Can camber angle be adjusted?
Yes, camber angle can be adjusted on many vehicles, but not all. Whether you can adjust camber depends on the suspension design and whether the car supports aftermarket parts or specialized components. For everyday drivers, camber is often fixed or only minimally adjustable without modification.
Understanding camber and why adjustment matters
Camber is the angle of the wheels relative to vertical when viewed from the front or rear of the car. Positive camber means the top of the wheel tilts outward, while negative camber means the top tilts inward. Proper camber helps optimize the tire’s contact patch with the road during straight-line driving and cornering, but it can also influence tire wear and handling if set incorrectly.
What is camber?
Camber is the tilt of the wheel's vertical plane. It changes as the suspension moves and can affect how much of the tire surface stays in contact with the road during cornering.
Why adjust camber?
Adjusting camber is sometimes necessary to balance cornering grip, tire wear, and steering response. Track-focused setups may run more negative camber to keep the tire flat during hard cornering, while street setups may minimize negative camber to reduce inner-tire wear.
Can camber be adjusted on different suspensions?
Adjustability depends on suspension architecture and available hardware. The following list outlines common methods and where they apply.
- Front MacPherson strut setups: In many cars, camber is near-fixed, but some models provide limited adjustment through adjustable strut mounts or eccentric cam bolts.
- Double wishbone or multi-link front suspensions: These layouts often allow greater camber adjustment via adjustable upper or lower control arms, camber plates, or adjustable bushings.
- Rear suspensions with independent arms: Depending on design, camber may be adjustable using adjustable trailing arms, linkages, or rear camber kits; on some cars, rear camber is not adjustable without significant modification.
- Aftermarket and race-oriented kits: Adjustable camber is widely available for both front and rear through aftermarket control arms, adjustable mount points, or camber plates designed for precise alignment.
Informative note: Some vehicles offer built-in adjustment options, while others require aftermarket components or may have fixed camber.
Adjustability varies widely by vehicle; many modern daily drivers have limited or no camber adjustment without aftermarket parts. Car manufacturers often fix camber within a narrow range to balance efficiency, stability, and tire wear.
Practical steps to adjust camber safely
If you decide to adjust camber for handling or tire wear optimization, follow these guidelines. Always have the vehicle aligned after any alteration, and consult a professional if you are unsure.
- Assess your goals: Decide whether you need more negative camber for better cornering grip or less negative camber to reduce inner-tire wear on daily driving.
- Identify available hardware: Check whether your car has adjustable camber bolts, adjustable control arms, or camber plates, and determine compatibility with your model.
- Choose appropriate parts: Use manufacturer-approved or reputable aftermarket components designed for your car to ensure proper geometry and safety.
- Install and verify clearance: Ensure there is adequate clearance for suspension travel, steering, and tires after modification.
- Get a professional alignment: Realign the vehicle to the target camber specification (and re-check toe, caster, and overall geometry) after any change.
- Monitor wear and performance: Inspect tires for uneven wear and track handling over time; recheck alignment as components settle or wear.
In short, camber can be adjusted on many vehicles with the right parts and setup, but universal factory adjustability is not guaranteed. Proper installation and professional alignment are essential to maintain safety and tire longevity.
Summary
Camber adjustment is not universal, but it exists on many performance-oriented and aftermarket options. The level of adjustability depends on the suspension design and the availability of compatible components. After any adjustment, a professional alignment is crucial to ensure safe handling and even tire wear. If you’re considering camber changes, confirm your car’s capabilities, select appropriate hardware, and prioritize a precise alignment.
