Honda Insight Alignment Caster and Camber Kit: A Guide for 2000-2014 Models
If you're fighting a losing battle with uneven tire wear on your Insight, an alignment kit may be the solution you need.
- An alignment kit is only needed if your Insight's camber is out of spec and cannot be adjusted with factory parts.
- The primary symptom is uneven tire wear on the inner or outer edges of the front tires.
- Owners of 2010 Insights should be aware of a TSB for rear tire wear, which requires a different part (revised upper arms).
- Installation should be done by a professional alignment shop, as a full four-wheel alignment is required immediately after.
Why Your Insight Needs an Alignment Kit
If your tires are wearing out on the inner or outer edges 🎬 Watch: How to identify and fix inside tire wear issues, your Insight's wheel alignment is likely out of specification. While a standard alignment can correct the "toe" (the direction your tires are pointing), it cannot fix a bad camber angle on these cars from the factory. An alignment kit is the part that makes camber adjustable. You typically only need one if an alignment check shows that your camber is out of spec and cannot be corrected otherwise. This is a common requirement for vehicles that have been lowered or have aging suspension components.
Generation-Specific Alignment Issues
The 2000-2014 timeframe covers two very different Honda Insight models, and they have unique suspension characteristics.
🎬 See these helpful Honda alignment tips for better tire life- 1st Generation (2000-2006): These unique two-seaters have a non-adjustable rear axle according to the Honda service manual. While some specialty alignment shops can add shims to make minor corrections, the front camber is the main area where adjustment might be needed. Owners often note unusual tire wear patterns even at correct pressures.
- 2nd Generation (2010-2014): These models are known to have issues with rapid or uneven rear tire wear. Honda issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 07-064) for some 2010 models, providing a revised rear upper arm kit to fix the suspension geometry. Later models also received suspension updates from Honda to improve comfort and change camber angles. If you have a Gen 2 Insight with heavy inner or outer rear tire wear, it's worth checking if this TSB applies or has been performed.
Check for TSB 07-064
For 2010 Honda Insight owners experiencing rapid rear tire wear, ask your dealership or mechanic to check for TSB 07-064. The fix involves installing a revised rear upper arm. If your vehicle has the letter “C” painted or stamped on the rear upper arms, it already has the updated parts.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Kit
Since Honda does not offer an official alignment "kit," you will be looking at aftermarket options. These are almost always for the front suspension and consist of one or two eccentric bolts per side.
🎬 Watch: How to install camber bolts on a similar HondaBrand Spotlight: Mevotech
Mevotech is a widely available aftermarket brand that produces alignment kits for the Insight. Online feedback from Honda owners is mixed. The general consensus is that their higher-tier lines, like "Supreme" or "TTX," offer better quality and durability than their basic parts. For a component like an alignment bolt, which is not a complex moving part, Mevotech is a functional and budget-friendly choice to restore adjustability. The Mevotech kit for the Insight typically provides a camber adjustment range of plus or minus 1.75 degrees.
Install During an Alignment
The best time to install a camber kit is during a professional four-wheel alignment. The technician will already have the vehicle on the rack and can install the bolts and perform the full adjustment in one session. This saves you money on redundant labor.
| Part Type | Part Cost | Shop Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| New Aftermarket (Mevotech) | $22 - $25 | $75 - $150 |
| New OEM | Not Applicable | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an alignment kit for a normal wheel alignment?
No. You only need a kit if the alignment technician tells you that your camber is out of specification and cannot be adjusted with the factory hardware.
What's the difference between camber, caster, and toe?
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the tire when viewed from the front. Caster is the forward or backward angle of the steering axis. Toe is the direction the tires point in or out when viewed from above. Toe is the most common cause of tire wear, but uncorrected camber will also destroy tires.
Can I install a camber kit myself?
While installing the bolts is mechanically simple, you cannot complete the job without immediately getting a professional wheel alignment. The bolts are only half the job; the adjustment on a computerized rack is the other half. For this reason, it's best to have the alignment shop perform the installation.
Is Mevotech a good brand for my Honda Insight?
For simple parts like alignment bolts, Mevotech is a cost-effective choice. However, for more complex suspension components like control arms, some Honda owners have reported issues with the softness of their bushings. Given the low cost and simple function of an alignment bolt kit, it is a suitable option for this vehicle.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: NOTE: Honda does not sell an OEM 'kit'. Part numbers are for standard, non-adjustable bolts.
Typical aftermarket kits for the front suspension use a 14mm or 16mm eccentric bolt to provide approximately +/- 1.75 degrees of camber 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.
- Honda Insight: