Curb Height Measurement

The wheel alignment is to be checked and all alignment adjustments made with the vehicle at its required curb height specification.

Vehicle height is to be checked with the vehicle on a flat, level surface, preferably a vehicle alignment rack. The tires are to be inflated to the recommended pressure. All tires are to be the same size as standard equipment. Vehicle height is checked with the fuel tank full of fuel, and no passenger or luggage compartment load. 

Vehicle height is not adjustable. If the measurement is not within specifications, inspect the vehicle for bent or weak suspension components. Compare the parts tag on the suspect coil spring(s) to the parts book and the vehicle sales code, checking for a match. Once removed from the vehicle, compare the coil spring height to a correct new or known good coil spring. The heights should vary if the suspect spring is weak.

Measure curb height as follows:

1. Jounce the vehicle. Refer to above note. FRONT (AWD, PHEV, & FWD Vehicles) - On each side of the vehicle, measure the distance from the center of the rear control arm bushing outboard bolt head to the floor or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge placed from lift runway to runway to get an accurate measurement.
   NOTE: On some vehicles it may be necessary to remove an engine belly pan in order to gain access to the cradle bolt.
2. FRONT (AWD, PHEV, & FWD Vehicles) - Measure and record the distance from the center of the spindle to the same surface or straight edge used to measure from the vertical pivot bolt.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Center Spindle Height

   2 - Curb Height Value

   3 - Control Arm Rear Bushing Outboard Bolt Height

3. Subtract the control arm rear bushing outboard bolt height from the spindle height to obtain the curb height value. Compare the curb height value to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.). 
4. This image shows the rear measurement locations.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

5. REAR (FWD & PHEV Vehicles) - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance from the raised area on the cradle to the ground or alignment rack/lift runway surface. It may be necessary to measure to the bottom of a straight edge placed from lift runway to runway, to get an accurate measurement.

   Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC

   1 - Center Spindle Distance

   2 - Spindle Height

   3 - Curb Height Value

   A - Spindle Height

   B - Cradle Mount Washer Height

   C - Curb Height Value

6. REAR (FWD & PHEV Vehicles) - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance from the center of the rear spindle to the same surface that was used to measure the cradle mount washer.
7. REAR - Subtract the cradle surface height from the spindle height to obtain the curb height value. Compare the curb height value to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.). 
8. REAR (AWD Vehicles) - On each side of the vehicle, measure and record the distance (A) from the center of the rear spindle to the same surface that was used to measure the cradle mount washer.
9. REAR - Subtract the cradle mount washer height from the spindle height to obtain the curb height value. Compare the curb height value to specifications listed in the following CURB HEIGHT SPECIFICATIONS chart. Maximum left-to-right differential is not to exceed 10 mm (0.39 in.). 
10. If curb height is found to be out of specification and there is no sign of excessive body damage, curb height can be changed by replacing the applicable spring with a spring offering a different check load. Refer to SPRING(S), REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .