1997-2005 Buick Century Alignment Caster and Camber Kit Guide
If your Century is pulling to one side or wearing out tires, you may need to add alignment adjustment.
- This is not a replacement part, but an upgrade to allow for caster/camber adjustment.
- You only need this kit if an alignment shop confirms your angles are out of spec and not adjustable.
- Installation must be followed by a professional four-wheel alignment.
- Symptoms include the car pulling, a crooked steering wheel, and uneven tire wear.
Understanding Alignment on Your Buick Century
When your Buick Century left the factory, its suspension was set to specific angles. Over time, due to factors like hitting potholes, component wear, or suspension settling, these angles can change. The two most important angles are caster and camber.
🎬 Watch: Caster, camber, and toe angles explained simply.- Camber: This is the inward or outward tilt of the top of your tire when viewed from the front of the car. Too much tilt in either direction causes the inner or outer edge of your tires to wear out quickly.
- Caster: This is the angle of the steering pivot when viewed from the side. Correct caster helps your steering wheel return to center after a turn and keeps the car stable at highway speeds.
The original bolts connecting your struts to the steering knuckle are not designed to be adjusted. If your alignment is out of specification for caster or camber, a standard alignment won't fix it. This is where an aftermarket alignment kit becomes necessary.
Symptoms of Incorrect Caster/Camber
If your Century's alignment is off, you'll likely notice one or more of these signs:
🎬 See 5 common signs your wheels are out of alignment.- Vehicle Pulling: The car consistently drifts to the left or right when you are trying to drive straight.
- Uneven Tire Wear: The inside or outside shoulder of your front or rear tires is wearing down much faster than the rest of the tread.
- Crooked Steering Wheel: You have to hold the steering wheel at an angle to keep the car driving straight.
- Loose or Wandering Steering: The car may feel unstable or require constant small corrections to stay in its lane.
This is Not a Standard Replacement Part
An alignment caster/camber kit is not a part that wears out. It's a problem-solver. You only need to buy this kit if an alignment shop tells you that your caster or camber angles are out of spec and cannot be adjusted with the factory hardware. These kits are available for both the front and rear suspension.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Kit
For the 1997-2005 Buick Century, the available alignment kits are typically eccentric bolt kits. 🎬 Watch this before you install aftermarket camber bolts. The main brand you will find is Mevotech.
- Mevotech: This is a widely available aftermarket brand. They offer different quality tiers, with their "Supreme" and "TTX" lines generally regarded as being better than their basic budget parts. For a simple component like a cam bolt, the standard Mevotech kit is often sufficient to solve the alignment problem. The key is proper installation and a precise alignment afterward.
Pro Tip: When you take your car for an alignment, ask the technician to check your caster and camber readings first. If they are out of spec, you can then purchase the necessary kit. Many shops keep these common kits in stock.
Estimated Costs
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Kit (e.g., Mevotech) | $22 - $25 (per kit, one kit per wheel) |
| Shop Labor (Installation & Alignment) | $100 - $250 |
Note: Labor costs vary significantly by location and shop. The main cost is the wheel alignment service itself, not installing the bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need a kit for the front and rear?
Not necessarily. You only need a kit for the wheels that are out of specification. An alignment technician will give you a printout showing the angles for all four wheels and can tell you which ones need correction. Kits are sold for both front and rear applications on the Century.
Can I install this kit myself?
While installing the bolts themselves is simple for a DIY mechanic, it is not recommended. The installation MUST be followed by a professional four-wheel alignment using a computerized rack. Installing the bolts without an immediate alignment will leave your car with severe alignment issues, making it unsafe to drive and causing rapid tire wear.
Is there a recall on my Buick Century for this problem?
No, there are no recalls or TSBs from GM related to a lack of caster or camber adjustment for the 1997-2005 Buick Century. This is considered a standard design, with correction handled by aftermarket parts.
Will this kit fix my car's pulling issue?
If the pulling is caused by incorrect caster or camber, then yes, this kit will allow a technician to correct the angles and resolve the issue. However, pulling can also be caused by tire issues, brake problems, or worn suspension components, so a full inspection is always recommended.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
Kit typically consists of 14mm eccentric bolts. Provides approximately +/- 1.25 to 1.75 degrees of camber or caster adjustment.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Buick Century: