* Uneven tire wear: This is the most immediate and costly problem. The inside edge of your tires will wear out significantly faster than the outside, requiring premature replacement.
* Reduced handling and stability: Negative camber reduces the tire's contact patch, especially during cornering, leading to less grip and potentially unpredictable handling.
* Increased risk of hydroplaning: The smaller contact patch also means less water displacement, increasing the chance of hydroplaning in wet conditions.
What to do:
1. Determine the *amount* of negative camber: You need to measure the actual camber angle. This requires a camber gauge or a professional alignment shop. A slight amount of negative camber might be within factory specifications, but excessive negative camber is always a problem.
2. Identify the cause: Several things can cause excessive negative camber:
* Worn or damaged suspension components: This is the most common cause. Look for worn bushings (control arm bushings, trailing arm bushings), ball joints, or damaged control arms themselves. These components allow the wheel to shift out of its proper alignment.
* Bent control arms or suspension parts: A collision, pothole impact, or other significant event could have bent a control arm or other suspension member.
* Improperly installed suspension parts: If you've recently had suspension work done, there's a chance it was installed incorrectly.
3. Get it fixed: This almost certainly requires professional help. A qualified mechanic or alignment shop should:
* Inspect your suspension thoroughly: They'll need to diagnose the root cause of the negative camber.
* Replace or repair damaged parts: Worn or damaged components need to be replaced.
* Perform a wheel alignment: Once the suspension is repaired, a proper wheel alignment is crucial to restore correct camber and other alignment parameters.
Do not attempt to adjust the camber yourself unless you have significant automotive experience and the proper tools. Improper adjustments can worsen the problem and lead to unsafe driving conditions. Ignoring the issue will only result in more expensive tire wear and potential safety hazards.
