How to fix a camber problem?

Camber is the angle of a vehicle's wheels in relation to the ground, and a camber problem can cause uneven tire wear and handling issues. To fix a camber problem, you'll need to adjust the wheel alignment to bring the camber back within the manufacturer's specifications. This typically involves adjusting the camber adjustment bolts or eccentric cam bolts on the suspension.

Understanding Camber

Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of a vehicle's wheels when viewed from the front or rear of the car. Positive camber means the top of the tire is tilted outward, while negative camber means the top of the tire is tilted inward. The optimal camber setting varies by vehicle, but is usually a small amount of negative camber to improve handling and tire wear.

Camber can become misaligned due to normal wear and tear on suspension components, or from hitting potholes or curbs. This can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even safety issues if the camber is severely out of spec.

Steps to Fix a Camber Problem

• Inspect the suspension - Check for any worn or damaged suspension components that could be causing the camber issue, such as ball joints, control arms, or bushings.


• Measure the camber - Use a camber gauge or alignment tool to measure the camber angle on each wheel and compare it to the manufacturer's specifications.


• Adjust the camber - Locate the camber adjustment bolts or eccentric cam bolts on the suspension and turn them to adjust the camber angle. Turn the bolts clockwise to increase negative camber, or counterclockwise to increase positive camber.


• Perform a full alignment - After adjusting the camber, you'll also need to check and adjust the other alignment angles like toe and caster to ensure the wheels are properly aligned.


• Recheck the camber - Once the alignment is complete, re-measure the camber to confirm it's within the proper specifications.

Fixing a camber problem requires some mechanical knowledge and the right tools, but it's a relatively straightforward process. If you're not comfortable performing the work yourself, take your vehicle to a professional alignment shop for service.

What causes camber problems?

Off-camber is caused by worn or damaged suspension parts like bushings, control arms, and struts, as well as external forces like hitting potholes or curbs. Other factors include incorrect ride height, improper installation of aftermarket parts, and even the weight of a load in the vehicle.
 
Worn or damaged parts

• Suspension components: Worn-out ball joints, bushings, and wheel bearings can create excess play, which disrupts alignment angles. 
• Bent components: A bent control arm, strut shaft, or spindle can significantly alter camber. 
• Worn springs: Fatigue in suspension springs can cause the vehicle to sit lower, leading to improper camber. 
• Strut tower: A shift in the position of the strut tower is a common cause of improper camber. 

External forces

• Impacts: Hitting a pothole or curb can directly cause components to shift, bend, or break.
• Minor collisions: Even a small accident can cause damage that affects suspension geometry.
• General wear and tear: Accumulation of minor incidents over time can cause alignment angles to drift. 

Other causes

• Ride height changes: Lifting or lowering a vehicle without adjusting the suspension geometry will throw off the camber. 
• Improper installation: Poor installation of new suspension parts can lead to incorrect angles. 
• Structural damage: Frame damage from a serious accident can alter the vehicle's overall geometry. 
• Tire pressure: Incorrectly inflated tires can affect the camber of the wheel. 
• Vehicle load: The weight of heavy loads, especially in the rear, can change camber angles. 

What to do
If you suspect your camber is off, have a professional inspect the suspension and perform an alignment. A mechanic can identify any bent components or other issues that need to be fixed before the alignment is corrected.

Can camber be fixed?

Yes, camber can be fixed by adjusting or replacing suspension parts, but the method depends on your vehicle's design. For factory-adjustable camber, a technician uses an alignment machine to adjust the vehicle's existing eccentric bolts or control arms. If the vehicle is not designed for adjustable camber, or if factory adjustments are insufficient (often after lowering), you will need to install aftermarket parts like camber plates, camber bolts, or adjustable control arms. Worn suspension components causing the issue must be replaced before or during the adjustment process.
 
This video explains how to adjust camber using camber bolts: 54sCars SimplifiedYouTube · Mar 30, 2019
Methods for fixing camber

• Professional alignment: Take your car to a shop for a professional four-wheel alignment. They will use a computerized alignment machine to measure the current angles and make adjustments using the factory-equipped eccentric bolts or other adjustment points. 
• Install aftermarket parts: If your vehicle's factory suspension doesn't allow for camber adjustment, you may need to install aftermarket parts. These can include: 
  • Camber bolts: These are a common and relatively inexpensive option for cars with a MacPherson strut setup. They replace one of the original bolts holding the strut to the steering knuckle and have a lobe that pushes or pulls the knuckle to change the camber angle. 
  • Adjustable control arms: These are a more comprehensive solution that allows for greater adjustment, especially on vehicles with a double wishbone suspension. 
  • Camber plates: These are installed at the top of the strut assembly to allow for adjustment. 
• Replace worn components: Camber problems can be caused by worn-out ball joints, bushings, or other suspension parts. These parts must be replaced to correct the alignment before or during the adjustment process. 
• Adjust eccentric bolts: On some vehicles, the camber can be adjusted by turning an eccentric bolt that connects the control arm to the chassis. 
• Use shims: Some suspension systems use shims to space out a bracket. Adding shims in different ways can adjust both camber and toe. 

What to know before you start

• Identify the cause: Before any adjustment is made, identify the root cause of the incorrect camber. Is it from lowering the car, worn parts, or something else? 
• Get the right parts: If you need to buy parts, make sure they are compatible with your vehicle's make and model. 
• Consult a professional: If you're not comfortable working on your car's suspension, take it to a qualified mechanic or alignment shop. They will have the right tools and knowledge to get the job done correctly. 

How much does it cost to replace camber?

The cost to replace a camber part varies, but can range from about $30 to over $100 for the part itself, and $85 to $125 per hour for labor, depending on the complexity and vehicle. If the issue is only an alignment, the cost is around $100, but if parts are worn or broken, they must be replaced before a proper alignment can be done.
 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost of parts, such as camber kits or bolts, can range from approximately $30 to over $100, depending on the brand and type. More complex suspension components like control arms will be more expensive. 
• Labor: Labor costs are typically $85 to $125 per hour. Replacing both rear camber arms, for example, might take just under an hour according to labor time guides. 
• Wheel alignment: A basic wheel alignment is often around $100 and is necessary after replacing any camber components. However, if parts are worn, they must be replaced first to allow for a proper alignment. 

Factors that influence the total cost

• Part replacement: If worn or broken parts like control arms or camber bolts need replacement, this will add to the total cost, often significantly. 
• Vehicle type: The type of vehicle (e.g., sedan, SUV, truck) and its specific suspension design will affect part costs and labor time. 
• Alignment complexity: The price of a wheel alignment can vary based on the technology used. 
• Shop rates: Labor rates differ between shops, so it's best to get quotes from a few different places. 

How to correct camber alignment?

To fix camber alignment, you can either replace or adjust existing suspension components like camber bolts, adjustable control arms, or adjustable strut mounts, depending on your vehicle's suspension system. The process involves loosening the appropriate bolts, making the necessary adjustments to change the wheel's angle, and then tightening the bolts securely. After making these changes, a professional alignment is recommended to ensure all wheel angles are correct for optimal handling and tire wear.
 
Methods for adjusting camber
This video demonstrates how to adjust camber using camber bolts: 55sGeorge AustersYouTube · May 13, 2019

• Camber Bolts: These replace standard bolts in the suspension and allow for adjustment by turning the bolt. Turning the bolt rotates a lobe that pushes the steering knuckle in or out, changing the camber angle. 
• Adjustable Control Arms: These are often used on cars that have been lowered. You can lengthen or shorten the control arm by adjusting its threaded collars or rose joints, which moves the steering knuckle and adjusts the camber. 
• Adjustable Strut Mounts: On vehicles with a MacPherson strut system, the top strut mount can be replaced with an adjustable plate that has slots. Loosening the bolts on the mount and sliding the strut in the slots adjusts the camber. 
• Aftermarket Parts: On some vehicles that don't have factory camber adjustment, aftermarket parts like adjustable ball joints or top mounts can be installed to allow for adjustment. 

Steps to take
You can watch this video to see the steps involved in adjusting camber with camber bolts: 50sSubearuYouTube · Feb 26, 2024

1. Perform a pre-alignment check: Ensure the vehicle is on a level surface, tire pressures are correct, and there are no other suspension issues, such as broken springs. 
2. Measure the current camber: Use a magnetic camber gauge or a laser alignment system to measure the current camber angle. Write down the measurements. 
3. Locate the adjustment point: Identify the components on your suspension that can be adjusted. This is often an eccentric cam bolt on the strut or a nut on a control arm. 
4. Loosen the bolts: Loosen the bolts on the component that you will be adjusting. You may need to support the weight of the vehicle with a jack, but leave it on the ground for the initial loosening. 
5. Adjust the camber: Use the appropriate tool to make the necessary adjustment, referring to the measurements from step 2 and your desired alignment settings. 
6. Tighten the bolts: Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications to lock the new camber setting in place. 
7. Final alignment: Take the vehicle to a professional shop for a full wheel alignment to ensure the camber, toe, and other angles are correctly set for safe and proper handling.