NUMBER:
GROUP:
DATE:

17-001-14
Rear Suspension
June 24, 2014

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of Chrysler Group LLC.

SUBJECT:
Rear Axle Alignment Shims
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin is to inform service personnel of the availability of rear axle alignment shims.
MODELS:
FF

500

DISCUSSION:
Rear axle alignment shims are available in a kit containing two shims and replacement
spindle mounting bolts. Front shim (1) is used to correct an out of specification Toe-in
condition, and the Rear shim (2) is used to correct an out of specification Toe-out
condition. Only one of these shims, front or rear, will be used in the process of an
alignment, the unused shim will be discarded (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1 Front And Rear Shim Identification
1 - Front Shim
2 - Rear Shim

17-001-14

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Before ordering the Axle Alignment Shim Kit, first attempt to correct the out of toe
condition, by adjusting the alignment thrust angle until a zero thrust angle is achieved.
Refer to the detailed service procedures available in DealerCONNECT> TechCONNECT
under: Service Info> 02 - Front Suspension> Wheel Alignment> Standard Procedure>
WHEEL ALIGNMENT> THRUST ANGLE.
If the toe angle is still out of specification after adjusting the thrust angle, use the Axle
Alignment Shim to correct the out of specification toe condition. Shim will provide
approximately 1/4 degree of toe correction. Do not use more than one shim kit per axle
side and do not stack shims.
CAUTION: Do NOT completely remove more than 1 spindle bolt at a time to prevent
the spindle and wheel assembly from rotating or coming off the vehicle
because damage to the brake hose may occur.
Loosen but do NOT remove all four spindle bolts on side of rear axle requiring alignment
shim (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Loosen Spindle Bolts - Right Side Shown
1 - Spindle Bolts

NOTE: Front shim is larger and has a square cutout area in the center to clear the
wheel speed sensor.
To correct an out of specification Toe-in condition, insert the front shim (1) between the
rear axle and the spindle as shown in (Fig. 3) and (Fig. 4).

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17-001-14

Fig. 3 Insert Front Shim - Right Side Shown
1 - Front Shim

Fig. 4 Front Shim Location - Left Side Shown
1 - Front Shim
2 - Rear Axle

NOTE: Rear shim is smaller and does not have a square cutout area in the center.

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To correct an out of specification Toe-out condition, remove only the lower rear spindle bolt
for shim clearance, then insert the rear shim (2) between the rear axle and the spindle as
shown in (Fig. 5) and (Fig. 6).

Fig. 5 Insert Rear Shim - Right Side Shown
1 - Lower Rear Spindle Bolt Removed
2 - Rear Shim

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17-001-14

Fig. 6 Rear Shim Location - Left Side Shown
1 - Rear Axle
2 - Rear Shim

CAUTION: Do NOT completely remove more than 1 spindle bolt at a time to prevent
the spindle and wheel assembly from rotating or coming off the vehicle
because damage to the brake hose may occur.
NOTE: The spindle bolts have adhesive on the threads and are required to be
replaced with NEW bolts every time they are removed. The replacement
spindle mounting bolts are included in the shim kit.
Replace all four spindle bolts one at a time with the NEW spindle bolts included in the shim
kit (Fig. 7).

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-6-

Fig. 7 Replace Spindle Bolts - Right Side Shown
1 - Spindle Bolts

Tighten the NEW spindle bolts to 125 N·m (92 ft. lbs.).
If thrust angle adjustment combined with a maximum of one shim per axle side did not
provide the desired amount of toe correction, then a rear axle replacement will be
necessary.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty.

Part No.

Description

(1) AR

68236620AA

Shim Kit
(Kit contains 1 front shim, 1 rear shim, and 4
spindle bolts)

POLICY:
Information Only.