What is the impact of rear wheel camber on a car?
3 Answers
Rear wheel camber affects a car in the following aspects: 1. It causes wear on the outer side of the tire: Especially during cornering, it can wear the tire sidewall, which is very dangerous as the sidewall lacks steel belts, and severe cases may lead to tire blowouts. 2. It can cause unstable driving: Because the tire exerts an outward force, even slight bumps can make driving unstable. 3. Camber angle: The camber angle is designed to complement the toe angle. The camber angle can be simply understood as the angle at which the wheel tilts outward. The ideal angle is 0, or slightly outward to prevent unavoidable tire wear caused by the toe angle.
The rear wheel camber refers to the slight tilt angle of the rear wheels. If improperly set, it can cause unstable steering direction and uneven tire wear, with one side wearing out faster—especially noticeable when driving family cars at high speeds, leading to more bumps. Having driven for many years, I always remind my friends to regularly check wheel alignment as it directly impacts safety. If tires wear out prematurely, replacing them costs hundreds of dollars, which isn't worth it. Additionally, camber issues can cause uneven stress on the rear suspension, leading to strange noises or reduced lifespan. Maintaining the correct angle saves hassle and effort—just have a technician perform a quick measurement during routine maintenance.
A bit of negative camber on the rear wheels can enhance cornering grip, making mountain roads or racing especially thrilling as the car feels firmly planted without slipping. But don't overdo it, or daily commuting will wear out tires quickly and increase bumpiness. Having modified cars, I learned that adjusting camber requires balancing tire pressure and suspension to achieve both performance and practicality. Regularly check the angle to avoid deviations, ensuring peace of mind on long trips. When tuning, seek guidance from someone knowledgeable to prevent damaging rear wheel components, saving time and money.
