Adjusting camber on coilovers that feature adjustable top plates involves loosening specific bolts and moving the coilover assembly's position relative to the vehicle's mounting point.
Understanding Camber Adjustment
Camber is the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis when viewed from the front or rear of the car. Negative camber means the top of the wheel tilts inwards towards the car's body, while positive camber means it tilts outwards. Adjusting camber can impact tire wear, handling, and straight-line stability.
Method for Adjusting Camber (Based on Reference)
For coilovers that offer camber adjustment via a sliding top plate, the process generally follows these steps:
- Loosen Bolts: You will first need to loosen the four allen head bolts on the top of the coilover. These bolts typically secure the adjustable top plate to the vehicle's chassis mounting point.
- Adjust Position: Once the bolts are loosened, you can then adjust the coilover inwards or outwards. This movement shifts the upper mounting point of the coilover, changing the wheel's angle relative to the suspension.
- Secure Adjustment: After achieving the desired camber setting, securely tighten the four allen head bolts you previously loosened to lock the position in place.
To clarify the direction of adjustment and its effect on camber:
| Adjustment Direction | Camber Effect | Movement Relative to Vehicle Centerline |
|---|---|---|
| Inwards | More Negative | Towards the inside of the engine bay |
| Outwards | Less Negative | Away from the inside of the engine bay |
As stated in the reference, "To make the camber more negative, you will adjust the coilover inwards towards the inside of the engine bay."
Practical Considerations
- Verification: Ensure your specific Raceland coilover model is equipped with adjustable camber plates. Not all coilovers offer this feature.
- Symmetry: Always adjust both sides (left and right) symmetrically unless specific alignment is required (e.g., for racing).
- Measurement: Use a digital camber gauge or seek professional alignment services to accurately measure and set camber angles. Visual adjustment is not recommended.
- Professional Alignment: After making any suspension adjustments, it is highly recommended to get a full professional alignment to ensure all angles (camber, toe, caster) are within desired specifications for optimal performance and tire longevity.
Adjusting camber allows fine-tuning of your vehicle's handling characteristics, especially for track use or specific driving preferences.
