Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2003 Mazda Tribute 2WD L4-2.0LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Wheel Alignment Angles
WHEEL ALIGNMENT ANGLES
Camber
Camber is the inward or outward tilting of the wheels at the top.
When the wheel tilts out at the top, then the camber is positive (+). When the wheel tilts in at the top, then the camber is negative (-).
Caster
Caster is the tilting of the steering axis either forward or backward from vertical.
A backward tilt is positive (+) and a forward tilt is negative (-). Front caster adjustment is not a separate procedure on this vehicle. Front caster should fall within specification when the front camber is adjusted.
Toe
Toe is a measurement of how much the front of the wheels are turned in or out from the straight-ahead position.
When the wheels are turned in toward the front of the vehicle, toe is positive (+) (toe inch). When the wheels are turned out toward the front of the vehicle, toe is negative (-) (toe out). Toe is measured in degrees, from side to side, and totaled.
Camber
Camber is the inward or outward tilting of the wheels at the top.
When the wheel tilts out at the top, then the camber is positive (+). When the wheel tilts in at the top, then the camber is negative (-).
Caster
Caster is the tilting of the steering axis either forward or backward from vertical.
A backward tilt is positive (+) and a forward tilt is negative (-). Front caster adjustment is not a separate procedure on this vehicle. Front caster should fall within specification when the front camber is adjusted.
Toe
Toe is a measurement of how much the front of the wheels are turned in or out from the straight-ahead position.
When the wheels are turned in toward the front of the vehicle, toe is positive (+) (toe inch). When the wheels are turned out toward the front of the vehicle, toe is negative (-) (toe out). Toe is measured in degrees, from side to side, and totaled.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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