Camber Angle

Camber angle is the angle made by the wheel of a vehicle. Specifically, Camber angle is the angle between the vertical axis of wheel and the vertical axis of the car/vehicle when viewed from the front or rear. The design of suspension and steering depends on this angle. Camber angle is distinguished in two different ways, namely positive camber and negative camber. The camber angle is termed positive camber, if the top of the wheel is further out than the bottom. It is called negative camber when the bottom of the wheel is further out than the top.

Camber angle alters the handling qualities of a particular suspension design – in particular negative camber improves grip when cornering. This is because it presents the tire, which is taking the greatest proportion of the cornering forces, at a more optimal angle to the road, increasing its contact area and transmitting the forces through the vertical plane of the tire, rather than through a shear force across it. But, for maximum straight line acceleration, the greatest traction will be attained when the camber angle is zero and the tread is flat on the road. In suspension design, proper management of camber angle is a major factor, and must incorporate not only idealized geometric models, but also real-life behavior of the components; flex distortion, elasticity, etc. What was once an art has now become much more scientific with the use of computers, which can juggle all the variables mathematically instead of relying on the designer’s intuitive feel and experience, and as a result the handling of even low-priced automobiles has improved dramatically in recent years.

In newer model cars with McPherson strut suspensions, the camber angle is normally fixed, while in older cars with double wishbone suspensions, the camber angle was usually adjustable. This may help reduce maintenance requirements. If the car is lowered by using shortened springs, the caster angle changes and will increase the chance of wear and tear of tire and even to impair handling. Due to this, drivers who are serious about modifying their car for better handling will modify the mounting point of the top of the struts to the body to allow some lateral movement for caster adjustment, along with lowering the body. For most of the commonly modified models of cars, plates with slots for strut mounts instead of just holes are available in the market

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