Negative Camber

[bluebell]

Hi All
I have just returned to stag ownership after a seven year gap and now being newly retired hope to do some of the simpler jobs myself.
I have negative camber on front wheels about 30mm offside 5mm nearside is this wrong ?
I have already replaced both top strut inserts.
When I push the car out of the garage in reverse both wheels go to positive camber any thoughts is it wrong or ok.

Thanks a lot Bluebell

[stag157.7]

moved from technical section

alan

[Ian F]

Bluebell

I am sure someone more technical will provide a more detailed answer, but why should pushing the car backwards or forwards change the camber? Unless you have a very steep drive affecting the weight transfer? I would suspect that either the lower suspension arm bushes or more likely the tie bar bushes are shot, this may be allowing the wheel/hub to move forwards or backwards and affect the camber. Check the bushes and/or wait for the techies to respond?
ian

[flying farmer]

I would suspect lower arm bushes or ball joints are knackered, or you have enormous play in the wheel bearings. The reason the camber changes with change of direction is that the tracking will be out, if it is toed out then the wheels will be pushed together as the car goes backwards, and pulled apart as it moves forwards. Any play in ball joints/bushes will then allow the camber to change.

The wheel that moves the most is likely to have the biggest problem, but check the track rod ends while you are under there.

Neil

[V Mad]

Hi All

I have negative camber on front wheels about 30mm offside 5mm nearside is this wrong ?

Thanks a lot Bluebell

Camber is measured on a level surface, with the specified load (4 up). It is expressed as an angle ie 1/4 negative +/- 3/4 deg.

Having said that, if you mean that the wheel top is 30mm further in than the bottom, something is seriously wrong with the suspension or wheel. Dont drive it until you find what's wrong.

[Richard G]

Hi All
I have just returned to stag ownership after a seven year gap and now being newly retired hope to do some of the simpler jobs myself.
I have negative camber on front wheels about 30mm offside 5mm nearside is this wrong ?
I have already replaced both top strut inserts.
When I push the car out of the garage in reverse both wheels go to positive camber any thoughts is it wrong or ok.

Thanks a lot Bluebell

I am having my complete steering and rear wheel alignment checked out week after next on a new alignment laser setup at a tyre specialist,as I have recently renewed all bushes etc,am interested to see if my rear wheels have the 1/32nd toe in as manual.
I will probably know more about all the alignments after this so may be able to offer info.

Rg

[73stagman]

Hi All
I have just returned to stag ownership after a seven year gap and now being newly retired hope to do some of the simpler jobs myself.
I have negative camber on front wheels about 30mm offside 5mm nearside is this wrong ?
I have already replaced both top strut inserts.
When I push the car out of the garage in reverse both wheels go to positive camber any thoughts is it wrong or ok.

Thanks a lot Bluebell

All of this is just my opinion but...

It would be nice to know what you mean by 30mm camber on one side and 5mm camber on the other. As Chris (Vmad) says Camber is normally measured in angles (degrees) and is likely to be in the single figure bracket. If your offside wheel is leaning over by 30mm at the top of the wheel then assuming the wheel is fitted properly... (worth a check) something is broken or bent, not fitted properly, wrong components, rather than just worn out. (Check front cross member condition / location, front chassis rail condition, track control arm, lower radius arm... i.e.; all the stuff that holds the lower part of the front suspension in place.)
If your wheel is leaning in by 30mm at the leading edge of the tyre then that is not camber but toe in/out. If it is then reversing the toe in/out when you push the car in reverse then your steering tie rods / track rod ends must be worn or broken or loose.
Either way you cant afford to operate the car until you have got to the bottom of this issue. Its likely to be dangerous to you and other road users.

Having said all of the above I have noticed that the Stag camber is hugely affected by jacking the car up and down. When it is lowered back to the ground it takes two or three full lock to lock turns of the steering wheel to get it all to sit at its true height and steering angles.

[Bob Heritage]

One of our area members had that exact problem a couple of years ago. I will see him on Sunday and find out the cause for you.

[DJT]

Ears snapped off a drag strut where it attaches to the radius arm?

[73stagman]

Ears snapped off a drag strut where it attaches to the radius arm?

The one thing that's most likely that I didn't suggest!!