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Adjust toe safely
Rim Reader tells you which way to turn the front of each tire and how far. The wrenching is yours, so do it safely.
Before you pick up a wrench
- Work on firm, level ground with the engine off, the parking brake on and the wheels chocked.
- Never get under, or reach under, a vehicle held up only by a jack. Use rated jack stands.
- Inspect the tie-rod ends, ball joints, bushings and tires first. Do not adjust or reuse worn, bent or damaged parts.
- Follow the vehicle maker’s procedure and specifications.
In and out
In means the tire’s front toward the car’s middle. Out means the tire’s front away from the middle.
Toe In and Out
Step by step
- Check the confidence. If it is Low, measure again before adjusting.
- Hold the steering wheel straight while you adjust. Lock it if you can.
- Turn the tie rod a little on the wheel the app names. Whether lengthening or shortening the rod turns the tire in or out depends on the car, so turn it a little, measure, and watch the number move the right way.
- Tighten the jam nuts to the maker’s torque, and lug nuts and other fasteners too if you touched them.
- Measure again. Then in Garage & History, tick both runs and tap Compare to see before and after. A change too small to be real shows as no measurable change.
- Check the steering moves freely from lock to lock and the steering wheel is centered.
- Take the phone and the bracket off before the car moves.
- Test-drive slowly in a safe, empty place. If the car pulls, wanders, vibrates or makes noise, stop and have it inspected.
Have a shop check itRim Reader gives estimates. Have a qualified shop check the alignment before highway driving or carrying heavy loads.