How to Measure Camber on a Race Car

How to Measure Camber on a Race Car

Camber is the inward or outward angle of a wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. On a race car, measuring camber accurately helps a team understand tyre contact, suspension geometry and the effect of setup changes. The correct measurement method depends on the vehicle, wheel, hub and equipment being used.

What You Need

  • A level, stable surface or suitable setup pads.
  • A race-car camber gauge, digital angle gauge or compatible gauge frame.
  • Wheel chocks and the correct safety equipment for the vehicle.
  • A written setup sheet to record the baseline and final measurements.

For a more complete setup, see the race-car alignment tools and setup equipment collection. Options include the B-G Racing BGR307 camber gauge frame, the BGR304 digital dual-axis angle gauge, the B-G Racing billet digital camber and castor gauge, the BGR306 bubble gauge with magnetic adaptor and the Pitking Products camber gauge kit.

Before Measuring

Prepare the car in the same condition in which you want the measurement to be repeatable. Note the fuel load, driver or ballast, tyre pressures, ride height, wheel position and any relevant suspension settings. If you change these conditions, record the change because it can affect the result.

Park the vehicle on a stable, level surface and secure it before taking measurements. Confirm that the gauge is suitable for the wheel, hub or mounting point. Do not rely on a gauge that is not firmly seated or magnetically attached to a suitable ferrous surface.

Step-by-Step Camber Measurement

  1. Set the vehicle condition. Place the car on the intended setup surface and load it consistently. Set tyre pressures and ride height before measuring.
  2. Check the gauge. Inspect the gauge, adaptor and mounting surface. Zero or calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  3. Mount the gauge. Fit the gauge to the wheel, hub or approved adaptor. Make sure it is seated squarely and cannot move during the reading.
  4. Take the reading. Read the camber angle without leaning on the vehicle or disturbing the suspension. Repeat the reading to check that it is consistent.
  5. Record the result. Write down the wheel position, vehicle condition, measurement, ambient conditions and any adjustment made.
  6. Adjust and recheck. Make the suspension adjustment using the correct procedure, then repeat the measurement. Do not assume the first adjustment produced the intended result.

Video: Setting Up and Using the B-G Racing Aluminium Camber Frame

Watch this practical demonstration of the B-G Racing aluminium camber frame and Digital Dual Axis Angle Gauge before setting up your own measurement process.

If the embedded player is unavailable, watch the B-G Racing aluminium camber frame video on YouTube.

Why Repeatability Matters

A useful race-car setup measurement is one you can reproduce. Measuring with the same vehicle load, surface, ride height, gauge position and recording method makes it easier to compare changes between sessions. A single number without the setup conditions is much less useful.

Camber is also only one part of vehicle geometry. A complete setup may involve ride height, corner weight, castor, toe and steering clearance. Use a suitable sequence and follow the requirements of the vehicle and race programme.

Camber Measurement Equipment

Digital Camber Gauges

A digital gauge can provide a clear angle reading and may be useful when a team wants fast, repeatable checks. The gauge still needs a stable mounting method and correct calibration.

Camber Gauge Frames

A gauge frame can provide a consistent reference across suitable wheel or hub setups. The BGR307 frame can be selected with a compatible digital angle gauge or as a frame-only option, subject to the vehicle and mounting arrangement.

Bubble Gauges

A bubble gauge with a magnetic adaptor is a straightforward option for suitable applications. Check the mounting surface and read the instrument on a stable vehicle setup.

Common Race-Car Applications

Camber measurement is relevant to circuit racing, GT and touring cars, endurance racing, rally, drift, time attack, club racing and track-day vehicles. The right setting is not universal. It depends on the tyre, suspension, track surface, vehicle characteristics and the team’s measured results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a digital camber gauge better than a bubble gauge?
Not automatically. A digital gauge may make readings faster to record, while a bubble gauge can be simple and practical. Accuracy depends on the instrument, mounting, calibration and measurement method.

Can I measure camber at home?
Yes, if you have a stable surface, suitable equipment and a safe way to secure the vehicle. For competition vehicles, use a repeatable method and confirm the result before driving.

Does camber measurement also measure castor?
No. Some tools support both camber and castor measurement, but castor normally requires a suitable turning or slip-plate procedure as well as the correct gauge.

What should I do if the reading changes each time?
Check the surface, tyre pressure, vehicle load, ride height, gauge mounting, zeroing and suspension movement. If the result remains inconsistent, stop and check the equipment or consult a qualified motorsport technician.

Continue Your Setup

For the wider workflow, read our motorsport wheel alignment and race-car setup guide. It covers camber, castor, toe, string alignment, hub stands, corner weighting and setup surfaces. If you need help matching equipment to a particular car, contact Harris Race Radios with the vehicle model and measurements you need to take.