2018 Subaru Outback Wheel Alignment Specifications

Quick reference

Adjustability

The 2018 Subaru Outback offers a fair degree of factory adjustment, primarily focusing on toe settings for both the front and rear axles.

For the front axle, toe is adjustable via the tie rod ends. This allows for precise control over the individual and total toe settings, which are crucial for tire wear and steering response. Front camber and caster, however, are non-adjustable from the factory. If these angles are found to be outside the specified range, it often indicates worn or damaged suspension components, or a need for aftermarket correction. Aftermarket solutions typically involve "cam bolts" or "eccentric bushings" that replace original equipment bolts in the lower strut or control arm. These specialized bolts have an eccentric lobe that allows for a small degree of camber or caster adjustment when rotated.

On the rear axle, toe is also adjustable, usually through an eccentric cam bolt located on the lower control arm. This provides the ability to fine-tune rear toe, which is important for vehicle stability and rear tire wear. Similar to the front, rear camber is non-adjustable from the factory. If rear camber is out of specification, it generally points to worn parts or requires an aftermarket camber correction kit, which can include adjustable control arms or eccentric bolts.

Thrust angle is a calculated angle derived from the individual rear toe readings. It represents the direction the rear wheels are pointing relative to the centerline of the vehicle. While not directly adjustable, corrections to individual rear toe will inherently correct thrust angle.

Recommended adjustment hardware

For most 2018 Subaru Outback owners, maintaining proper toe settings with the factory adjustment mechanisms will suffice. However, if you've lowered your vehicle, lifted it, or frequently carry heavy loads, you might find that camber falls out of specification. In such cases, aftermarket camber correction kits are highly recommended. Brands like SPC Performance (Specialty Products Company) offer well-regarded solutions, such as their adjustable cam bolts for the front struts and adjustable rear control arms, which can bring camber within specification and prevent premature tire wear.

Symptoms of bad alignment

Several tell-tale signs can indicate that your 2018 Subaru Outback is in need of an alignment:

• Uneven tire wear: This is the most common symptom. Different alignment issues cause distinct wear patterns:
  • Feathering: Saw-tooth pattern across the tire tread, often caused by excessive toe-in or toe-out.
  • Shoulder wear (either inner or outer): Indicates excessive positive or negative camber. Inner shoulder wear points to excessive negative camber, while outer shoulder wear suggests excessive positive camber.
  • Cupping or scalloping: Irregular dips or scoops in the tread, often linked to worn shocks/struts or imbalanced tires, but can also be exacerbated by alignment issues.
• Vehicle pulling or drifting: The car constantly wants to steer to one side, even on a flat road. This can be a sign of incorrect caster or camber settings.
• Steering wheel off-center: Even when driving straight, the steering wheel isn't centered. This is frequently caused by incorrect toe settings.
• Loose or wandering steering: The vehicle feels difficult to keep in a straight line without constant steering corrections, often a symptom of incorrect caster.
• Squealing tires: Tires squeal during turns, even at low speeds, which can be an indication of excessive toe.

When to align

It's advisable to have your 2018 Subaru Outback's alignment checked in several situations:

• Annually or every 10,000-12,000 miles: Regular checks can catch minor deviations before they become major problems.
• After any suspension or steering component replacement: This includes new tie rod ends, control arms, ball joints, shocks, or struts, as these directly affect alignment angles.
• After installing new tires: To maximize the life and performance of your new rubber.
• After hitting a significant pothole, curb, or accident: Even a minor impact can throw off your alignment.
• If you notice any of the "symptoms of bad alignment" listed above.

Typical alignment cost

The cost of a wheel alignment for a 2018 Subaru Outback 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. If specialized adjustments or aftermarket parts are required to bring the vehicle into specification, the cost will be higher.", meta_title=