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Lexus: How to Align Your Tires

Alignment is important for keeping your drive smooth and saving your tire's tread. Here is how to align your own tires on your Lexus.

By Quinn Daily - November 11, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS, RX, GS, LS, and ES (2005-2013).

You need alignment if your vehicle is pulling to the left or right, or if your tire tread wear is uneven. People don't think it's possible to align their tires at home without the fancy machine shops use. However, the shop would charge you approximately $120 to do the job for you. Doing your own alignment may seem daunting, but once it is broke down step-by-step, you'll see it's a straightforward process.

Tools Needed

  • Jack and 4 jack stands
  • Tape measure
  • Penetrating lube
  • 14mm, 17mm, and 21mm sockets and ratchets
  • Pink contractor's string

Pro Tip

Before you start this process, measure the tire tread to make sure they are more than 2/32" in per Lexus specs. If they are any less than that, you need to change your tires, then you can set your alignment. It's also important to note that alignment MUST be done on a known level surface.

(Related Article: How to Check Your Tire Tread - Clublexus.com)

Step 1 - Tie string to stands

Place two jack stands at each bumper of your vehicle. Take your contractor's string, cut to the length of the car and loop each end on each jack stand. Pull your jacks apart until the string is taught. Now raise each jack stand to the center hub of your wheels. Make sure your string is one inch from the center of each wheel, at the front and rear.

Figure 1. Attach string to jack stands.

Step 2 - Measure the distance between wheel and string

If the tire is touching at the front of the wheel, you have “toe-out”. Toe is the angle of your wheel when looking down at the tire. If the rear of the tire is touching the string, you have “toe-in.” Your tires should be 2mm toe in per lexus specs. First make sure your steering wheel is straight. Starting with the front wheel, look to see the distance between each end of the wheel. Is the tire touching the string at the front of the wheel or the rear of the wheel?

Figure 2. Measure the distance between the wheel and the string.

Step 3 - Lift the vehicle

Once you have decided which way your tire is angled, you with adjust your toe accordingly. Lift the front end of your vehicle with the floor jack, keeping your steering wheel straight. Then align by running your tie-rod end's jam nut inward or outward. If you have toe-in, run the jam nut outwards, the same as loosening a nut. If you have toe-out, run the jam nut inwards, same as tightening a nut. First zero out your wheel, meaning both sides of the wheel are equal length from the string. Then, as per Lexus specs, adjust your tie-rods to gain 2mm toe-in. Do this by measuring 1 inch from the string to the front of your tire. Once you have done this, move to the rear.

Figure 3. Loosen the bolts to rotate the tie rod.

Step 4 - Repeat the process on the other wheel

Same as with the front tire, check your distances from the string to the tire at each end. More often than not, your rear toe will be correct. If not, adjust your rear jam nut accordingly, using the same procedure as the front. Once finished, repeat the process on the other side and you will be finished!

Pro Tip

Always use small increments of turns when adjusting your alignment. Even an 1/8 turn can make a large difference between correct setting and an incorrect setting. Take your time and double check your string-to-wheel hub gap repeatedly. Good luck and use the money you've saved to enjoy your fresh alignment!

Featured Video: How to Align Your Tires

Related Discussion

DIY Alignment - Clublexus.com