2016 Subaru Crosstrek Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek, front toe is easily adjustable from the factory. Front camber and caster, however, are not directly adjustable. Minor camber adjustments can sometimes be achieved by shifting the subframe, but this offers limited range and is not considered a primary adjustment method. For significant front camber or caster changes, aftermarket solutions such as camber bolts or adjustable control arms are required.

At the rear, toe is factory adjustable. Rear camber is not directly adjustable from the factory. Similar to the front, any significant rear camber adjustment would necessitate aftermarket components like camber bolts or adjustable lateral links. Thrust angle, which indicates whether the rear wheels are tracking straight with the front, is influenced by individual rear toe settings.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Since the 2016 Subaru Crosstrek has limited factory adjustability for camber and caster, particularly in the front, aftermarket solutions are often recommended for those seeking to fine-tune their alignment beyond the OEM specifications, or to correct alignment issues on lowered vehicles or those with worn suspension components.

For front camber and caster correction, popular options include:

• Camber bolts: These replace the upper strut mount bolts and allow for a small degree of eccentric adjustment, typically offering up to ±1.75 degrees of camber change. Several reputable brands offer these.
• Adjustable lower control arms: These provide a much wider range of adjustment for both camber and caster, depending on the design. They are a more involved modification but offer greater control.

For rear camber correction, especially on lowered vehicles, adjustable lateral links are the preferred solution. These replace the factory links and allow for precise camber adjustments.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Several tell-tale signs can indicate that your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek is in need of an alignment:

• Uneven tire wear: This is the most common symptom. Specific wear patterns often point to particular alignment issues:
  • Feathering: This occurs when one side of the tread rib is worn smooth while the other side remains sharp. It often indicates excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • 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 typically points to an issue with camber.
  • Cupping or scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops on the tire tread can be caused by a combination of imbalanced tires, worn suspension components, and sometimes incorrect toe settings.
• Steering wheel off-center: If your steering wheel is not straight when you are driving in a straight line, it's a strong indicator of an alignment problem, most often related to toe.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: If your Crosstrek consistently pulls to one side, requiring you to constantly correct the steering, an alignment is likely needed. This can be caused by issues with camber, caster, or toe.
• Loose or wandering steering: If your vehicle feels unstable or tends to wander on the road, it could be a sign of excessive toe-out or worn steering components.
• Squealing tires: While also indicating underinflation or aggressive driving, squealing tires during normal cornering can sometimes be a symptom of incorrect toe settings.

When to align

It's recommended to have a wheel alignment performed on your 2016 Subaru Crosstrek in several key situations:

• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes new struts, control arms, tie rods, ball joints, or anything that affects the geometry of your suspension.
• After installing new tires: Even if your old tires wore evenly, new tires are an investment, and an alignment ensures you get the maximum lifespan out of them.
• After hitting a significant pothole or curb: A sudden impact can easily knock your alignment out of specification.
• Every 12 months or 15,000 miles: Even without obvious symptoms, alignment can drift over time due to normal wear and tear and road conditions. Regular checks can prevent premature tire wear.
• If you notice any of the "Symptoms of bad alignment" mentioned above.

Typical alignment cost

The typical cost for a wheel alignment on a 2016 Subaru Crosstrek can vary depending on your location, the type of shop (dealership vs. independent), and whether any additional adjustments or parts are needed. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. Some shops may offer a discount if you purchase new tires from them. It's always a good idea to call around and get a few quotes before scheduling service.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.