
Camber plates are one of the key elements to consider if you're planning to tune your car, especially in the context of sports driving and drifting. These special plates mounted in the suspension allow precise adjustment of the camber angle, which directly affects vehicle handling. But how exactly do they work and what benefits do they bring? In this article, we will take a closer look at camber plates, their function, and how they improve vehicle handling on the road and track.
What are camber plates?
Camber plates are adjustable elements mounted at the top of the suspension strut, which allow you to set the camber angle of the wheels. Camber refers to how much the wheels are tilted relative to the vertical axis of the vehicle. With a zero camber angle, the wheels are set straight in a vertical line, which is the standard setting for most consumer vehicles. For sports or drift vehicles, adjusting the camber can be crucial for better grip and stability in corners.
Why should you invest in camber plates? Simply because factory suspension settings often do not provide adequate adjustment options for tuning enthusiasts. With camber plates, you can fully tailor the suspension to your needs.
How do camber plates affect vehicle handling?
The camber angle has a huge impact on how the car behaves while driving. Here are some of the main benefits that camber plates offer:
- Increased grip: Camber adjustment allows for optimal tire contact with the surface, especially in corners, which translates into better grip.
- Improved cornering stability: Positive camber (the upper part of the wheel tilted outward) enhances vehicle stability on straight roads, while negative camber (the upper part of the wheel tilted inward) increases grip during dynamic cornering.
- Reduced tire wear: Properly setting the camber plates helps to ensure even tire wear, which is especially important for sports cars where tires are subjected to heavy loads.
Camber adjustment – what you should know?
When adjusting the camber in your car, you should take several factors into account:
- Vehicle purpose: Are you planning to use the car only for driving on public roads or also on a track? For everyday driving, it’s best to maintain a camber angle close to zero, while for drifting or racing, a more aggressive negative camber is ideal.
- Type of surface: The more demanding the surface, the more negative camber may be needed to increase grip.
- Balance between the front and rear axles: Proper camber adjustment on both axles helps balance vehicle handling and avoid excessive oversteer or understeer.
Installing camber plates – should you do it yourself?
Installing camber plates is not complicated, but it requires some precision and knowledge of the suspension. Before starting the installation, consider whether you have the right tools and experience. Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Disconnect the suspension by removing the upper part of the strut.
- Install the camber plates in place of the standard top strut mounts.
- Set the initial camber angle according to your preferences (usually a slight negative angle for better grip).
- After installation, check the wheel alignment and adjust if necessary.
For less experienced individuals, it’s worth having a specialist handle the installation to avoid mistakes that could affect safety and vehicle handling.
What are the differences between camber plates and standard suspension settings?
Standard suspension in most passenger cars offers limited camber adjustment options. With the installation of camber plates, you gain much greater flexibility in adjusting the suspension geometry. Here are the main differences:
- Angle adjustment: Standard suspension has limited customization options, whereas camber plates offer full control over the camber angle.
- Handling precision: With camber plates, you can precisely set the suspension to your preferences, which is crucial for sports and drift driving.
- Better tire usage: Optimal camber setting contributes to even tire wear, which is beneficial both economically and performance-wise.
Main benefits of installing camber plates
To summarize, here are the key benefits of installing camber plates:
- Improved grip and vehicle stability.
- Better handling in corners.
- Even tire wear.
- Precise suspension adjustment.
If you're looking for an effective way to improve your car’s handling, installing camber plates is one of the best investments you can make. These elements in the suspension provide benefits not only for tuning enthusiasts but also for those seeking better comfort and control over their vehicle in daily driving.
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