How can caster and camber be adjusted?
Caster and camber can be adjusted using specific suspension components or during a wheel alignment, but the options vary by vehicle. In many modern cars, these angles are largely fixed by design and require aftermarket parts or professional alignment to change.
Understanding caster and camber
Two key suspension angles determine how a wheel touches the road and how the car behaves in corners. Here is how they work and why they matter:
- Caster: the angle of the steering axis in the side view. Positive caster tilts the axis toward the car’s rear at the top, which improves straight-line stability and self-centering but can increase steering effort.
- Camber: the tilt of the wheel when viewed from the front. Negative camber tilts the top of the wheel inward, which helps cornering grip as the tire maintains better contact during a turn, but excessive negative camber wears the inner tire edge; positive camber reduces inner wear but can reduce grip.
- Toe interaction: changing caster or camber can affect toe, the direction the wheels point relative to the car’s centerline. In many setups, receiving one adjustment means rechecking all three angles to avoid unintended wear or pull.
In short, caster influences stability and steering feel, while camber affects grip and tire wear. Any adjustment should be followed by a full alignment to ensure all angles work harmoniously.
Ways to adjust caster
Depending on the vehicle design, caster is adjusted with several approaches. The following methods are commonly used on many passenger cars and light trucks:
- Adjustable camber/caster plates installed in the front strut towers (common on MacPherson-strut setups). These plates allow changing the steering axis angle without swapping arms.
- Adjustable upper or lower control arms (or multi-link arms) that alter the geometry of the suspension and tilt the steering axis.
- Eccentric bolts or washers at the hub, knuckle, or control-arm pivots to tilt the mating components and slightly change caster in some designs.
- Aftermarket coilover kits or full suspension kits that provide caster adjustment as part of their geometry.
Adjusting caster is more design-specific than camber in many cars, and improper changes can alter steering effort and dynamics. After any caster adjustment, a professional alignment is strongly recommended.
Ways to adjust camber
Camber is often easier to adjust than caster on many vehicles. Here are common methods used to change camber angle:
- Cam bolts (eccentric bolts) in control-arm or hub-to-knuckle mounts that extract or reduce camber by rotating the eccentric washers.
- Adjustable control arms (upper or lower) that allow precise camber changes without affecting other angles.
- Camber plates or adjustable strut tops that tilt the wheel inward or outward by changing the strut angle.
- Coilover or suspension kits with camber-adjusting features, including adjustable perches or dedicated camber-correction hardware.
- In some setups, raising or lowering ride height with compatible components can indirectly influence camber due to changes in suspension geometry.
Camber adjustments are among the most common alignment changes, but they still require careful measurement to balance grip and tire wear. Always verify with an alignment after modification.
Vehicle types and what they typically allow
Not every car offers the same adjustment options. Here’s a quick guide to what you might encounter by suspension design:
- Front MacPherson-strut setups: camber is commonly adjustable with cam bolts or plates; caster may be adjustable with plates or arms on some models.
- Double-wishbone or multi-link front suspensions: typically provide more flexible camber adjustment through adjustable arms and, in some cases, camber plates.
- Rear independent suspensions: camber is sometimes adjustable (via shims, adjustable arms, or plates), but many cars have fixed rear camber; some performance cars offer rear camber adjustment as part of their tuning options.
- Air or adaptive suspensions: adjustable through ride-height controls, which can influence camber, but require proper alignment calibration and software considerations.
Before attempting adjustments, consult your vehicle’s service manual or a professional to understand what is hardware-supported and within safe tolerances for your model.
Steps for safe and effective adjustment
While every model is different, these general steps help guide a responsible adjustment process. Always refer to the vehicle’s service manual and use proper tools and safety practices.
- Obtain the manufacturer’s specifications for camber and caster or ask a qualified technician to perform an alignment after any changes.
- Elevate and support the vehicle securely on jack stands with the wheels removed for clear access to suspension fasteners.
- Loosen the appropriate mounting hardware (cam bolts, control-arm nuts, or plate bolts) according to the chosen adjustment method.
- Make gradual adjustments using the correct hardware (eccentric bolts, plates, or adjustable arms). Avoid forcing components beyond the designed range.
- Torque all fasteners to the manufacturer’s specification after each adjustment and reinstall the wheels.
- Take the vehicle to a professional alignment shop to check and set caster, camber, and toe to precise values.
- Test drive and recheck alignment if you notice pulling, unusual vibrations, or accelerated tire wear.
Adjusting caster or camber can affect handling in subtle or significant ways. If in doubt, rely on a professional alignment facility to ensure safety and optimal performance.
What to expect after adjustment
After any caster or camber change, you should expect a full alignment check. Correct alignment improves steering stability, improves cornering grip, and reduces uneven tire wear. Depending on the changes, you may notice a different steering effort or steering feel, and tire wear patterns may shift. It’s important to monitor wear over the next few thousand miles and recheck alignment if wear indicates an imbalance.
Summary
Caster and camber adjustments hinge on the vehicle’s suspension design. Common paths include adjustable camber/caster plates, adjustable control arms, cam bolts, and aftermarket coilovers. While some cars allow easy adjustments, many modern models require professional alignment and may need aftermarket components to alter these angles safely. Always verify specifications, perform adjustments gradually, and follow up with a precise alignment to ensure optimal handling and tire life.
