Is camber adjustable on all vehicles?
Camber adjustment is not universal: many vehicles use fixed camber, while some offer limited or full adjustability through factory hardware or aftermarket parts.
Camber refers to the tilt of the wheel relative to vertical, which affects tire contact with the road, wear patterns, and handling. Whether you can adjust camber depends on the vehicle’s suspension design, model year, and available components. Some cars allow easy correction via special bolts, arms, or plates, while others require non-adjustable geometry or aftermarket fabrication to change camber.
Understanding camber adjustability by suspension design
Different suspension architectures determine whether camber can be changed at all, and how easily that change can be made. The following overview highlights common patterns in modern vehicles.
- MacPherson strut front suspensions: Many are not easily adjustable; some models allow limited adjustment via camber bolts or eccentric bolts, and a minority offer camber plates for more range at the strut tower. Rear camber is often fixed on these setups.
- Double wishbone / multi-link front suspensions: More likely to offer camber adjustment through adjustable upper and/or lower control arms, or specialized rear links on some models. Availability varies by model.
- Rear suspensions: Independent rear suspensions (multi-link or double wishbone) may allow camber adjustment on certain models; solid rear axles (live axles) typically have fixed camber unless modified with aftermarket components. Some modern vehicles provide rear camber adjustment only as part of a broader alignment package.
- Performance-oriented models and aftermarket components: Certain trims and aftermarket kits include adjustable camber via control arms, camber bolts/spacers, or camber plates for precise tuning of alignment and handling.
Bottom line: If a vehicle is designed with adjustable camber, the capability will be specified in the service manual or manufacturer documentation. If not, camber is fixed and only changeable through component replacement or aftermarket parts.
Practical guidelines for owners and technicians
Before attempting any camber adjustment, consider these points and consult the factory specifications for your vehicle.
- Check the factory alignment spec sheet to see if camber is adjustable on the front, rear, or both axes, and identify the target ranges for your model.
- Inspect the suspension architecture to determine whether you have adjustable camber bolts, adjustable control arms, or camber plates.
- When adjusting, follow proper torque specs and use a precise alignment procedure to avoid introducing unwanted changes to toe, caster, or ride height.
- If you notice unusual tire wear, misalignment after a height change, or collision damage, seek professional assessment rather than attempting ad hoc adjustments.
In practice, camber adjustment varies widely by vehicle. Always verify with the service manual or a qualified alignment shop to understand what is possible for your specific car.
What to do if you want more camber for performance or tire wear reasons
Owners chasing additional camber for improved cornering grip or to manage tire wear may pursue solutions that involve aftermarket parts or careful alignment, balancing handling goals with tire life and safety.
- Determine whether you need front camber, rear camber, or both, and set a target value within the manufacturer’s recommended range for your use case.
- Identify appropriate aftermarket components for your vehicle: adjustable control arms, camber bolts, camber plates, or complete compatible strut mounts.
- Plan for a full alignment after installation, ensuring toe and caster are within spec and there is no interference with suspension travel or clearance.
Approach adjustments with a clear plan and, if possible, consult a professional to preserve safety, ride quality, and tire performance.
Summary
Camber adjustment is not universal. Availability depends on suspension design and model year. While some vehicles offer factory or aftermarket options to adjust camber, many mass-market models have fixed camber angles. Always refer to the vehicle’s service manual or consult a reputable alignment shop to determine what is possible for your specific car.
Do normal cars have camber?
For normal, modern cars typically feature a slightly negative camber angle is desired (0.5–1° to ensure a good balance and cornering grip, braking grip and tire wear.
Which alignment is adjustable on all vehicles?
Front toe
Front toe is adjustable on all vehicles, while rear toe is only adjustable on some. Excessive toe-in accelerates wear on the outer tire edges, while excessive toe-out will wear the inner tire edges. Setting toe is done by altering the length of the tie rod assembly.
Is camber adjustment included in wheel alignment?
Yes, a standard wheel alignment includes adjusting the camber, along with caster and toe, to ensure your wheels are set to the manufacturer's specifications. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of the top of the wheel, and it is adjusted to promote even tire wear and proper handling.
- Camber: This is the vertical angle of the wheel. A proper camber setting ensures the tire's tread is flat and even on the road surface.
- Caster: This is the angle of the steering axis that affects steering stability and helps the vehicle go straight.
- Toe: This refers to the left and right alignment of the wheels.
During an alignment, a technician uses a special machine to measure and adjust these angles to match your vehicle's specifications, which helps with safety, handling, and tire longevity.
Can camber be adjusted on all cars?
Not Every Car Can Use Camber Plates
Cars with double-wishbone or multi-link suspension don't support camber plates, because camber is controlled by the suspension arms, not the top mount. On these vehicles, you'll need different solutions to dial in alignment, such as: Adjustable control arms. Camber bolts.
