camber
The alignment on the roll axis of the wheels of a road vehicle, where positive camber signifies that the wheels are closer together at the bottom than the top.
camber: the angle wheels lean in or out
Camber is the angle between a wheel's vertical axis and true vertical when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Measured in degrees, it describes whether the wheel tips inward or outward at the bottom. Positive camber means the wheel leans outward (top tilts away from the vehicle centerline); negative camber means it leans inward (top tilts toward centerline). This angle directly affects tire wear, handling, and how the vehicle sits.
The angle exists for engineering reasons, not accident. Most road vehicles run slight negative camber, typically between 0.5 and 2 degrees, because under cornering loads the tire sidewall flexes outward and the suspension geometry changes. Negative camber at rest compensates, keeping the tire contact patch perpendicular to the road during hard turns. Performance vehicles may run more negative camber, while older vehicles or trucks designed for load-carrying often run positive camber to improve tire life on straight-line driving.
Measurement and adjustment
Camber is measured with a camber gauge during a four-wheel alignment check. The gauge sits on a wheel rim and reads the angle relative to vertical. Adjustment happens at the suspension attachment points, typically by moving the top or bottom of the strut, by shims behind the control arm, or by eccentric bolts that allow the suspension geometry to pivot. Different vehicle designs offer different adjustment ranges; some modern vehicles have minimal adjustability by design.
Incorrect camber produces uneven tire wear: excessive positive camber wears the outer edge of the tire; excessive negative camber wears the inner edge. Both reduce tire life and hurt fuel economy. The vehicle may also feel unstable or pull to one side. Camber drift occurs when suspension parts wear or bend, or after collision damage, requiring realignment.
Camber is one of three primary alignment angles, paired with caster (the tilt of the steering axis front-to-back) and toe (the angle of the wheels relative to the vehicle's centerline). All three must be set correctly together for predictable handling, even tire wear, and accurate steering response. Specification varies by model, suspension type, and whether the vehicle is unladen or at rated load.