2018 Subaru Crosstrek Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

On the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek, front total toe and rear total toe are factory adjustable. Front toe is adjusted via the tie rods, and rear toe is adjusted via eccentric bolts on the lower control arms.

Front camber, front caster, and rear camber are not directly adjustable from the factory. To adjust these angles outside of their non-adjustable state, aftermarket solutions are typically required. For front camber and caster, common solutions include camber bolt kits that replace the upper strut bolts with eccentric bolts, or adjustable control arms. For rear camber, aftermarket adjustable lower control arms or camber bolts for the lower control arm mounts can be used. SAI (Steering Axis Inclination) is a non-adjustable "reading" angle, determined by the vehicle's suspension geometry, and typically only changes with bent suspension components. Thrust angle is also not directly adjustable but is a result of the rear toe settings.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For those seeking to fine-tune their 2018 Subaru Crosstrek's alignment beyond factory adjustments, especially for performance driving or to correct significant deviations, several aftermarket options are available:

• Front Camber/Caster: SPC Performance camber bolts are a popular choice, allowing for adjustment of both camber and caster by replacing the upper strut mounting bolts. Other brands also offer similar eccentric bolt kits or complete adjustable front lower control arms for more extensive adjustment.
• Rear Camber: Adjustable rear lower control arms or camber bolts designed for the rear suspension can be used to bring the rear camber into spec or alter it for specific handling characteristics. These often replace the factory non-adjustable links with components that allow for eccentric adjustment.

Symptoms of bad alignment

A misaligned 2018 Subaru Crosstrek can manifest in various ways, impacting tire wear, handling, and safety. Here are common symptoms and associated tire wear patterns:

• Uneven Tire Wear: This is the most common indicator.
  • Feathering: If you run your hand across the tire tread and it feels sharp on one side and smooth on the other, this "feathered" pattern often indicates excessive toe (either too much toe-in or toe-out). The tire is effectively scrubbing sideways as you drive.
  • Inner or Outer Edge Wear: If only the inner or outer edge of the tire is significantly worn, this usually points to excessive negative or positive camber, respectively. For instance, too much negative camber will cause the inner edge to wear prematurely.
  • Cupping/Scalloping: While often associated with worn shocks or unbalanced tires, irregular cupping or scalloping can sometimes be exacerbated by alignment issues, particularly incorrect toe settings.
• Steering Wheel Off-Center: If your steering wheel is not straight when driving in a straight line, it's a strong sign that your front toe or thrust angle is off.
• Vehicle Pulling: The car consistently drifts to one side, requiring you to hold the steering wheel off-center to stay straight. This is often caused by unequal camber or caster settings side-to-side, or a significant thrust angle issue.
• Loose or Wandering Steering: If your Crosstrek feels "floaty" or requires constant small steering corrections to stay in your lane, it could indicate too little positive caster or excessive toe-out.
• Noisy Tires: Abnormal tire noises, especially a humming or droning sound that changes with speed, can be a symptom of feathered or unevenly worn tires due to misalignment.

When to align

Regular wheel alignments are crucial for maintaining the performance and safety of your 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. Here are key situations when you should definitely get an alignment:

• After Suspension or Steering Component Replacement: Any work involving components that affect suspension geometry, such as tie rods, control arms, ball joints, struts, or trailing arms, necessitates an alignment.
• After Replacing Tires: New tires represent a significant investment. An alignment will ensure they wear evenly and last longer.
• After Hitting a Significant Pothole or Curb: Even a seemingly minor impact can knock your alignment out of spec. If you feel any change in handling or notice your steering wheel is off-center, get it checked.
• Every 12 Months or 12,000-15,000 Miles: As a general preventative maintenance measure, it's good practice to have your alignment inspected annually or with your routine maintenance schedule, even if you don't notice any obvious symptoms.
• When Noticing Alignment Symptoms: Don't wait if you observe uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or the vehicle pulling to one side.

Typical alignment cost

The typical cost for a wheel alignment on a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek generally ranges from $80 to $150 for a standard four-wheel alignment. However, prices can vary based on your geographic location, the type of shop (independent vs. dealership), and any additional labor required to free up seized adjustment bolts or install aftermarket hardware. Some shops may offer a slightly lower price for a front-end-only alignment, but a four-wheel alignment is always recommended for vehicles with adjustable rear suspension.

Find a trusted alignment shop on Repairius.