How to Adjust Your Camber

Summary

In this video, we explore the process of adjusting camber on various suspension types to maximize tire performance. The tutorial covers strut-type suspensions commonly found in production cars, where adjustable plates are used to modify camber. It then shifts focus to a double-A arm suspension system found in kit cars and the Mazda Miata, explaining how the upper and lower arms affect camber. Finally, the video demonstrates camber adjustment on a NASCAR stock car using shims and the A-arm for precise alignment. This comprehensive guide ensures viewers can optimize tire wear and performance across multiple vehicle types.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses how to adjust camber to optimize tire performance on different types of suspensions.
• 😀 It first covers the common strut-type suspension found in most production cars and how to adjust camber by replacing the top mount with an adjustable plate.
• 😀 Camber adjustments should be tailored to specific driving needs, such as track days, but should be returned to street settings afterward to prevent uneven tire wear.
• 😀 The RX-7 example illustrates how to adjust the strut position using the adjustable top mount plate to alter the camber angle.
• 😀 For strut-type suspensions, placing marks on the adjustment plate helps track optimal camber settings for both street and track driving.
• 😀 The video also covers double-A arm suspensions, such as those found in formula cars, which use threaded heim joints to adjust the camber by altering the upper arm's length.
• 😀 The rear suspension of a tube-frame kit car with double-A arms also uses similar adjustments for camber as the front.
• 😀 In addition to camber, the rear suspension also involves adjusting the toe-in or toe-out using a separate tow link.
• 😀 The Mazda Miata uses a double-A arm suspension with a fixed top arm and adjusts camber by rotating an eccentric washer on the lower arm’s mounting bolt.
• 😀 The NASCAR stock car uses shims between the upper A-arm and frame to adjust camber. Adding shims increases negative camber, while removing them decreases it.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video discussed in the transcript?

The video focuses on explaining how to adjust the camber on different types of suspensions to maximize tire performance. It covers four different suspension types: strut, double-A arm, Mazda Miata, and NASCAR.

What is a McPherson strut, and why is it important in the context of adjusting camber?

A McPherson strut is a type of suspension commonly found in current production cars. It's important in adjusting camber because it typically doesn't allow for easy camber adjustments, so replacing the top mount with an adjustable plate is necessary to change the camber angle.

How can you adjust the camber on a strut type suspension?

To adjust the camber on a strut type suspension, you need to replace the top mount with an adjustable plate that has slots. By moving the strut left or right within these slots, you change the angle of the tire, which adjusts the camber.

What advice is given for street vehicles used in track days regarding camber adjustments?

It's recommended to mark the camber setting for track days on the adjustable mount so that you can revert to the street driving settings after track use. This prevents excessive wear on the inner tire edges from prolonged negative camber adjustments.

What kind of suspension is used in the tube frame kit car discussed in the video?

The tube frame kit car uses a double-A arm front suspension with Heim joints or rod ends that are adjustable to change the camber angle by altering the length of the upper A-arm.

How does the adjustment of the camber differ between the tube frame kit car and the Mazda Miata?

In the tube frame kit car, camber is adjusted by changing the length of the upper A-arm using adjustable rod ends. In contrast, the Mazda Miata adjusts camber by rotating an eccentric washer on the lower A-arm, which moves the arm either in or out to change the camber angle.

What are Heim joints, and how do they contribute to adjusting the camber in a double-A arm suspension?

Heim joints, or rod ends, are pivot points used in double-A arm suspensions. By screwing these joints in or out, you change the length of the upper A-arm, which in turn adjusts the camber angle of the tire.

What does the term 'eccentric washer' refer to in the context of the Mazda Miata suspension?

An eccentric washer is a component used in the Mazda Miata suspension that is installed on the mounting bolt of the lower A-arm. By rotating the eccentric washer, the position of the lower A-arm changes, thereby adjusting the camber.

How do you adjust the camber on a NASCAR car according to the script?

To adjust the camber on a NASCAR car, you adjust the shims between the upper A-arm and its mounting bracket. Adding shims moves the A-arm inward, increasing negative camber, while removing shims moves it outward, decreasing negative camber.

Why is it important to adjust both camber and toe-in or toe-out on a car's suspension?

Adjusting both camber and toe-in or toe-out is essential for maximizing tire performance and ensuring proper handling. Camber affects tire wear and grip, while toe adjustments impact stability and cornering behavior, making both critical for optimizing a vehicle's suspension setup.