Camber bolts are adjustable suspension bolts used to change the camber angle of a wheel. They are commonly installed when factory adjustment is limited or when lowering, lifting or modifying a vehicle changes its alignment. Depending on the suspension design, a camber bolt may provide enough correction—or a larger camber kit or adjustable control arm may be required.
If you have recently lowered your car, installed coilovers, changed suspension components or received an alignment report showing that camber is outside specification, understanding the difference can help you choose the right solution.
What Is Camber?
Camber describes the inward or outward tilt of a wheel when you look at the vehicle directly from the front or rear.
A wheel can have:
- Negative camber: the top of the wheel tilts inward toward the vehicle.
- Positive camber: the top of the wheel tilts outward away from the vehicle.
- Zero camber: the wheel is approximately vertical relative to the road.
Some negative camber is normal on many vehicles and can be useful for cornering performance.
The problem is not simply having negative camber. The problem is having a camber angle that does not match the vehicle, suspension setup, tire use or intended alignment target.
For a street car, excessive negative or positive camber can contribute to uneven tire wear and changes in handling. Performance cars may intentionally run more negative camber, but the appropriate setting depends on the vehicle and how it is driven.
What Is a Camber Bolt?
A camber bolt is an alignment adjustment bolt designed to move a suspension component slightly inward or outward so the technician can change the wheel's camber angle.
Depending on the vehicle, the bolt may use an eccentric cam, a specially shaped washer, an undersized section or another design that creates adjustment as the bolt is rotated.
Instead of simply holding two suspension components together in one fixed position, the camber bolt allows their relative position to be changed during an alignment.
Once the desired position is reached, the hardware is tightened to the manufacturer's specification.
Camber bolts are often used around the:
- Strut-to-knuckle connection
- Control arm mounting point
- Rear suspension links
- Factory alignment adjustment points
The exact location varies by platform. That is why camber bolts should always be purchased according to the exact vehicle application rather than simply by bolt diameter or appearance.
Is a Cam Bolt the Same as a Camber Bolt?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but they can mean slightly different things.
A camber bolt generally refers to a bolt specifically intended to provide camber adjustment.
A cam bolt is a broader term for an eccentric alignment bolt. Depending on the suspension design, a cam bolt may be used to adjust:
- Camber
- Caster
- Toe
- Or a combination of alignment angles
For example, some truck suspension designs use eccentric bolts at the control arms to adjust both camber and caster.
So if you are searching for a cam bolt, the correct replacement still depends on which alignment angle and suspension mounting point the vehicle uses.
How Do Camber Bolts Work?
Imagine the normal suspension bolt creates a fixed pivot point. A camber bolt changes that relationship slightly.
When the bolt is rotated, its eccentric profile or adjustment hardware moves the connected suspension component. That movement changes the position of the wheel relative to the body of the vehicle.
Even a relatively small movement at the mounting point can change camber enough to bring an alignment back into specification.
The amount of adjustment is not universal.
Some applications only provide a small correction range, while others may allow approximately one or two degrees of adjustment in either direction.
Always use the adjustment range specified for the exact camber bolt and vehicle application.
What Is Positive Camber?
Positive camber means the top of the wheel leans outward.
A small amount may be part of the designed alignment on certain vehicles or operating conditions, but excessive positive camber can create undesirable handling characteristics and place more load on the outer portion of the tire.
For most modern street cars, large amounts of visible positive camber are usually a reason to have the suspension and alignment inspected.
Possible causes can include:
- Incorrect alignment
- Worn suspension components
- Bent suspension parts
- Ride-height changes
- Previous collision damage
- Incorrectly installed components
A camber bolt may help only if the suspension is in good mechanical condition and the required correction falls within the available adjustment range.
It should not be used to compensate for a damaged suspension component.
What Is Negative Camber?
Negative camber means the top of the wheel leans inward.
This is common on performance-oriented vehicles because some negative camber can help maintain tire contact during cornering.
Lowering a vehicle can also increase negative camber because changing ride height changes suspension geometry.
This is why a car that was aligned correctly at factory height may need additional adjustment after installing lowering springs or aftermarket coilovers.
Too much negative camber on a street-driven vehicle can contribute to accelerated wear on the inside portion of the tire and may affect straight-line behaviour.
However, camber is only part of the alignment.
Incorrect toe can also create rapid tire wear, so looking at the tire alone is not enough to determine whether camber bolts are required.
A proper alignment measurement should come first.
Why Would You Need Camber Bolts?
Camber bolts are commonly considered when the vehicle's normal alignment adjustment cannot achieve the target camber setting.
This often happens after suspension modifications.
After Lowering a Car
Lowering changes suspension geometry.
Depending on the design, reducing ride height may increase negative camber beyond the factory adjustment range.
If the difference is relatively small, a vehicle-specific camber bolt may provide enough additional adjustment to return the car closer to the desired specification.
After Installing Coilovers
Coilovers allow you to change ride height, which can also change alignment.
Some coilover systems include camber-adjustable top mounts, while others do not.
If the coilover does not provide enough adjustment—or the vehicle's suspension design does not allow camber adjustment through the top mount—additional camber hardware may be required.
If you are planning a complete suspension setup, browse our aftermarket suspension coilovers.
If you are still deciding how to lower your vehicle, read our guide to coilovers vs lowering springs.
After Lifting a Truck or SUV
Lowering is not the only modification that changes alignment.
Lifting certain independent suspension designs can also change camber and caster angles.
Depending on the platform and amount of lift, correction may require eccentric cam bolts, adjustable upper control arms or other alignment components.
When the Factory Adjustment Range Is Not Enough
Some vehicles have very little factory camber adjustment. Others have none.
If the alignment technician reaches the end of the original adjustment range before achieving the required camber angle, aftermarket adjustment hardware may provide the additional range needed.
When Are Camber Bolts Enough?
Camber bolts can be an effective solution when the required correction is relatively small and the suspension design supports that type of adjustment.
A good candidate might be a vehicle that:
- Has a mild ride-height change
- Has mechanically healthy suspension components
- Is only slightly outside the desired camber range
- Has a compatible suspension design
- Has a vehicle-specific camber bolt available
But there is no universal number where a camber bolt automatically becomes the correct solution.
Adjustment ranges vary significantly between applications.
Always compare three things: current measured camber → desired camber → adjustment range of the part.
For example, if an alignment shows significantly more correction is required than a particular bolt can provide, installing that bolt will not solve the entire problem.
That is when a more complete camber solution may be needed.
When Do You Need a Camber Kit Instead?
The term camber kit covers several different types of alignment components.
Depending on the vehicle, a kit may include:
- Camber bolts
- Adjustable control arms
- Adjustable suspension links
- Camber plates
- Eccentric bushings
- Shims
- Other alignment hardware
A more complete camber kit becomes useful when the suspension requires more adjustment than a simple bolt can provide.
It can also be necessary when the suspension design does not allow a camber bolt to control the required angle.
Browse our Aftermarket Suspension Camber Kits to find vehicle-specific camber bolts, alignment kits and adjustment components.
Camber Bolts vs Adjustable Control Arms
This is one of the most important distinctions when correcting camber.
| Feature | Camber Bolts | Adjustable Control Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustment | Usually limited | Often provides a broader range |
| Installation | Generally simpler | More involved |
| Cost | Typically lower | Typically higher |
| Best for | Mild alignment correction | Larger geometry changes or applications requiring arm adjustment |
| Vehicle compatibility | Platform-specific | Platform-specific |
| Common use | Mild lowering or factory correction | Aggressive lowering, lifted vehicles or performance setups |
Adjustable control arms replace or modify a larger part of the suspension geometry.
They may be preferable when:
- The car is significantly lowered
- A truck has been lifted
- The required correction exceeds the bolt's range
- Camber and caster both need additional adjustment
- The suspension platform uses the control arm as the primary alignment point
- A performance alignment requires a wider adjustment range
For these applications, browse our Aftermarket Control Arms.
Do You Need Camber Bolts With Coilovers?
Not automatically.
It depends on the vehicle, the coilover kit and the selected ride height.
Some coilovers include adjustable camber plates. Some vehicles already offer enough factory adjustment. Other platforms require camber bolts or adjustable arms after the ride height is changed.
The only reliable way to determine what is necessary is to set the final ride height and measure the alignment.
Lowering the car first and buying camber parts afterward based on the alignment results is often more accurate than assuming every lowered vehicle requires the same correction hardware.
Signs Your Vehicle May Have an Alignment Problem
Possible warning signs include:
- Uneven tire wear
- Excessive wear on the inner or outer shoulder
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Steering that feels inconsistent
- Steering wheel no longer centered
- Visible wheel tilt
- Changes after lowering or lifting the vehicle
- Alignment settings that cannot be brought into specification
These symptoms do not prove that you need camber bolts.
Worn ball joints, bushings, tie rods, control arms, wheel bearings, incorrect toe settings or damaged suspension components can create similar symptoms.
Inspect the suspension and obtain an alignment measurement before purchasing adjustment components.
Will Camber Bolts Fix Uneven Tire Wear?
They can help when incorrect camber is part of the cause and the bolt provides enough adjustment to achieve the desired alignment.
But camber bolts should not be viewed as a universal tire-wear fix.
Toe is extremely important to tire wear as well.
A vehicle can have visually noticeable negative camber and acceptable tire life when the complete alignment is properly set. Conversely, incorrect toe can wear tires very quickly.
The correct approach is:
Measure the alignment first → identify which angles are outside the desired range → inspect the suspension for wear or damage → choose the appropriate adjustment component → complete the final alignment.
Are Camber Bolts Safe?
Vehicle-specific camber bolts from reputable manufacturers are designed as suspension alignment components and can be used safely when they are:
- Correct for the application
- Installed in the specified location
- Oriented correctly
- Tightened to the required torque
- Used within their intended adjustment range
- Checked as part of a professional alignment
A universal-looking bolt should not be installed simply because it fits through the mounting hole.
Suspension hardware is safety-critical. Always follow the instructions provided with the specific component and the vehicle's service requirements.
Do Camber Bolts Affect Toe?
Changing camber can influence other alignment measurements depending on the suspension design.
This is one reason camber bolts should not simply be installed and adjusted visually in a driveway.
After changing camber, the complete alignment—including toe—should be checked.
The target is not simply to make the wheel appear straight. The target is to achieve the appropriate camber, caster and toe relationship for that particular vehicle and its intended use.
Camber Bolt Compatibility by Suspension Type
Camber bolt compatibility depends heavily on suspension design.
MacPherson Strut Suspensions
Many MacPherson-strut applications can use camber bolts at the connection between the strut and steering knuckle.
Rotating the bolt changes the relationship between the strut and knuckle, allowing camber adjustment.
However, not every MacPherson-strut vehicle uses the same bolt or provides the same adjustment range.
Double-Wishbone Suspensions
Double-wishbone suspension typically controls wheel geometry through upper and lower control arms.
Depending on the platform, camber adjustment may come from:
- Eccentric control-arm bolts
- Shims
- Adjustable upper control arms
- Adjustable lower control arms
- Ball-joint position
In these applications, a traditional strut-style camber bolt may not be the appropriate solution.
Multi-Link Suspensions
Multi-link systems use several separate links to control wheel movement.
Rear camber correction on these vehicles frequently involves an adjustable arm or link, although certain platforms use eccentric factory or aftermarket cam bolts.
Again, the chassis determines the component.
Trucks and SUVs
Independent front suspension on trucks and SUVs may use eccentric control-arm hardware for camber and caster correction.
After a lift or leveling modification, additional correction may be needed.
For some platforms an upgraded cam bolt or cam kit is enough. Others may benefit from aftermarket upper control arms designed around the modified suspension geometry.
How Much Camber Adjustment Do Camber Bolts Provide?
There is no single adjustment range for all camber bolts.
Depending on the platform and product, aftermarket cam bolts may provide roughly one to two degrees of adjustment, but some offer more or less.
For example, the available correction could be:
- ±1.0°
- ±1.5°
- ±1.75°
- ±2.0°
That does not mean every vehicle can use each of these ranges.
Always check the product specification for the exact year, make, model and suspension position.
Should You Install Camber Bolts Before an Alignment?
Camber bolts should normally be installed as part of a planned alignment correction.
If you already know from a previous alignment that the factory adjustment range is insufficient, the appropriate hardware can be installed before the next alignment.
If you do not know how far the vehicle is out of specification, measuring the alignment first provides valuable information.
For modified vehicles, a practical sequence is:
Set the final ride height → inspect suspension and tire clearance → measure alignment → determine additional adjustment required → install the appropriate correction parts → complete the final alignment.
This prevents buying components that provide too little adjustment—or components you never needed.
How to Choose the Right Camber Kit for Your Vehicle
Camber components are highly vehicle-specific.
Before ordering, have the following information available:
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Trim
- Drivetrain
- Chassis code, if applicable
- Front or rear adjustment required
- Current suspension setup
- Amount the vehicle is lowered or lifted
- Current wheel and tire setup
- Alignment measurements, if available
- Intended use: daily driving, street performance, autocross, track or off-road
The alignment printout is particularly useful.
If your vehicle currently measures -3.0° of camber and your target is -1.5°, you know approximately how much correction is required.
That makes it easier to determine whether a camber bolt provides enough adjustment or whether an adjustable arm or other kit is necessary.
Shop Camber Kits in Canada
Too Fast Auto Parts carries alignment and suspension components for a wide range of cars, trucks and SUVs in Canada.
Browse the Camber Kits Collection to compare vehicle-specific:
- Camber bolts
- Alignment kits
- Adjustable arms
- Camber correction components
- Suspension alignment hardware
For builds requiring a larger range of adjustment, explore our Aftermarket Control Arms.
Planning to change ride height at the same time? Browse our Coilovers and Adjustable Suspension.
Need Help Choosing Camber Bolts or a Camber Kit?
Do not choose alignment components based only on the amount of visible wheel tilt.
Fitment depends on the suspension platform and how much correction the vehicle actually requires.
When contacting Too Fast Auto Parts, provide your year, make, model, trim, suspension modifications and current alignment measurements if available.
That information makes it much easier to determine whether your vehicle needs a simple camber bolt, a full camber kit, adjustable control arms or another alignment solution.
Camber Bolts FAQ
What do camber bolts do?
Camber bolts provide additional adjustment to change the inward or outward tilt of a wheel. They are commonly used when the factory camber adjustment is limited or insufficient after suspension changes.
Do camber bolts really work?
Yes, when the vehicle supports that type of adjustment and the correction required falls within the bolt's available range. They cannot compensate for every suspension geometry change.
Are camber bolts necessary after lowering a car?
Not always. Some vehicles retain acceptable alignment after a mild drop, some coilovers include camber adjustment and other vehicles require additional hardware. Measure the alignment after setting the final ride height.
How much adjustment do camber bolts provide?
It depends on the exact vehicle and part. Many applications provide approximately one to two degrees of adjustment, but the manufacturer's specification should always be checked.
Can camber bolts fix negative camber?
They can reduce excessive negative camber when the suspension design supports camber-bolt adjustment and the required correction falls within the available range.
Are camber bolts the same as a camber kit?
A camber bolt can be one type of camber kit. The broader term "camber kit" can also include adjustable control arms, links, plates, bushings, shims and other alignment components.
Are camber bolts better than adjustable control arms?
They solve different levels of adjustment. Camber bolts can be a simple solution for relatively small corrections, while adjustable control arms may provide a broader adjustment range or may be required by the suspension design.
Do you need an alignment after installing camber bolts?
Yes. Camber bolts are alignment components. The vehicle should receive a complete professional alignment after installation so camber, toe and other relevant angles can be measured and set correctly.
Can camber bolts be used on the front and rear?
Potentially, but only when a vehicle-specific application exists for that suspension position. Some vehicles use camber bolts in the front, some in the rear and others use adjustable arms instead.
Can camber bolts cause tire wear?
Incorrect alignment can cause tire wear. A properly selected camber bolt is intended to help achieve the desired alignment; the final camber and toe settings are what matter for tire behaviour and wear.