Hyundai Elantra Alignment Specifications

Hyundai Elantra Alignment Specifications

The fifth-generation platform of the Hyundai Elantra has a lot in common with the other current Kia and Hyundai models. The simple architecture of a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear twist beam axle is starting to become standard on all small and mid-sized offerings.

hyundai elantra alignment specThe fifth-generation platform of the Hyundai Elantra has a lot in common with the other current Kia and Hyundai models. The simple architecture of a MacPherson strut front suspension and rear twist beam axle is starting to become standard on all small and mid-sized offerings.

The Elantra is a “net-build” vehicle with no built-in adjustments, but adjustments can be made with aftermarket parts.

Front Suspension

The front suspension is a MacPherson strut setup. The lower control arm isolates harshness and vibration with a large bushing in the front. Always inspect this bushing for damage. Look for any separation of the rubber from the metal.

hyundai elantra alignment spec 1Always make note of tire wear. The stock tires will wear the inside edges if a customer does not rotate them — this is normal.

Like most new vehicles, the Elantra does not have any built-in adjustments for caster and camber, but they can be made by installing cam bolts on the strut.

Too much positive camber results in a car that pulls or drifts depending on the amount of cross camber. Hyundai recommends the cross caster should be less than 0.5 degrees.

Hyundai recommends checking the steering axis inclination (SAI) with an alignment system that can perform a caster sweep. This helps to check for damaged components like struts and lower ball joints when the SAI difference between the left and right sides is more than 1º.  If SAI is lower on one side of the vehicle, it may indicate a bent lower control arm. If SAI is higher on one side of the vehicle, it may indicate damage to the upper strut mount. The subframe cannot be moved to alter angles.

Rear Suspension

The rear suspension on the Elantra is a trailing beam axle. The previous model used a multilink setup and, while this is almost bulletproof, the axle can be tweaked by moderate impact over time with curbs and potholes.

There are no built-in adjustments for toe or camber. Adjustments can be made by installing a shim between the axle and wheel-bearing hub. Hyundai recommends checking thrust angle and setback before performing adjustments in the front. Failing to do this could result in an off-center steering wheel. 

Steering

The Elantra uses an electric power steering system called MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering). The system requires a scan tool for the initialization of replacement parts and the calibration or the steering angle after a toe adjustment. The steering position sensor is a light sensor that uses three wheels with shutters to determine the position. Two sensors measure the steering angle, while another measures straight ahead.

Alignment Specs

Front Toe: 0.12° ± 0.2°

Front Camber: -0.5 ± 0.5°

Front Caster: 4.10° ± 0.5°

Rear Toe: lL-Rl ≤ 0.23°

Rear Camber: -1.5° ± 0.5°

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?