What are the symptoms of a bad camber angle?

A bad camber angle most visibly shows up as uneven tire wear and handling changes, such as the car pulling to one side or the steering wheel not centering properly.

Understanding camber and its impact

Camber angle describes the tilt of a wheel relative to vertical. Negative camber tilts the top of the wheel inward, while positive camber tilts it outward. When camber goes out of spec, the tire’s contact patch with the road changes, affecting grip, steering response, and tread wear. Different suspension designs on the front and rear axles mean the symptoms can vary by wheel position and vehicle type.

Common symptoms of a bad camber angle

Below are the signs drivers often notice on the road and in daily driving. Look for patterns rather than a single symptom to avoid misdiagnosis.

• Uneven tire wear on the inner or outer edge of the tread (inner edge wear for negative camber, outer edge wear for positive camber), often concentrated on the affected axle.


• Vehicle pulls to one side or the steering wheel sits off-center when driving on a straight road.


• Steering feels unstable or “wanders” at highway speeds, especially during cornering or after hitting bumps.


• Reduced grip in corners; the car may require more steering input or feel less planted than expected.


• In extreme cases, unusual noise or vibration from the front end, particularly over irregular surfaces, due to abnormal tire contact or worn suspension components.


• Visible or noticeable tread wear patterns that don’t match tire defects, suggesting misalignment rather than a tire flaw.

If you notice these signs, arrange a professional alignment check. A technician will measure camber angles and adjust suspension components as needed to restore even tire wear and proper handling.

What to expect during a correction

During a wheel alignment, technicians adjust camber angles using adjustable control arms or strut mounts, depending on the vehicle. They will also evaluate toe and caster and inspect suspension parts for wear. Correcting camber often improves straight-line stability, cornering grip, and tire life.

How camber is adjusted

Most cars use adjustable upper or lower control arms or adjustable strut mounts to modify camber. Some newer models rely on camber adjustments via bushings or shim spacers, while others require replacement of components to achieve the desired angle. A precise alignment machine ensures accurate measurements.

Summary

Bad camber angle manifests primarily through uneven tire wear and handling changes, including pulling, off-center steering, and reduced cornering grip. Regular wheel alignment checks, especially after impacts or when installing new tires, help prevent excessive wear and maintain safe, predictable handling.

Will an alignment fix camber issues?

Yes, a professional wheel alignment can fix camber, but only if the vehicle's suspension has the factory-adjustable components to do so, like cam bolts or eccentric bolts. If the camber is out of specification due to worn or damaged suspension parts like ball joints or control arms, the alignment shop will first require you to make those repairs before the camber can be properly adjusted, say Quora users and Quora. 
How alignment corrects camber

• Standard alignment: A technician will adjust the camber to the manufacturer's specifications. For vehicles with adjustable camber, this is done by turning eccentric bolts or cam plates on the suspension. 
• Non-adjustable suspension: If your car doesn't have adjustable camber, a standard alignment can't correct it. In this case, the technician will likely only adjust the toe angle, which is another component of wheel alignment. 
• Aftermarket parts: Some vehicles require installing aftermarket parts, like adjustable control arms, to correct camber that is outside the factory adjustment range. 

What to do if you need a camber fix

1. Get a professional alignment: Take your vehicle to a reputable alignment shop. A certified mechanic can diagnose the problem correctly and let you know if the issue is with the alignment itself or with the suspension components. 
2. Replace worn parts: If the problem is due to worn-out suspension parts, you'll need to replace those first before the alignment can be properly done. 
3. Consider adjustable parts: If your car is lowered or has had other modifications, you may need to install adjustable control arms or other aftermarket parts to allow for proper camber adjustment. 

How do you know if your camber is bad?

The simplest way to figure out if your using enough, or too much camber, is by examining tire wear. If you aren't using enough, over time the outside edge of the tire will be visibly more worn than the inside.

What are the effects of camber angle?

Camber significantly influences a vehicle's handling characteristics and tire wear patterns. Properly aligned camber angles ensure smooth car performance and a safer ride. There are two types of camber angles—positive and negative—each helping vehicles perform specific tasks.

What happens if camber is off?

If a vehicle's camber is off, it can cause uneven tire wear, with the inner or outer edge wearing down faster, and poor handling, making the car pull to one side and feel unstable during turns. This misalignment can also lead to reduced fuel efficiency and decreased traction, which can affect braking and overall stability. 
This video explains how camber works and its effects on vehicle handling: 45sKYLE.ENGINEERSYouTube · Nov 25, 2015
Effects of incorrect camber

• Uneven tire wear:
  • Excessive negative camber (top of the wheel tilting inward) causes the inside edge of the tire to wear down quickly. 
  • Excessive positive camber (top of the wheel tilting outward) causes the outer edge of the tire to wear down faster. 
• Poor handling and steering: 
  • A car may pull to one side because one tire has more positive or negative camber than the other. 
  • Steering can feel unstable, especially at high speeds. 
• Reduced fuel efficiency: 
  • Increased friction from misaligned wheels requires the engine to work harder, which lowers fuel economy. 
• Decreased traction and stability: 
  • Uneven contact between the tire and the road surface reduces grip, leading to longer stopping distances and less stability, particularly in wet conditions. 

When to check camber

• If you notice one edge of your tires is wearing faster than the other. 
• If your car pulls to one side when you're driving on a straight, level road. 
• If your car feels unstable or difficult to control when turning. 
• After hitting a large pothole or curb, which may have damaged suspension components and knocked the alignment out of specification. 

You can watch this video to learn how to identify the signs of excessive negative camber: 35sEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Oct 7, 2015