Camber bolts are an essential component for fine-tuning your vehicle’s suspension geometry. Whether you’re looking to improve handling, reduce tire wear, or adjust your car for a specific driving condition, camber bolts offer a simple and effective solution. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about camber bolts and provide a detailed step-by-step process on how to install them.
Understanding Camber and Camber Bolts
What is Camber?
Camber refers to the angle of the wheels relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. There are two types of camber:
- Positive Camber: The top of the wheels leans outward, away from the vehicle.
- Negative Camber: The top of the wheels leans inward, towards the vehicle.
The camber angle affects tire contact with the road surface, influencing grip, handling, and tire wear. A correctly adjusted camber improves the vehicle’s stability and performance, especially during cornering.
The Role of Camber Bolts
Camber bolts are specialized fasteners designed to allow adjustments to the camber angle of your vehicle’s wheels. They replace the original bolts in the suspension strut, enabling you to fine-tune the camber without replacing more expensive suspension components. This adjustability is particularly useful for aligning the vehicle after lowering it, installing aftermarket suspension, or compensating for uneven tire wear.
When Should You Install Camber Bolts?
Camber bolts are typically installed in the following situations:
- Lowered Vehicles: Lowering a vehicle changes the suspension geometry, often resulting in excessive negative camber. Camber bolts allow you to bring the camber back into an acceptable range.
- Uneven Tire Wear: If you notice uneven tire wear, especially on the inner or outer edges, it might be due to improper camber. Installing camber bolts can help correct this issue.
- Performance Tuning: For enthusiasts looking to optimize their car for track days or specific driving conditions, adjusting the camber can enhance handling and grip.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before starting the installation process, gather the following tools and materials:
- Camber bolts: Ensure they are the correct size and type for your vehicle.
- Jack and jack stands: To lift and securely support the vehicle.
- Socket set: To remove and install bolts.
- Torque wrench: To tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from moving while raised.
- Alignment tools: If you plan to measure and adjust camber on your own.
- Penetrating oil: To loosen any rusted or tight bolts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Camber Bolts
Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Park on a Level Surface
Start by parking your vehicle on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Loosen the Lug Nuts
Before lifting the vehicle, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheels where you will install the camber bolts. Do not fully remove them yet.
Step 2: Lift the Vehicle
Use a Jack to Raise the Vehicle
Position the jack under the appropriate lifting point of your vehicle. Raise the vehicle until the wheels are off the ground.
Secure with Jack Stands
Once the vehicle is lifted, place jack stands under the vehicle’s frame or designated jacking points. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands for stability.
Remove the Wheels
With the vehicle securely supported, remove the lug nuts and take off the wheels to access the suspension components.
Step 3: Locate the Strut Bolts
Identify the Upper Strut Bolts
Locate the strut bolts that connect the strut to the steering knuckle. These are typically located near the top of the wheel assembly. You will be replacing the upper strut bolt with the camber bolt.
Step 4: Remove the Original Strut Bolt
Apply Penetrating Oil
If the bolt is rusty or difficult to remove, apply penetrating oil and allow it to sit for a few minutes.
Use a Socket to Remove the Bolt
Use the appropriate socket to remove the original upper strut bolt. This may require some force, especially if the bolt has been in place for a long time.
Step 5: Install the Camber Bolt
Insert the Camber Bolt
Insert the camber bolt into the same hole where you removed the original bolt. Ensure the camber bolt’s cam lobe (the eccentric part of the bolt) is positioned correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Adjust the Camber
The position of the cam lobe will determine the camber adjustment. Rotate the camber bolt to achieve the desired camber angle. Typically, rotating the bolt one way will increase negative camber, while rotating it the other way will reduce it.
Step 6: Tighten the Camber Bolt
Hand Tighten First
Hand-tighten the camber bolt to hold it in place. Make sure the cam lobe remains in the desired position.
Use a Torque Wrench
Using a torque wrench, tighten the camber bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. This is crucial to ensure the bolt is securely fastened and the camber adjustment remains stable.
Step 7: Reinstall the Wheels and Lower the Vehicle
Reattach the Wheels
Place the wheels back onto the wheel hub and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
Lower the Vehicle
Use the jack to lift the vehicle slightly, remove the jack stands, and then slowly lower the vehicle to the ground.
Tighten the Lug Nuts
Once the vehicle is on the ground, use a lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening.
Step 8: Check and Adjust Alignment
Perform a Visual Check
After installing the camber bolts, perform a visual check to ensure the wheels appear to have the correct camber angle. This is especially important if you made significant adjustments.
Professional Alignment
For precise camber adjustment and to ensure your vehicle’s overall alignment is correct, it’s recommended to take your car to a professional alignment shop. They have specialized equipment that can measure and adjust the camber, caster, and toe angles to the exact specifications.
Step 9: Test Drive and Final Adjustments
Take Your Car for a Test Drive
After installation and alignment, take your car for a test drive. Pay attention to how the car handles, particularly during turns. Also, check if the steering wheel is centered and if there are any unusual noises.
Make Final Adjustments if Necessary
If the handling feels off or if you notice any issues, you may need to make further adjustments. This could involve tweaking the camber angle slightly or rechecking the alignment.
Maintenance and Monitoring
Regularly Check Camber Bolts
Camber bolts should be checked periodically to ensure they remain securely fastened. Over time, they can loosen, especially if the vehicle is driven on rough roads or used in performance driving.
Monitor Tire Wear
Keep an eye on your tire wear patterns after installing camber bolts. If you notice any unusual wear, it may indicate that further adjustment is needed.
Re-Align as Needed
Suspension components can wear out or shift over time, affecting alignment. Regular alignments are recommended to maintain optimal handling and tire life.
Conclusion
Installing camber bolts is a straightforward process that can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s handling and tire wear. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently install camber bolts and make necessary camber adjustments. Remember, while DIY installation is possible, having a professional alignment afterward is essential to ensure your vehicle’s suspension geometry is correct. With the right tools and attention to detail, you can improve your car’s performance and extend the life of your tires.
