Negative camber means the top of the tire is leaning inward, away from the vertical. This causes the inside edge of the tire to contact the road more aggressively than the outside, leading to faster wear on the inside.
Several things can cause negative camber:
* Worn or damaged suspension components: This is the most common cause. Bushings (control arm bushings, ball joints, etc.) become worn and allow the suspension to move beyond its designed range, resulting in excessive negative camber. Tie rod ends also contribute to alignment issues.
* Bent suspension components: An impact (like hitting a pothole) can bend control arms, struts, or other suspension parts, altering the camber.
* Incorrect alignment: While this is less likely to cause *severe* inside edge wear on its own, an alignment that's slightly out of spec can exacerbate the problem, especially if other suspension components are already worn.
* Lowered suspension: Aftermarket lowering kits can significantly alter the camber, increasing negative camber and causing excessive inside tire wear.
To diagnose the problem:
1. Visual inspection: Carefully examine the suspension components for any obvious signs of damage or wear. Look for cracks, rust, or excessive play in the bushings and ball joints.
2. Alignment check: Get a professional four-wheel alignment done. This will accurately measure the camber and other alignment parameters. The alignment report will tell you if the camber is outside of specification.
3. Suspension inspection by a mechanic: A mechanic can thoroughly inspect the suspension components for wear and tear that might not be easily visible.
Addressing the underlying cause (worn or damaged suspension parts) is crucial; simply rotating the tires won't fix the problem and will only lead to more uneven wear. Ignoring it will lead to premature tire failure and potential handling problems.
