If you’ve ever noticed that your car is pulling to one side while driving or that your tires are wearing unevenly, it’s possible that your camber is off. Camber refers to the angle of your wheels in relation to the ground, and it can have a significant impact on your car’s handling and tire life. While it’s possible to adjust the camber on most cars, it’s important to understand the process before you attempt it yourself.
There are three main types of camber: positive camber, negative camber, and zero camber. Positive camber is when the top of the wheel leans out from the car, while negative camber is when the top of the wheel leans in towards the car. Zero camber is when the wheel is perfectly vertical. Most cars have a slight amount of negative camber, which helps to improve handling and cornering. However, too much negative camber can cause tires to wear unevenly and can make the car unstable at high speeds.
If you think your car’s camber is off, there are a few things you can do to check. First, take a look at your tires. If you notice that one side of the tire is wearing more than the other, it’s possible that your camber is off. You can also use a camber gauge to measure the angle of your wheels. If the camber is off by more than a few degrees, it’s important to have it adjusted by a qualified mechanic. Adjusting the camber involves loosening the bolts that hold the suspension in place and then moving the wheel to the desired angle. Once the camber is adjusted, the bolts should be tightened and the car should be realigned.
Correcting Camber on Rear Wheels
Incorrect camber on the rear wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced stability. To correct camber, you will need to adjust the suspension components that connect the wheels to the chassis.
1. Determine the Camber Angle
Before adjusting the camber, you need to determine the current angle. Use a camber gauge to measure the angle of the wheel in relation to the vertical. The ideal camber angle for most vehicles is between -1° and -2°.
2. Identify the Cause of the Incorrect Camber
Once you know the camber angle, you need to identify the cause of the incorrect setting. Common causes include:
– Worn or damaged suspension components
– Bent axle or spindle
– Incorrectly installed suspension components
3. Adjust the Camber
The method for adjusting camber varies depending on the vehicle. For most vehicles, you can adjust the camber by loosening the bolts or nuts that connect the suspension components and then moving the components as needed. Other vehicles may require the use of an alignment rack.
4. Retighten the Bolts or Nuts
Once you have adjusted the camber, be sure to retighten the bolts or nuts that you loosened.
5. Perform an Alignment
After adjusting the camber, it is important to perform an alignment to ensure that the wheels are properly aligned with each other. This will help to prevent uneven tire wear and improve handling. Here is a table summarizing the general steps for correcting camber on rear wheels:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine the camber angle. |
| 2 | Identify the cause of the incorrect camber. |
| 3 | Adjust the camber. |
| 4 | Retighten the bolts or nuts. |
| 5 | Perform an alignment. |
Measuring and Verifying Camber Settings
1. Measuring Camber
Use a camber gauge or an inclinometer to measure the camber angle. Place the gauge or inclinometer on the tire’s sidewall, perpendicular to the ground. Note the reading on the gauge or inclinometer’s scale.
2. Verifying Camber Specifications
Check the vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended camber settings in the owner’s manual or repair manual. Compare the measured camber angles to the recommended specifications.
3. Checking Camber Adjustment
Inspect the suspension components for any damage or wear. Ensure that the suspension bushings, ball joints, and control arms are in good condition. Look for any loose or broken bolts or fasteners.
4. Adjusting Camber
Use the appropriate tools and procedures to adjust the camber. Consult a mechanic or refer to the vehicle’s repair manual for specific instructions.
5. Test Drive and Re-measure
After adjusting the camber, take the vehicle for a test drive and re-measure the camber angles to verify the adjustment.
6. Repeat as Necessary
Repeat the adjustment and re-measurement process until the desired camber settings are achieved.
7. Camber Adjustment Techniques
a) Slotted Bolts
This method involves using bolts with elongated holes in the suspension components. By rotating the bolts, the camber angle can be adjusted.
b) Eccentric Washers or Cam Bolts
These washers or bolts have an offset or shape that allows for camber adjustment. Rotating or repositioning the washers or bolts changes the camber angle.
c) Camber Plates
Camber plates are installed between the strut and the chassis. They provide a range of adjustment options, allowing for precise camber adjustment.
d) Thrust Angles
Thrust angles are used to adjust camber on certain vehicles. They involve adjusting the steering tie rod ends to change the convergence or divergence of the rear wheels.
e) Suspension Bushings
Replacing worn or damaged suspension bushings can sometimes alter the camber settings. Installing aftermarket bushings with different stiffness or design can also impact camber.
f) Coil Springs
Changing the coil springs or adjusting their preload can alter the camber angle by affecting the ride height.
g) Control Arms
Adjusting the length or position of the control arms can influence camber by changing the geometry of the suspension.
How to Change Camber
Camber is the angle at which a wheel tilts away from the vertical. When a wheel has positive camber, the top of the wheel tilts outward. When a wheel has negative camber, the top of the wheel tilts inward. The amount of camber is typically measured in degrees.
There are a variety of reasons why you might want to change the camber on your vehicle. For example, you might want to improve handling, reduce tire wear, or correct a misalignment. Changing the camber is a relatively simple process, but it is important to do it correctly in order to avoid damaging your vehicle.
To change the camber on your vehicle, you will need the following tools:
* A camber gauge
* A wrench
* A jack
* A jack stand
* A set of ramps
1. Park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Use the jack to raise the front of your vehicle and place the jack stand under the frame.
3. Use the wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the lower control arm in place.
4. Use the camber gauge to measure the camber of the wheel.
5. Adjust the camber by turning the bolts that hold the lower control arm in place.
6. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque.
7. Lower the jack and remove the jack stand.
8. Repeat the process for the other wheel.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my camber is off?
There are a few signs that your camber may be off, including:
* Uneven tire wear
* Pulling to one side while driving
* A loose steering wheel
* A vibrating steering wheel
