Camber
The inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
Camber is one of the primary wheel alignment angles, referring to the tilt of the wheels relative to the road surface when viewed from the front of the vehicle. It is measured in degrees and can be positive, negative, or zero.
Positive camber occurs when the top of the wheel tilts outward away from the vehicle center. Negative camber occurs when the top of the wheel tilts inward toward the center. Zero camber means the wheel is perfectly vertical. Each vehicle manufacturer designs suspension systems with specific camber tolerances (often slightly negative for improved cornering stability).
When a vehicle corners, body roll shifts the weight, and negative camber helps keep the tire tread flat against the road, maximizing grip. However, excessive positive or negative camber leads to rapid, uneven tire wear. Excessive negative camber wears the inside edge of the tire tread, while excessive positive camber wears the outside edge.
Camber issues are typically caused by bent or worn suspension components (such as control arms, struts, or ball joints) or after lowering or raising a vehicle. Camber is adjusted using eccentric bolts, adjustable control arms, or camber plates during a professional wheel alignment service.