Maybe a dumb question. But why do some cars tend to squat, or have the top of the tire inward and the bottom outward if your looking at the rear of a car? I know my WRX is like that and have noticed it on other WRX's. I see it on Saabs, noticed it on a Lexus SUV yesterday and others cars. I know if you lower a car and dont adjust the camber it will ride like that on the inside edge. But should it be that noticable on a stock suspension ? Is there a handleing beneifit to it ? I'm guessing if you are in a hard corner it would help keep more tread surface on the ground, if not it would ride more on the outside edge of the inside tire in a corner ? So what this is leading to is..why does my drivers side rear tire seem to be sitting outward on the bottom more then the passenger side. I dont think the camber is adjustable on the WRX with out aftermarket camber bolts, lateral links or camber plates.So would this maybe indicate a bent strut or something else ? There is no play in the wheel when i jack up the car and try to wiggle it around so i dont think it's a bad wheel bearing.
WRX suspension question
Nov 17, 2007
2 Replies
You did sorta answer a lot of your own questions. In general, negative camber is helpful in cornering. As you say, a large drop with aftermarket springs/coilovers will often require some adtjustment back to a better angle. Though spirited driving shouild help even out the wear, it's likely sedate driving in a vehicle with higher than 'stock. spec.' negative camber will wear inner tire edges.
The camber should be symmetrical though and you're car's alignment needs checking if you can see a difference from one side to the other. Has anyone else driven the car and 'tagged' a curb? Look for scars on the rim.
The 'sticky' or FAQ at
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's suspension Forum contains instructions on DIY alignment if you're interested.
Carl
Thanks, I will have to get it in sometime for an alignment No one else drives the car, i would blame it on the speed bumps i drive over day in and day out.
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