Skip to content

Nearside Suspension Camber Out - How to fix?

Featured Replies

Not sure how best to describe this so bear with me. I have a Skoda Felicia 1.3 petrol and for at least 6-9 months it has been pulling to the right when I drive it and tugging sharply to the left when I brake. Tyres on the front wheels are wearing unevenly on the inner sides. A friend and I recently replaced the driveshaft and had a mechanic friend look at the car to check it was ok (my first time) and while it was up he had a look for other problems. It was then he declared that the nearside suspension camber was out, but that I had a fixed suspension so something else must be putting the camber out. I had the nearside strut replaced at Christmas as it was bent and pushing the wheel out so that it sat at an angle, but it seems that may not have been the full extent of the problem. Any ideas for further fault finding or suggestions for what to do next?

That is correct, the camber is not adjustable per se, however it is possible to get the alignment of the front subframe wrong when refitting it if that's ever been off which can cause crazy camber issues, also I would check very carefully that the subframe isn't bent.

Not only check for it being bent, check that it's not split anywhere. I split a couple (one on a Fav, one on a Fel) on rally cars, and I believe Jim has done much the same. I'd not thought about it when I had the Fav, and noticed dodgy handling and also one of the inner CVs broke on a rally when turning a tight corner - it was pulling out as the front end spread out...

Also, it may be possible to bend the wishbones, particularly if you're in the habit of hitting things hard enough to bend a strut!

  • Author

Thanks all. A bit out of my depth here but I will get checking. Think the wishbones are ok, we checked them pretty thoroughly while it was up. Think it could be something to do with the subframe alignment as the gap between the frame and the 'body of the car' is uneven, far larger on one side (don't know the technical terms, just know it looks off). Solutions if it is the sub-frame? Do I have to refit/replace?

If the subframe is damaged then the easiest solution will be to replace it. I'm not 100% on the MOT rules on it, but I have heard tale that you're not supposed to weld them up, and I've also heard of people failing the MOT because they've seam welded a standard subframe. I don't have first hand experience of either, however.

they are adjustable to the car, if you slacken all the bolts off holding the subframe to the car you can move it side to side a few mm.

towards the rear of the subframe there are 2 holes about 25mm dia, these line up with holes in the floor pan (they have a plastic grommet in them on car side).

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Important Information

Welcome to BRISKODA. Please note the following important links Terms of Use. We have a comprehensive Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Account

Navigation

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.