I have a 2014 RX. Just got new tires and an alignment (not at Lexus). One of the specs for the front left tire is showing red both before and after the alignment. The tire shop told me that these cars don't have a caster adjustment, The spec on the sheet calls for 2.2 and the readout is 1.9. The other 3 tires are all within spec.

Questions are:
1. Is it true that caster is not adjustable
2. Is the difference between 2.2 and 1.9 enough to worry about
3. Any other suggestions

Thanks

Bob

 

This has some technical explanation. In short, I would not worry about it. Did you have any prior driving issues or tire wear problems related to alignment? I bet not. I had a similar issue on two of my Lexus vehicles but never noticed any steering problems or related tire wear. Also, their machine could have been a bit out of specification, or the operator was sloppy.
http://aligncraft.com/terms/terms.html

 

Does the printout have an acceptable range number?

It is usually something like +/-0.5 (if not more given the bigger tires on an SUV) for caster, which would mean you are fine.

I have not taken a detailed look at my RX, but, given what I do know about the front suspension, it is very possible that the caster is not adjustable. [EDIT] Should also add, the FWD nature of the RX makes this less important than on a RWD car, so having it off a little shouldn't matter.

 

Caster affects the car's ability to return the steering wheel to center; and if you are not experiencing a "pull" to either side while on a flat road, then you have no issue.

 

if they drill oblong holes out on the strut assembly they can adjust it in most cases.

 

Thank you for all the responses. I did not have any problems before the alignment and am not having since. So I guess there is nothing to worry about.

Thanks again

Bob