Camber is the lean of the tire as viewed from the front of the car. If the top of the tires lean toward the center of the car then you have negative camber. /-----\
If the top of the tire tilts out away from the center of the car then you have positive camber. \-----/
Camber adjusting effects tire wear, the cornering of the car and corner speeds.
Unlike full scale stock cars, our cars have the capability of enormous rear camber adjustments due to a dog bone rear-end setup.
Camber is easily measured with a camber gauge. The RPM Monster Camber Gauge & typical magnetic degree gauge are two such gauges to choose from. The RPM gauge can be used in junction with setup plates or placed against the tire itself. Notice the setup plate used in this picture. The magnetic gauge can be used with or without a steel setup plate. The RPM gauge is available from Tower Hobbies. Link will take you directly to the part.
The magnet gauge is available from Harbor Freight Tools. Link will take you directly to the part.
To achieved proper camber adjustments read tire temperatures regularly. When camber is set correctly it allows the entire surface of the tire to adhere to the track thus maximizing the use of the tire contact patch when taking a corner at high speed.
Marking the tire with a lines from a grease pencil is another way to check whether or not your camber settings are good. Markings in a pattern such as the tire to the right will Take about 15 to 25 laps around the track at speed. When you bring the car in, look for remaining pencil markings. This will give you good indications of how much of the tire is in contact with the track ... otherwise known as tire contact patch. When camber is set properly, the entire patch of the tire should be in contact with the track in the turns.
Points to remember...
- Always check the toe when adjusting Camber
- Reset the front sway bar whenever making changes
- Set Camber should be determined by on track testing
- Optimal Camber setting will result in faster corner speeds and ideal tire wear
- Improper Camber settings will result in ill car handling and poor tire wear
