While the ad slogan for the 2011 Chrysler 200 was “Imported from Detroit” most technicians knew when they looked up at the undercarriage it was the old JS platform that Chrysler shared with Mitsubishi.
Pre-Alignment
In Chrysler’s service information, the company is a big believer in the “as is” test drive and vehicle inspection even before the sensor or target are put on the wheels. They also believe that rarely will a customer bring a vehicle in for an alignment if there are no problems.
When aligning any vehicle, look at the tires to reveal any wear and potential angle problems. Make sure the tires match from side to side. Inspect the lower front ball joints, these are prone to wear out. Also, check the condition of the lower control arm bushings.
Ride Height
The curb height of the Chysler 200 is a diagnostic measurement and can be used to verify it is within specifications. In the front, measure and record the distance from the center of the spindle to the floor and the height of the lower control arm bolt to the floor. Subtract the numbers from each other.
In the rear, measure and record the distance from the center of the spindle to the floor and the height of the lower control arm bolt to the floor.
Side-to-side, the measurements should be within 12mm of each other. The 2.4L should have a front height of 148mm while the 3.6L V6 should be 158mm. In the rear, the height should be 126mm. The specification has a tolerance of plus or minus 12mm. If there is a large discrepancy, check for loads in the vehicle, damage to the subframe or damage to suspension components.
Front Suspension
Front camber and caster settings on the 200 are set at the time the vehicle is assembled and no adjustments are built in. Chrysler calls this is the process “Net Build.” Chrysler does advise that the subframe can be moved to adjust caster. But it can be difficult to do because when one side moves it changes the angles of the other side. To adjust camber, aftermarket kits need to be installed in the lower strut mounts to align the 200.
Wait to set the front toe. Chrysler recommends setting the rear toe first.
Rear Suspension
There are no built-in adjustments for camber on the 200. If there is an issue with camber, inspect the bushings in the knuckle and links for play and wear. The camber can be adjusted using aftermarket adjustable arms or shims that can be installed between the knuckle and hub unit. Toe is adjusted with the toe link and should be set before the front toe.
