SUPERPRO, MCA, RIVAL Universal Alignment Shims

Wheel alignment shims provide a simple mechanical way to make additional camber or caster adjustments on compatible suspension systems. They can be used with suitable camber and caster adjusters or factory mounting arrangements where shim adjustment is supported, helping a technician achieve the required wheel alignment settings.

What Are Wheel Alignment Shims?

Wheel alignment shims are thin adjustment components installed at compatible suspension mounting or adjustment points. By adding or changing the amount of spacing at that point, a technician can alter the position of the relevant suspension component and make a controlled change to wheel alignment geometry.

Depending on the suspension design and where the shim is installed, alignment shims can be used to provide additional camber adjustment, caster adjustment or a combination of the two.

They are commonly supplied in different thicknesses so the amount of adjustment can be changed according to the alignment measurements and suspension configuration.

Universal alignment shims should not be confused with a universal fit for every suspension. Fulcrum identifies universal parts by their dimensions and specifications, so the measurements and intended use of the individual shim need to be checked against the application before installation.

How Alignment Shims Adjust Camber and Caster

Camber describes the inward or outward angle of a wheel when viewed from the front, while caster relates to the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side. Both are important parts of wheel alignment geometry.

On suspension systems designed to accept shim adjustment, adding or removing a shim changes the relative position of the relevant suspension mounting point. This can provide additional camber or caster adjustment where required.

The resulting change depends on more than shim thickness. Suspension geometry, shim location and the existing adjustment arrangement all affect how much correction is produced.

For this reason, alignment shims should ideally be selected from actual wheel alignment measurements. If you're investigating how to adjust camber or achieve caster correction, the suspension should first be measured and inspected so the appropriate adjustment method can be identified.

Shims are adjustment components rather than a repair for worn or damaged suspension. If alignment cannot be set correctly because of worn bushes, damaged components or another mechanical problem, that issue should be addressed before additional adjustment is introduced.

Types of Universal Alignment Shims

Universal alignment shims can be supplied in different thicknesses and pack quantities to suit individual alignment work or repeated workshop use.

The correct option depends on the dimensions of the adjustment point and the amount of camber or caster correction required.

Camber and Caster Alignment Shim Packs

Alignment shim packs provide multiple shims for use with compatible camber and caster adjustment arrangements.

Where the suspension design permits it, these shims can work with camber or caster adjusters and suitable factory brackets to provide additional adjustment during a wheel alignment.

Because the effect of a shim depends on the suspension geometry, the required thickness should be determined from alignment measurements rather than selected solely according to the desired angle.

Different Shim Thicknesses

Alignment shims are available in different thicknesses so a technician can make incremental changes to the suspension adjustment.

A different thickness changes the amount of spacing introduced at the adjustment point. This allows the technician to select or combine suitable shims according to the alignment requirement and the adjustment method supported by the suspension.

A thicker shim does not produce the same camber or caster change on every suspension. Always check the dimensions and specifications of the shim and assess the resulting geometry using wheel alignment equipment.

Bulk Alignment Shim Packs

Alignment shims can also be supplied in bulk quantities for workshops carrying out regular suspension and wheel alignment work.

Bulk packs allow commonly required shim sizes to be kept on hand for compatible applications rather than sourcing individual pieces for each alignment.

They are particularly relevant to workshops that regularly encounter suspension systems using shim-based adjustment. The same fitment principle still applies: each shim needs to have the appropriate dimensions and thickness for the particular adjustment point.

When Alignment Shims May Be Needed

Alignment shims may be considered when a compatible suspension requires additional camber or caster adjustment to achieve the required alignment settings.

This can become relevant during wheel alignment or after suspension work where measurements show that further adjustment is required. They may also form part of the established adjustment method for certain suspension designs.

Reasons to have wheel alignment and suspension condition checked can include uneven tyre wear, pulling, an off-centre steering wheel or alignment measurements outside the required specification. Suspension repairs or changes that affect geometry can also make an alignment check necessary.

These signs do not prove that alignment shims are required. Similar symptoms can result from worn suspension or steering components, tyres or other alignment issues.

A suspension inspection and wheel alignment can help identify the cause before additional shims are fitted.

Choosing the Right Alignment Shim Thickness

Choosing a universal alignment shim starts with the suspension adjustment point and the measurements obtained during wheel alignment.

Before selecting a shim, check:

• The dimensions of the shim and mounting point
• The required shim thickness
• Whether the suspension uses shim-based camber, caster or combined adjustment
• Compatibility with the existing adjuster or factory mounting arrangement
• The current wheel alignment measurements
• Whether additional suspension wear or damage needs to be addressed first

Fulcrum's universal parts are designed to be selected according to dimensions and specifications, so vehicle selection alone should not replace checking the actual product measurements.

If several shim thicknesses are available, the appropriate option should be based on the amount of correction required for the individual suspension setup.

Find Universal Wheel Alignment Shims

Browse Fulcrum's universal alignment shims and check the dimensions, thickness, pack quantity and product specifications against the suspension adjustment requirements before ordering.

Universal alignment shims are part of our universal parts range.

If you're unsure which alignment shim is appropriate, contact Fulcrum for product and fitment assistance. Fulcrum's suspension specialists can also help where the required shim needs to be determined as part of suspension inspection or wheel alignment work.