings can provide substantial changes to both camber and caster.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to accelerated tire wear, compromised handling, and reduced safety. Here are common symptoms:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common and telling sign.
  • Feathering: Sawtooth-like wear across the tread, often indicating excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Aggressive edge wear (inside or outside): Typically points to excessive negative or positive camber.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: Irregular dips in the tread, often due to worn shocks/struts, but can be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Vehicle Pulling to One Side: The car drifts or pulls to the left or right when driving on a flat, straight road, indicating unequal caster or camber settings between the front wheels, or an incorrect thrust angle.
• Steering Wheel Not Centered: Even when driving straight, the steering wheel is crooked.
• Loose or Vagueness in Steering: The vehicle feels less responsive to steering inputs.
• Squealing Tires: Tires may squeal during turns even at low speeds, indicating tires scrubbing due to improper toe settings.

When to align

To ensure optimal performance and tire longevity, an alignment is recommended in the following situations:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any work involving steering rods, ball joints, control arms, struts, shocks, or tie rods will alter the alignment and requires a subsequent adjustment.
• After Installing New Tires: While new tires themselves don't change alignment, an alignment check ensures you get the maximum lifespan out of your investment and prevents premature wear.
• After an Accident or Hitting a Large Pothole/Curb: Significant impacts can bend or shift suspension components, knocking the alignment out of specification.
• Every 12,000-15,000 Miles or Annually: Regular alignment checks can catch minor deviations before they become major problems.
• When Noticing Any Symptoms of Bad Alignment: Don't wait; address alignment symptoms immediately to prevent further damage and wear.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2020 Nissan Altima can vary based on location, the shop, and whether any seized components need extra labor to free. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. If specialized adjustments (like installing camber bolts) or additional repair work are needed, the cost will be higher.

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