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.
