Alignment Shim

What Are Alignment Shims?

Alignment shims are small but critically important suspension components used to fine-tune a vehicle's wheel geometry. These wedge-shaped components are used to adjust a vehicle's wheel alignment, playing a crucial role in fine-tuning the camber, caster, or toe angles of the wheels to ensure they are correctly aligned. They work by placing a solid metal spacer between two parts, or between a part and the frame of the vehicle.

Why Proper Wheel Alignment Matters

Proper wheel alignment is essential for even tire wear, optimal handling, and improved fuel efficiency — and misalignment can result from everyday driving conditions, such as potholes or minor impacts, leading to uneven tire wear, compromised handling, and reduced vehicle performance. Catching and correcting alignment issues early can save significant money on tires and prevent unnecessary wear on steering and suspension components.

Alignment shims are used to correct misaligned components when it's not necessary or even recommended to replace those components entirely. They are specifically designed to correct camber and toe measurements that are out of factory specification. For vehicles that have been lowered, lifted, or otherwise modified, shims become even more indispensable for dialing in precise geometry.

Types of Alignment Shims

There are many different alignment shim designs, including aftermarket products designed to make performing an alignment service easier. For example, tapered full-contact rear shims are used to adjust the camber and toe of the rear wheels of certain vehicles — mounted between the spindle backing plate and the end of the rear axle assembly, with their taper changing the angle between the spindle and the axle to adjust both toe and camber simultaneously. Some aftermarket companies also make problem-solver kits that combine cam bolts, shims, and adjustable links to add more camber and caster adjustability.

Choosing the Right Alignment Shim

Selecting the correct alignment shim depends on your vehicle's make, model, suspension design, and the specific angle you need to correct. Installation requires precision and a good understanding of vehicle dynamics, making it advisable to have shims installed by professionals to ensure accuracy. Before performing any alignment work, check the tires for telltale signs of misalignment such as wear on the inner or outer edge, and look for visible signs of bent or broken suspension parts including worn bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends.

Top Alignment Shim Brands

When shopping for alignment shims, turning to reputable, specialized manufacturers ensures you get parts engineered to exact tolerances. Here are the top brands in this category:

• SPC Performance — The clear leader in the alignment shim segment, SPC Performance specializes in suspension geometry correction and offers an extensive lineup of adjustable alignment components engineered for both factory-replacement and performance applications. Their shims are widely trusted by professional alignment shops and enthusiast builders alike.
• Moog Chassis Parts — A household name in chassis and suspension, Moog brings its decades of OE-quality engineering to its alignment shim offerings. Moog components are known for their precise fitment and durable construction, making them a dependable choice for restoring factory alignment specs.
• Mevotech — Mevotech offers one of the broadest selections of alignment shims in the category, with a wide application range that covers many domestic and import vehicles. Their parts are engineered to meet or exceed OE specifications.
• Auveco — Auveco is a trusted supplier of body hardware and fasteners with a selection of alignment shims ideal for professional technicians seeking reliable, standardized fitment solutions.

Regular alignment checks and adjustments, including the use of shims, are recommended to maintain safety, handling, and overall driving comfort. Browse the full selection of alignment shims above to find the right fit for your vehicle.