How to Adjust Camber Without Camber Bolts
Adding camber bolts to your car is an easy way to adjust camber, but what if you don’t have any or don’t want to use them? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to adjust camber without camber bolts using a few simple tools. Keep reading for more information!
Camber bolts are a necessary evil when you need to adjust camber on your car. They’re expensive, and they can be a pain to install. But what if you don’t have camber bolts? What if you don’t want to spend the money on them? Can you still adjust camber without them? ABSOLUTELY! In this article, we will show you how to adjust camber without camber bolts using two simple tools: a floor jack and a wrench. So read on, and learn how to turn your lemon of a car into a race-ready machine!
Why Is Adjusting Camber Important?
1. Prevent Uneven Tire Wear
Improper camber can lead to excessive wear on the inside or outside of your tires. So if you want to extend the life of your tires, it’s important to properly adjust your camber. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending more money on frequent tire replacements.
2. Improve Vehicle Handling
Proper camber also improves your vehicle’s handling capabilities. It helps maintain maximum contact between the tires and the road, giving you better traction and control while driving.But be careful not to over-adjust your camber, as excessive adjustments can negatively affect handling.
3. Maintain Proper Alignment
Adjusting camber is a key component of aligning your vehicle. Improper alignment can cause pulling and uneven tire wear, so it’s important to adjust camber in conjunction with toe and caster angles for optimal performance.
Tools You Will Need to Adjust Camber Without Camber Bolts
- Socket set and ratchet
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Hammer
- Pliers or vice grips
- Pry bar
How to Adjust Camber Without Camber Bolts in 8 Steps
Step 1: Loose the Lug Nuts Wheels
To adjust the camber without using camber bolts, you will need to loosen the lug nuts on your wheels. Otherwise, the wheel will not be able to move and adjust properly. So make sure to loosen the lug nuts before proceeding to the next steps.
Step 2: Jack Up the Vehicle
Before adjusting the camber, it is important to jack up your vehicle in order to have easier access to the suspension components. Make sure that your vehicle is securely lifted and supported with a jack stand before moving on.
Step 3: Adjust the Tie Rod
The tie rod connects the steering system to the wheel and adjusting it will affect the camber angle. To adjust the tie rod, unscrew it from its place and move it until you achieve the desired camber angle. Make sure to tighten it back in place after making adjustments.
Step 4: Adjust the Control Arm
The control arm connects the chassis to the wheel, and adjusting it will also affect the camber angle. To adjust the control arm, loosen its bolts and move it until you achieve the desired camber angle. Make sure to tighten it back in place after making adjustments.
Step 5: Adjust the Sway Bar Link
The sway bar link connects the chassis to the suspension, and adjusting it will also affect the camber angle. To adjust the sway bar link, loosen its bolts and move it until you achieve the desired camber angle. Make sure to tighten it back in place after making adjustments.
Step 6: Adjust Both Sides
Make sure to adjust both sides of the vehicle in order to maintain balance and proper alignment. Otherwise, your vehicle may pull to one side while driving and cause uneven tire wear. So make sure to repeat steps 3-5 for the opposite side of your vehicle.
Step 7: Lower the Vehicle and Tighten the Lug Nuts
After making all necessary adjustments, lower your vehicle and tighten the lug nuts back in place. It is important to drive your vehicle and test out the changes before fully tightening the lug nuts to ensure proper camber angle and alignment.
Step 8: Recheck, and Test Drive Your Vehicle
After making the adjustments, it is important to recheck the camber angle to make sure that it is within the desired range. And before hitting the road, test drives your vehicle to ensure proper handling and alignment.
Remember to always be cautious when adjusting suspension components, as improper adjustments can lead to potential safety issues while driving. It is also recommended to have a professional mechanic check the alignment after making adjustments.
Some Precautions You Must Take to Adjust Camber Without Camber Bolts
1. Double-Check
Before attempting to adjust the camber without camber bolts, it is important to double-check that the vehicle does not already have camber bolts installed. Many vehicles come equipped with them, so they may just need to be tightened or loosened.
2. Be Gentle
When adjusting camber without camber bolts, it is important to apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging the suspension. You have to be careful not to apply too much pressure or force in a way that can potentially bend or break suspension components.
3. Use a Jack
It is also important to use a jack or another tool to support the vehicle while adjusting the camber without camber bolts to ensure safety and stability. Otherwise, the vehicle could potentially fall and cause injury. So make sure to have a jack or other support ready before attempting to adjust the camber without camber bolts.
4. Recheck Alignment
After adjusting the camber without camber bolts, it is important to recheck the vehicle’s alignment to ensure proper adjustment. This can be done at a professional automotive shop or with an alignment tool at home.
5. Understand the Risks
Without camber bolts, adjusting camber can be more difficult and may result in uneven or improper alignment. This can lead to issues with handling and tire wear. It is important to understand these potential risks before attempting to adjust the camber without camber bolts.
6. Consult a Professional
If you are unsure about adjusting camber without camber bolts or if feeling uncomfortable with the process, it is always best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance. They will have the proper knowledge and equipment to properly adjust the camber without causing any damage to the vehicle.
By following these precautions, you can safely and effectively adjust your vehicle’s camber without camber bolts. Remember to always exercise caution and consult a professional if unsure of any steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Camber Adjustment Be Done Without Using Camber Bolts?
Yes, it is possible to adjust the camber without using camber bolts by adjusting the tie rod or control arm length. However, this may not give as precise of an adjustment as using camber bolts.
What Are the Risks Involved in Adjusting Camber Without Camber Bolts?
There is a risk of misalignment and potential damage to the suspension components if the adjustments are not made properly. It is also possible for the vehicle to have handling issues if the camber adjustment is not accurate.
When Should I Consider Using Camber Bolts Instead of Adjusting the Tie Rod or Control Arm?
Camber bolts should be considered if precise camber adjustment is needed, such as for performance driving or competitive racing. It may also be necessary to use camber bolts if the tie rod or control arm cannot be adjusted enough to achieve the desired camber adjustment.
It is important to note that camber bolts should only be used temporarily and should be removed after use. They should not be left in place for everyday driving, as this can cause suspension issues.
Conclusion
Adjusting camber is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. Camber bolts make it easy to adjust camber, but not all cars have them. If your car does not have camber bolts, you can still adjust camber by taking it to a mechanic or doing it yourself with some simple tools. By understanding how to adjust camber without camber bolts, you can keep your car running smoothly and safely on the road.
If your camber is off and you don’t have camber bolts, you can still make the adjustment. You’ll need a few supplies from the hardware store and about an hour of free time. With a little elbow grease, you can get your car driving straight again in no time. Thanks for following along! If this blog post was helpful to you, please share it with a friend or leave us a review. We love hearing from our readers!
