Can the camber be adjusted?
Yes, the camber of a vehicle's wheels can be adjusted. Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Adjusting the camber can have significant impacts on a car's handling, performance, and tire wear.
What is Camber?
Camber is the angle between the vertical axis of a vehicle's wheel and the vertical axis of the vehicle when viewed from the front or rear. Positive camber means the top of the wheel is tilted outward, while negative camber means the top of the wheel is tilted inward. The optimal camber setting depends on the vehicle's design, driving conditions, and the driver's preferences.
Why Adjust Camber?
There are several reasons why a driver may want to adjust the camber of their vehicle's wheels:
- Improved Handling: Adjusting the camber can improve a vehicle's cornering ability and stability, especially at high speeds or during aggressive driving.
- Reduced Tire Wear: Improper camber can cause uneven tire wear, leading to premature replacement. Adjusting the camber can help ensure even tire wear and extend the life of the tires.
- Customization: Some drivers may adjust the camber for aesthetic reasons, to achieve a specific "stance" or look for their vehicle.
It's important to note that excessive camber adjustments can negatively impact a vehicle's handling, stability, and tire wear, so it's crucial to find the right balance for the specific driving conditions and preferences.
How to Adjust Camber
Adjusting the camber typically involves adjusting the suspension components, such as the control arms, tie rods, or wheel alignment. This process requires specialized tools and knowledge, and it's generally recommended to have a professional mechanic perform the adjustment to ensure it's done correctly and safely.
In some cases, certain vehicles may have camber adjustment mechanisms built into the suspension, making it easier for owners to make minor adjustments themselves. However, it's always best to consult the vehicle's owner's manual or a professional mechanic before attempting any camber adjustments.
What are the symptoms of bad camber?
If the camber on a vehicle is too negative or gradually shifts out of alignment, the change will start to impact your car's overall performance. If you notice your car pulling to one side while driving or that you have to apply pressure to the steering wheel to keep the vehicle straight, it could be a camber issue.
Will an alignment fix camber issues?
In some cases, yes. But as mentioned above, camber issues often result from worn or broken parts. Those parts must be replaced before a wheel alignment can be performed. Most experts also recommend an annual alignment check or whenever the tires are replaced.
Do alignment shops adjust camber?
If the parts are in good condition being aligned normally, camber is adjustable. Excessive wear requires parts replacement to be properly aligned. Bent parts as well require replacement. If there is too much damage it may require a frame machine or never be factory specs again.
How do mechanics adjust camber?
Camber angle is typically adjusted as part of a complete wheel alignment service which is typically performed on a leveled alignment rack. The wheels are equipped with optical reflectors which are detected by laser sensors. A computer then interprets the information to gauge the position and deflection of all 4 wheels.
Is camber adjustable on all vehicles?
Camber is the inward or outward tilt of a tire at the top, measured in ± degrees. It is not adjustable on all vehicles. Positive camber is when the top of the tire tilts outward, causing pull to the right and wear on the outer tire edges.
Can camber be fixed?
Camber alignment is not adjustable on many vehicles.
Older vehicles with weak suspension springs may develop an issue with negative camber that can only be corrected by replacing the springs with new ones of the proper tension.
How much does it cost to fix camber?
The national average for a complete wheel alignment service is between $50 to $168. Although, cost can vary depending on the service provider and the type of alignment. Wheel alignment should be performed once a year, but it may be required more frequently, depending on your driving style and where you drive.
Is wheel camber adjustable?
In cars with double wishbone suspensions, camber angle may be fixed or adjustable, but in MacPherson strut suspensions, it is normally fixed. The elimination of an available camber adjustment may reduce maintenance requirements, but if the car is lowered by use of shortened springs, the camber angle will change.
Can camber angle be adjusted?
There are multiple ways to adjust camber however these usually come in the form of camber bolts, adjustable top mounts, adjustable suspension arms and adjustable uprights. With Macpherson Strut suspensions you can use the upper top mount plate for small camber adjustments.
Are tilted wheels illegal?
Wheel Modifications: There aren't many laws that regulate wheel size unless a modification violates ground clearance requirements. Negative cambered wheels or “hellaflush”, a modification where wheels are angled inward, is generally considered an illegal vehicle modification.
