Scion FR-S And Subaru BR-Z Alignment Service

Scion FR-S And Subaru BR-Z Alignment Service

The Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z are essentially the same vehicle except for some badging and styling touches. The rear-wheel-drive platform has a Subaru engine and rear suspension. The BR-Z is the the only Subaru in the lineup without all wheel drive, and the only Scion that sends power to the rear, respectively.

scion-subaru-side

The Scion FR-S and Subaru BR-Z are essentially the same vehicle except for some badging and styling touches. The rear-wheel-drive platform has a Subaru engine and rear suspension. The BR-Z is the the only Subaru in the lineup without all wheel drive, and the only Scion that sends power to the rear, respectively.

The FR-S and BR-Z use a narrow 215/45R17 tire. It is the same Michelin Primacy HP summer tire used on the top trim level of the Prius. This tire is designed to have lower rolling resistance, and therefore, low traction. The platform also has tuned springs and sway bars that are set up to aid in weight transfer. This makes for a vehicle that is drift capable right off the showroom floor.

The alignment for these vehicles is straightforward, and a lot of adjustment is built into the vehicle. If the vehicle is lowered with coilovers or lowering springs, the change in geometry might require additional parts.

subaru scion ride heightRide Height

The ride height is taken using four different measurements. The main measurement is taken from the center of the wheel to the top of the wheel arch. The stock measurement should be around 372-375mm using the stock wheels and tires.

The other measurements are more of a diagnostic procedure that involves measuring points on the inboard mounting and their relationship with the ground. Please consult the service information for this procedure. These measurements can help to diagnose bent or damaged components. 

subaru scion front camberFront Suspension

The front suspension uses a MacPherson strut. Unlike a lot of modern suspensions, the FR-S uses stamped steel lower control arms.

Camber is adjusted by loosening the upper bolt that holds the strut to the knuckle and keeps it from moving in or out. The stock bolts offer a limited range of adjustment. Aftermarket cam bolts that fit upper and lower holes can give ±1.75 degrees of adjustment. If more adjustment is needed, aftermarket upper strut mounts can be installed that can also make the caster adjustable.

The large bushing on the lower control arm is designed to produce small changes in the toe and camber when the car brakes or accelerates. It has to be correctly orientated in the control arm to do its job.

subaru scion rear suspensionRear Suspension

The rear suspension on these vehicles is from the Subaru Impreza. The multilink arrangement has built-in toe and camber adjustments. Rear toe is adjustable with a toe link. The eccentric adjuster is on the subframe. The lower control arm controls the camber with an eccentric on the inner mount on the subframe.

If more camber or toe is required to compensate for a lowered vehicle, aftermarket parts are available that yield the capability for significant adjustment.

subaru-scion-steering-angleSteering Angle Sensor Calibration

In the case of the steering angle sensor, the Subaru and Toyota versions have the same ABS and stability control systems from Toyota. Like most Toyotas, the calibration procedure for the steering angle sensor for the FR-S and BR-Z is called a “zero-point calibration.” It requires the use of a tool that can interface with the ABS/VSC module. The procedure also resets the yaw and lateral accelerometer sensors.

subaru-scion-calibrationWhile performing the procedure, keep the vehicle stationary and do not vibrate, tilt, move or shake. Perform the procedure on a level surface (with an inclination of less than 1 degree).

Verify the calibration by looking at the steering angle sensor data. In some cases, the correct values will not be displayed until a full lock-to-lock steering wheel movement is made and a short test drive is carried out.

Toyota Eliminates the Scion Brand

The Scion FR-S for 2017 will be badged as the F-86 because of the phasing out of the Scion brand. All Scion models will now be absorbed into the Toyota line.  

You May Also Like

Chassis Parts and Alignment Angles

Knowing why the adjustment is required is critical to performing the total alignment.

An alignment angle doesn’t change randomly. There is a cause-and-effect relationship between external and internal forces that can alter the geometry of a vehicle’s suspension. Having the alignment reading for only one angle on one corner is just like knowing the temperature without knowing if there is a tornado outside.

Suspension Upgrades – Selling Shocks and Struts

The question customers fail to ask is, what is “best” for their vehicle?

Air Ride Suspension Diagnostics

The key to understanding the logic of air ride systems is using service information.

Steering Angle Sensor Operations

It is important for the ABS/ESC module to receive two signals to verify the steering wheel’s position.

Chassis Alignment

The source of the complaint can be the angles, electronics or tires.

Other Posts

Audi MLB Alignment

The alignment of these vehicles can be straightforward mechanically

AWD and ABS Services

AWD is always engaged and with the ABS brake modulator, can perform like systems with limited-slip differentials.

Laying Out Your Shop for ADAS/EV Repairs

With so many vehicles equipped with some form of ADAS, rethinking your electronics layout or plan might be in order.

Broken Springs

What is the cause for the failure? Why does it occur with specific vehicles?