Camber

Camber Angle Explained – Suspension Geometry

Jump to:
1. What the System Does
2. How It Works – Step by Step
3. Key Components Involved
4. Common Misconceptions
5. Why This Matters

Anchor 1

Camber is a suspension geometry angle that describes how much a wheel tilts inward or outward at the top when viewed from the front of a vehicle. It plays a key role in how a vehicle handles during cornering and how tyres contact the road surface.

Camber angle influences how the tyre contacts the road under different driving conditions. By setting camber appropriately, vehicle designers can balance cornering performance, straight-line stability, steering effort, and tyre wear.

This page explains what camber is, the difference between positive and negative camber, and how camber affects handling, stability, and tyre wear.

How it Works - Step by Step

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Camber definition
When viewed from the front of the vehicle, camber describes the inward or outward tilt of the wheel at the top.
Positive camber
The top of the wheel tilts outward from the vehicle. This configuration is uncommon on road vehicles but can reduce steering effort and accommodate varying loads.
Negative camber
The top of the wheel tilts inward towards the vehicle. This is commonly used to improve tyre contact during cornering.
Cornering effects
During cornering, body roll and lateral forces cause tyre sidewalls to deform, reducing the tyre’s contact patch with the road.
Camber compensation
A small amount of negative camber counteracts this deformation, helping the tyre maintain better contact with the road surface during cornering.
Trade-offs
While negative camber improves cornering performance, it reduces tyre contact during straight-line acceleration and braking, which can increase tyre wear.

Key Components Involved

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Wheel and tyre
The camber angle directly affects how the tyre contacts the road.
Suspension system
Determines and maintains the camber angle under static and dynamic conditions.
Vehicle body and chassis
Contribute to weight transfer and body roll during cornering.

Common Misconceptions

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More negative camber is always better
Excessive negative camber can reduce straight-line grip and accelerate tyre wear.
Camber only affects appearance
While camber can be visually noticeable, its primary purpose is functional.
Positive camber is incorrect
Positive camber can be appropriate in specific vehicle designs and operating conditions.

Why This Matters

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Understanding camber helps explain how suspension geometry influences vehicle handling and tyre behaviour. It also clarifies why manufacturers choose specific camber settings as a compromise between cornering performance, stability, and tyre longevity.

This knowledge supports a broader understanding of steering and suspension design.

Quick Reference