2018 Subaru Forester Wheel Alignment Specifications

As an ASE-certified alignment technician, I’ve put thousands of Subaru vehicles on the alignment rack, and the 2018 Subaru Forester is one of the most common compact SUVs we see. Known for its standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, maintaining proper wheel alignment on the Forester is critical not only for tire longevity but also for the health of the AWD system itself. Even minor deviations from factory specifications can lead to uneven tire wear, which can cause driveline bind if tire circumferences vary too much.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the 2018 Subaru Forester wheel alignment specifications, adjustability, and common issues.

Quick reference

Here are the factory-recommended alignment specifications for the 2018 Subaru Forester. All specifications represent an unloaded vehicle with a full tank of gas.

(Note: Fractional measurements like inches are sometimes used for toe, but degrees are the industry standard for modern optical alignment machines. Always follow your specific alignment machine's OEM database if variations exist based on specific trim packages).

Adjustability

Subaru suspension designs are largely consistent across their lineup, meaning the 2018 Forester has specific factory limitations regarding what can and cannot be adjusted without aftermarket parts.

Front Adjustability:

• Camber: Yes. The front struts feature an upper eccentric (cam) bolt connecting the strut to the steering knuckle. This allows for factory camber adjustment.
• Toe: Yes. Front toe is easily adjustable via the inner and outer tie rod ends on the steering rack.
• Caster & SAI: No. Caster and Steering Axis Inclination are built into the MacPherson strut design. If caster is out of specification, it typically indicates bent suspension components (such as a lower control arm or strut) or a shifted subframe.

Rear Adjustability:

• Toe: Yes. The rear suspension features a factory eccentric bolt at the inboard side of the rear lateral link. This allows technicians to dial in the rear toe and correct the thrust angle.
• Camber: No. From the factory, the 2018 Forester does not have rear camber adjustment. If rear camber is out of spec, it is usually due to sagging rear coil springs, worn bushings, or carrying a heavy load in the cargo area.

Recommended adjustment hardware

Because the 2018 Forester lacks factory rear camber adjustment, lifting the vehicle, carrying heavy loads, or long-term suspension sag can push rear camber out of the acceptable range. To correct this, aftermarket hardware is required:

• Rear Lower Adjustable Control Arms: Companies like SPC Performance and Whiteline make adjustable rear lower control arms (lateral links) that replace the fixed factory arms. These allow for significant rear camber adjustment.
• Aftermarket Cam Bolts: If slightly more front camber is needed (or if a front lower strut hole is slotted), 14mm aftermarket cam bolts can be added to the lower strut hole to provide an extra ±1.5 degrees of adjustment.
• Eccentric Bushings: Polyurethane offset bushings can be pressed into the upper control arms to adjust rear camber, though adjustable arms are generally easier for the alignment technician to use.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Because of Subaru's AWD system, paying attention to tire wear is crucial. Watch for these common tire-wear patterns indicating an alignment issue:

• Inner or Outer Edge Wear (Camber Wear): Smooth, accelerated wear on one side of the tire tread indicates excessive negative or positive camber. On the Forester, excessive negative rear camber from sagging springs is a common cause of inner rear tire wear.
• Feathering (Toe Wear): If the tread blocks feel smooth when you rub your hand across the tire one way, but sharp the other way, this is feathering. It is almost always caused by incorrect toe settings.
• Cupping / Scalloping: While sometimes caused by bad struts, cupping can also result from a combination of bad toe and worn suspension bushings causing the tire to bounce and scrub.
• Off-Center Steering Wheel or Pulling: If the vehicle drifts to the left or right when letting go of the wheel, or if the steering wheel is crooked when driving straight, the front toe, front camber, or rear thrust angle is out of spec.

When to align

You should have the alignment checked on your 2018 Subaru Forester under the following conditions:

• After installing new tires: Protect your investment; poor alignment can ruin a new set of tires in just a few thousand miles.
• After suspension or steering work: Replacing tie rods, struts, control arms, or wheel bearings will alter the suspension geometry.
• After hitting a curb or deep pothole: A hard impact can easily knock a tie rod or strut out of adjustment.
• Routine Maintenance: It is highly recommended to have the alignment checked once a year or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, especially in areas with poorly maintained roads.

Typical alignment cost

For a standard four-wheel alignment on a 2018 Subaru Forester using factory adjustments, expect to pay between $90 and $140, depending on your region and the shop's labor rate.

Keep in mind that if your Forester requires the installation of aftermarket rear camber arms or cam bolts to correct out-of-spec angles, the cost will increase to cover the parts and the additional labor required to install them.

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