ASE A4 Suspension and SteeringWheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and RepairHard
A vehicle with MacPherson strut front suspension is undergoing an alignment. The technician finds the front left camber is +1.0 degrees, and the specification is 0.0 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees. The vehicle has no provisions for shim or eccentric cam adjustment. What is the MOST appropriate method to correct this excessive positive camber?
- AAdjust the lower control arm pivot points.
- BLengthen the tie rod on the left side.
- CInstall an aftermarket camber bolt kit.
- DAdd shims to the upper strut mount.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Install an aftermarket camber bolt kit.
Many MacPherson strut designs have fixed camber from the factory, meaning there are no OEM provisions for adjustment. If camber is out of specification and no damage is found, the common solution is to install an aftermarket camber bolt kit, which replaces one of the strut-to-knuckle bolts with an eccentric bolt to allow for camber adjustment.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. MacPherson strut lower control arm pivot points are typically fixed, and not designed for camber adjustment in the absence of eccentric cams or shims.
- B. Lengthening the tie rod affects toe, not camber.
- D. MacPherson strut upper mounts typically do not have shims for camber adjustment; they are usually fixed or have slotted holes for caster/camber that are covered by the question's premise of 'no provisions'.
MacPherson Strut Camber Correction (No OEM Adj.)
For MacPherson strut suspensions without factory-installed camber adjustment, an aftermarket camber bolt kit is used to provide adjustability, typically by replacing a strut-to-knuckle bolt with an eccentric.
- Many MacPherson struts have fixed camber.
- Out-of-spec camber requires component replacement or aftermarket solution.
- Camber bolt kits provide limited adjustment range.
Memory trick: MacPherson's strut, if no adjust, a camber bolt is a must trust.