Mechanic Glossary

Camber Angle

The inward or outward tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front, affecting tire wear and cornering grip.

Camber angle is a critical wheel alignment setting. It is the tilt of the tires relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel tilts inward toward the engine, it is negative camber. If it tilts outward away from the car, it is positive camber. Correct camber ensures the tire tread stays flat against the pavement when the vehicle is loaded or cornering, maximizing traction.

Incorrect camber will destroy tires quickly. If camber is too negative, the inner shoulder of the tire tread will wear down to the steel cords. If it is too positive, the outer shoulder will wear down. Camber shifts out of spec due to worn control arm bushings, sagging springs, or bent struts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Positive camber means the tops of the tires tilt outward away from the car. Negative camber means they tilt inward toward the center of the engine bay. Most passenger cars run slight negative camber to improve cornering grip.
It causes rapid wear on the inner or outer edges of your tires, and can cause the vehicle to pull to one side if the camber is unequal between the left and right wheels.
No. Many modern cars have fixed camber from the factory. If camber is out of specification, it means a suspension component (like a control arm or strut) is bent and must be replaced, or you must install aftermarket cam bolts or adjustable camber plates.
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