camber angle
One of the angles made by the wheels of a vehicle; specifically, the angle between the vertical axis of a wheel and the vertical axis of the vehicle when viewed from the front or rear.
camber angle: how far your wheel tilts from vertical
Camber angle is the angle between a wheel's centerline and true vertical when viewed head-on at the vehicle. Measured in degrees, it describes whether the top of the wheel leans inward (negative camber) or outward (positive camber) relative to the body. This angle exists on both the front and rear axles and directly affects tire wear, handling, and stability.
Most road vehicles run with slight negative camber, typically between 0.5 and 2 degrees. This geometry exists because suspension geometry, body roll during cornering, and tire sidewall flex all work together. When you accelerate through a turn, the vehicle's body leans outward, the suspension compresses on the outside wheels, and that negative camber helps keep the tire's contact patch perpendicular to the road surface. Without it, the outer edge of the tire would wear excessively.
Race cars and performance vehicles often run more aggressive negative camber, sometimes 3 to 4 degrees or higher, because they prioritize cornering grip over tire longevity. The trade-off is higher wear on the inside edge of the tire and reduced straight-line braking performance. Trucks and SUVs typically use less negative camber or even slight positive camber for stability on rough terrain and to reduce tire scrubbing.
What goes wrong
Camber angles change as suspension components wear or deflect. A bent control arm, worn ball joint, or accident damage shifts the wheel's angle and causes feathering across the tire face or accelerated wear on one edge. Even small changes of 0.5 degrees can become visible in tire condition after a few thousand miles. Vehicles that pull to one side during braking or show uneven tire wear are often suffering from camber misalignment.
Camber adjustment is performed during wheel alignment using a hunter alignment rack or similar optical/laser measuring system. The technician adjusts shims, eccentric bolts, or in some designs, threaded tie-rod components to bring the angle within specification. The vehicle must be on a level surface and at ride height to capture the true static camber; many alignment shops also measure camber at load or under specific conditions to account for suspension travel.