Alignment Camber Eccentric: DIY Adjustment Guide

Adjusting a camber eccentric is an intermediate-to-advanced suspension task that typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour once you have the vehicle properly lifted and secured. This guide provides general adjustment procedures, but tools, torque specifications, and methods vary significantly by vehicle make, model, and year—your vehicle's service manual is the authoritative source for all adjustment steps, fastener torque values, and safety procedures. Always consult your manual before beginning work.

What You'll Need

Tools

• Socket set and ratchet (metric and standard sizes)
• Calibrated torque wrench (¼ inch and ½ inch drive)
• Hydraulic jack and jack stands rated for your vehicle weight
• Wheel chocks to prevent vehicle roll
• Adjustable wrench or open-end spanner
• Alignment gauges, camber plates, or digital protractor
• Masking tape and marker for reference markings

Parts and Materials

• Replacement bolts and washers (if existing fasteners are damaged)
• Penetrating oil or rust release agent
• Clean shop rags or paper towels
• Shims or spacers (consult your manual for eccentric-specific hardware)

Before You Begin

• Suspension and steering alignment work is safety-critical. If you lack experience with suspension repairs, suspension geometry, or steering system adjustments, consult a qualified mechanic before attempting this work, as improper camber settings directly affect vehicle handling, tire wear patterns, and braking performance.
• Work on a level, solid concrete surface free of debris. Secure the vehicle with hydraulic jacks and appropriate jack stands positioned under the frame rails or designated suspension support points. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Wear safety glasses and gloves throughout the procedure.
• Establish a baseline camber reading using alignment equipment or precision gauges before making any adjustments. Document this measurement in writing or photos. This baseline allows you to track progress and verify that your adjustments move the camber angle in the correct direction toward the manufacturer's specification.
• Your vehicle's service manual contains the exact camber specification range, the location and orientation of the eccentric bolt, the proper adjustment sequence, and the required torque specification for final fastener tightening. Procedures and specifications differ between manufacturers and generations; do not rely on generic guidance alone.

Step-by-Step: How to Adjust Your Alignment Camber Eccentric

1. Secure the vehicle Position the hydraulic jack under a designated frame support point (never under suspension components) and raise the vehicle slowly and evenly. Once lifted, place jack stands under the frame on both sides to distribute the load safely. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and remove the jack.
2. Remove the wheel While the vehicle remains on the ground or supported by jack stands, loosen the lug nuts by one-quarter to one-half turn using an appropriately-sized socket. Once the lug nuts are partially loose, complete the wheel removal. Marking the wheel position with tape or noting its orientation helps with accurate reinstallation.
3. Locate the camber eccentric bolt The eccentric adjusting bolt is typically located on the strut-to-knuckle connection or on the upper control arm mount, depending on your suspension design. It appears as a bolt with an oval or offset-shaped hole rather than a round hole; this offset geometry allows rotational movement that changes the wheel's camber angle. Your service manual will show its exact location.
4. Measure current camber angle Using alignment gauges, camber plates, or a digital protractor mounted to the wheel, measure the existing camber angle. Record this measurement and compare it to the target specification listed in your service manual. Note whether the current angle is too positive (top of wheel tilted outward) or too negative (top of wheel tilted inward) relative to the target.
5. Loosen the eccentric bolt slightly Using an appropriately-sized socket and ratchet, loosen the eccentric bolt by one-quarter to one-half turn. The bolt should be loose enough to allow hand rotation of the eccentric but remain seated in the mounting hole. Do not fully remove the bolt at this stage, as this could cause the strut or control arm to shift unexpectedly.
6. Rotate the eccentric to adjust camber Grasp the eccentric bolt head or the strut/control arm and rotate the eccentric to move the top or bottom of the wheel as needed to reach the target camber angle. Small rotational movements—often just a quarter turn—produce significant camber angle changes, so make adjustments deliberately and conservatively. After each quarter-turn rotation, re-measure the camber angle before rotating further.
7. Re-measure camber angle After rotating the eccentric, use the same measuring tool (alignment gauges, camber plates, or protractor) to check the new camber angle. Compare the reading to your target specification and note whether further adjustment is necessary or if you have achieved the target.
8. Repeat adjustment as needed If the camber angle is not yet at target, loosen the eccentric bolt again, rotate it by another quarter turn, and re-measure. This iterative process—loosen, rotate, measure, assess—prevents overshooting the target angle and ensures precision. Patience and incremental adjustments yield better results than large, aggressive movements.
9. Torque the eccentric bolt to specification Once camber is at or very close to the target specification, tighten the eccentric bolt to the torque value specified in your service manual using a calibrated torque wrench. Apply torque gradually and smoothly, checking the camber angle one final time after tightening to confirm it has not shifted during fastening. If multiple bolts secure the eccentric assembly, tighten them in a cross or alternating pattern.
10. Reinstall the wheel and lower the vehicle Position the wheel back onto the hub, align the valve stem, and hand-tighten all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle fully onto its wheels using the hydraulic jack. Once the vehicle is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts to the specification listed in your service manual, using a calibrated torque wrench in a star or cross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Tips for a Successful Camber Eccentric Adjustment

• Precision and patience are essential. Camber angles are sensitive to eccentric positioning, and small errors in measurement or adjustment compound quickly. Make deliberate quarter-turn movements, measure after each change, and never force the eccentric if resistance is encountered—this usually indicates the bolt needs additional loosening or the presence of corrosion requiring penetrating oil application.
• Document your work throughout the process. Take photos of the eccentric position before and after adjustment, record all camber measurements (baseline, intermediate, and final readings), and note the bolt torque value you applied. This documentation serves as a record for future reference and helps identify any drift in alignment over time.
• Professional alignment verification is strongly recommended after DIY adjustment. Have a certified alignment technician measure camber on an alignment rack to confirm your adjustment is within specification and to verify that other angles such as caster and toe have not been inadvertently affected. This verification provides peace of mind and ensures the suspension geometry is correct.
• Avoid common pitfalls: do not over-tighten the eccentric bolt, as excessive torque can crack the strut mount or damage the eccentric plate; always verify the correct torque specification for your vehicle rather than guessing; and never assume that a bolt feels tight enough without using a calibrated torque wrench. Fasteners that are not torqued to specification are prone to loosening during normal driving, which can cause camber to drift.

When to Call a Professional

If the eccentric bolt is severely corroded or seized and cannot be safely loosened after application of penetrating oil, seek professional assistance rather than risk stripping the bolt or damaging the mounting plate. Similarly, if you lack access to proper alignment gauging equipment or a calibrated torque wrench, a professional alignment shop can perform the adjustment accurately. If the strut, control arm, or eccentric mounting plate shows visible cracks, excessive wear, or deformation, the component likely needs replacement rather than adjustment alone. Finally, if after adjustment the camber angle remains outside the manufacturer's specification range or you cannot achieve a stable reading, this may indicate suspension damage or wear that requires professional diagnosis and repair.