Several things can cause negative camber:
* Worn or damaged ball joints or control arm bushings: These components are crucial for keeping the suspension geometry correct. Wear leads to misalignment.
* Bent control arms or other suspension components: An impact (like hitting a pothole) could have bent a component, throwing off the camber.
* Improper alignment: A simple misalignment during a tire rotation or after a repair could be the culprit. This is the easiest and cheapest thing to check first.
* Lowered suspension: If the truck has been lowered, this will often significantly affect camber.
* Overloaded vehicle: Consistently carrying heavy loads in the bed can put excessive stress on the suspension and contribute to negative camber.
* Worn strut mounts or springs: While less likely to directly cause *negative* camber, worn components can allow the suspension to settle in a way that exaggerates existing misalignment.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the suspension components for any obvious damage, rust, or wear.
2. Alignment Check: Get a professional wheel alignment done. This is the most important step. The alignment technician can measure the camber and other alignment angles precisely.
3. Suspension Inspection by a Mechanic: If the alignment is off and/or there are signs of wear during the visual inspection, have a qualified mechanic inspect the suspension for worn or damaged parts.
It's crucial to address the underlying cause of the negative camber rather than just replacing the tires, as new tires will wear out prematurely in the same way if the problem isn't fixed.
