What's causing my negative / \ camber?

[bruker]

I just noticed the other day that the front tires my `01 Windstar are leaning slightly inward which I believe is referred to as negative camber. The tires are wearing fine, the van rides good, there's no frontend noise and the steering's fine. I do have 188,000 miles on it and the original struts and ball joints are still there. I'll be rotating the tires in a couple of weeks so I'll get a chance to make a closer inspection then. What do you think I'll find?

[12Ounce]

Man, you've rolled up the miles!

You are correct. The front wheels do have negative camber ... from the factory ... -.44 degs ... and it looks like more than that due to the body side shape.

If you are getting good tire wear, don't let anyone make any adjustments. In modern cars (well, most of them) the geometry is so "large", that caster and camber are built-in and never have to worried with. In fact, "toe" is the only thing that ever needs correcting unless the vehicle has been in a major accident. Of course, this assumes the various rubber isolator/bushings are replaced when worn.

At your mileage, you may be close to needing new tie rod ends. Perhaps upper strut bearings and rubber blocks, and shocks would be wise. You can bet the links to the anti-sway bar are due. And of course, look over all the rubber isolators, especially on the anti-sway bar.

Negative camber has gotten very popular in recent years ... since the introduction of "struts". I think it helps in cornering.

Have you noticed the front on a Mercedes lately?

[RahX]

if youre worried about it you might have someone put it on a machine and have it checked or go ahead and have it aligned. its a good idea to have a GOOD 4wheel alignment done. not all cars are adjustable in the rear but some are. the alignment shop will know if you need just a front only or not. anyway, camber can get out of spec on strut cars. a common fix is to use a different type of bolt in place of the stock ones where the strut comes together with the knuckle. theyre slotted so you can adjust the camber a couple degrees. if its bad enough to see physically then its probably quite a bit out of adjustment but you cant know until its put on a machine. camber wear on tires usually doesnt occur for several thousand miles.

[carlos80]

Originally Posted by RahX

if youre worried about it you might have someone put it on a machine and have it checked or go ahead and have it aligned. its a good idea to have a GOOD 4wheel alignment done. not all cars are adjustable in the rear but some are. the alignment shop will know if you need just a front only or not. anyway, camber can get out of spec on strut cars. a common fix is to use a different type of bolt in place of the stock ones where the strut comes together with the knuckle. theyre slotted so you can adjust the camber a couple degrees. if its bad enough to see physically then its probably quite a bit out of adjustment but you cant know until its put on a machine. camber wear on tires usually doesnt occur for several thousand miles.

actually on windstars the only way to adjust camber or caster is by drilling the body(where the struts bolt to) and most shops will either not do it or charge extra, which is worth the money considering you have to remove the cowl panel and drill away

[LeSabre97mint]

Originally Posted by carlos80

actually on windstars the only way to adjust camber or caster is by drilling the body(where the struts bolt to) and most shops will either not do it or charge extra, which is worth the money considering you have to remove the cowl panel and drill away

Instead of drilling a friend of mine (front end mechanic) says that he uses a air chissel and pops the spot welds in a few seconds. He used to drill and charge the customer. Now he just pops them and does the adjustment. Much cleaner and quicker.

Regards

Dan

[wiswind]

Moog sells a "alignment camber kit" which is a upper strut mounting plate that permits camber adjustment. It is Moog #K8991. I found it at www.rockauto.com
I have no experience with this item.
Like you....my tires are wearing evenly......and my van handles just fine.
I have had no comments when I have had it in for alignment....so I am leaving well enough alone.