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Buick Somerset Regal Alignment Camber Shims

Buick Somerset Regal Alignment camber shims

Starting at low prices, AutoBuffy stocks multiple alignment camber shims from top OE-quality brands to fit your Buick Somerset Regal. A camber shim is a precision-thickness wedge inserted between the axle housing or spindle and the suspension mounting point to correct wheel camber angle. When camber drifts out of spec, tires wear unevenly on one edge and handling degrades.

Signs your Buick Somerset Regal needs new alignment camber shims

  • Tires wearing heavily on the inner or outer edge while the opposite edge looks nearly new
  • Vehicle pulls consistently to one side even after a standard toe adjustment
  • Steering wheel sits off-center on a straight, level road
  • Uneven brake wear on one wheel compared to the opposite side of the same axle
  • Alignment tech reports camber is out of spec and cannot be corrected by OEM adjustment slots alone
  • Handling feels vague or the vehicle leans into corners more than expected despite normal tire pressure

Which alignment camber shims should you buy for your Buick Somerset Regal?

The most important variables are shim thickness and material. Thickness determines how many degrees of camber correction you get, so you should have an alignment reading in hand before ordering. Material choice affects durability, especially on driven or solid rear axles that transmit significant load through the mounting surface.

Thin corrective shim (1–2°)
Best for
Minor camber drift after suspension wear or minor collision repair
What you get
Small correction without altering geometry elsewhere; easiest to stack if more correction is needed
Thick corrective shim (3–5°)
Best for
Lifted or lowered Buick Somerset Regal with significant camber change from ride-height modification
What you get
Large single-piece correction; reduces need for multiple shims but requires precise pre-measurement
Tapered steel shim
Best for
Solid rear axle or heavy-duty applications on Buick Somerset Regal with high load ratings
What you get
Maximum strength and resistance to crush under torque; longest service life in demanding conditions
Aluminum billet shim
Best for
Street-driven or performance Buick Somerset Regal where unsprung weight matters
What you get
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, precise machined tolerances; not recommended for max-load towing applications

Replacing alignment camber shims on a Buick Somerset Regal

Moderate1–2 hours (plus separate alignment appointment)Floor jack and jack standsBreaker bar and socket setTorque wrenchDead-blow or rubber malletWire brush for cleaning mating surfaces

Raise and support the Buick Somerset Regal safely, then remove the wheel and loosen the axle-flange or spindle mounting bolts enough to slide the old shim out and insert the new one in the correct orientation — the thick edge must face the direction that corrects your specific camber error. Reinstall and torque the fasteners to the manufacturer's specification in a cross pattern, then take the Buick Somerset Regal to an alignment shop before returning it to normal driving.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace alignment camber shims on a Buick Somerset Regal?
Parts start at low prices on AutoBuffy. Add shop labor for a two-axle alignment, which is typically billed at one to two hours of labor time. Doing the shim swap yourself and then paying only for an alignment check is the most cost-effective route for a mechanically confident owner.
Can I drive my Buick Somerset Regal with the camber out of spec while I wait for shims?
You can drive short distances, but every mile accelerates inner- or outer-edge tire wear. A severely cambered wheel also reduces the tire's contact patch, which shortens braking distance margins. Order shims promptly and avoid high-speed highway driving until camber is corrected and a fresh alignment is performed.
Do I need an alignment after installing camber shims on my Buick Somerset Regal?
Yes, always. Installing a camber shim changes the wheel angle, which in turn affects toe. Skipping the alignment after the shim install will cause the Buick Somerset Regal to pull and will accelerate tire wear even though the camber is now corrected. A four-wheel alignment is the proper follow-up procedure.
How many camber shims does my Buick Somerset Regal need?
Most applications require one shim per affected wheel. If the correction needed exceeds what a single shim provides, two thin shims can be stacked, but always verify that the combined thickness does not compromise fastener thread engagement. Check your alignment readings on both sides before ordering — camber is often unequal left to right.
Are camber shims a permanent fix or a temporary repair for a Buick Somerset Regal?
A properly torqued camber shim is a permanent correction, not a band-aid. They are standard equipment on many solid-axle and beam-axle platforms from the factory. If camber keeps going out of spec after a shim install, the root cause is likely worn control-arm bushings or a bent axle housing that must be addressed separately.
Will camber shims fit my Buick Somerset Regal if it has been lifted or lowered?
Yes, and this is actually the most common reason owners of modified Buick Somerset Regal models need camber shims. Changing ride height shifts camber beyond what OEM eccentric bolts can correct. Match shim thickness to the degree of camber change your alignment printout shows, and confirm the shim outer diameter matches your axle flange or spindle seat dimensions before purchasing.

More parts for your Buick Somerset Regal

Alignment camber shims for other Buick models