Camber

Camber is the inward or outward tilt of a wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. It is an alignment angle measured in degrees.

Negative and positive camber

Negative camber means the top of the wheel tilts inward toward the vehicle. Positive camber means the top tilts outward. Vehicle manufacturers specify a target range that accounts for suspension design, handling and tire wear.

Why camber matters

Camber influences how the tire’s contact area meets the road during straight-line driving and cornering. Excessive or uneven camber can contribute to wear on one shoulder of the tire. It may also indicate worn or bent suspension components when the angle cannot be adjusted into specification.

Modified vehicles

Lowering, lifting or changing suspension components can alter camber. After suspension or ride-height changes, the vehicle should be measured on alignment equipment and corrected using appropriate adjustment methods or components.

Related terms

Caster, toe alignment, contact patch and uneven wear.