Camber is the
tilt of the tire as viewed from the front of the car. If the
top of the tires lean toward the center of the car then you
have negative camber. If the top of the tire tilts out away
from the center of the car then you have positive camber.
Adjusting camber can have a dramatic effect on the
cornering of your car. Most oval track racers run negative
camber on the right side of the car and positive camber on
the left. Optimum camber settings will result in more speed
and ideal tire wear.
Camber is measured with a caster camber gauge and is
usually easily adjusted with shims or adjustable upper
a-arms. Always check the toe when making camber or caster
adjustments.
The amount of static camber that you should run is a
result of testing, pyrometer measurements, front suspension
geometry and discussions with your car builder. Remember
that poor camber settings will cause excessive tire wear.
Camber settings set to extremes can reduce the braking
ability of the car.
