Adjusting Camber on a Ford Transit
Adjusting the camber on a Ford Transit can be a complex process, and it’s important to consider the specific model and year of the vehicle. Here’s a summary of the information found in the search results to help you understand the options for adjusting the camber on a Ford Transit.
Front Suspension and Adjustment Options:
The front suspension of the Ford Transit uses struts, and there is limited built-in adjustment for camber and caster angles. The service information recommends shifting the front subframe to adjust the camber. This procedure involves loosening torque-to-yield bolts that secure the subframe and then shifting the subframe to change the cross camber as required .
Adjustment for Transit Connect:
For the Ford Transit Connect, which shares similarities with the Ford Focus, there are minimal built-in adjustments for camber and caster. However, it’s mentioned that by loosening the strut rod nut and either pushing the strut inboard or pulling it outboard, the camber can be adjusted by approximately 0.25 degrees.
Challenges with Adjustment:
It’s noted that there is very little ability to decrease camber by moving the top of the strut inwards, and some Transit owners express the need to increase camber for various reasons. Additionally, it’s mentioned that there is no practical way to adjust the camber on a leaf-sprung front axle, and the options for adjustment may be limited depending on the specific configuration of the vehicle.
Commercial Considerations:
There are discussions about the impact of camber issues on tire wear, especially in fleet vehicles like rental Transits. It’s suggested that overloading the vehicle can cause changes in ride height and front camber, leading to tire wear issues. This raises questions about the potential impact on rental companies selling their Transits early due to camber-related problems.
In summary, adjusting the camber on a Ford Transit involves considerations specific to the vehicle’s design and model. It’s important to assess the available adjustment options and potential challenges, especially in the context of fleet or commercial use.
If you’re considering purchasing a used Ford Transit, it’s advisable to thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s suspension and alignment, especially if it has been part of a rental fleet.
I hope this information helps you understand the complexities of adjusting the camber on a Ford Transit! If you have any further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask.
Contents
- How do you adjust the camber on a Ford Transit Custom?
- What causes camber to be out of adjustment?
- Can you adjust camber on ground?
- What happens if your camber is off?
- How do you check camber alignment at home?
- Do you adjust camber with car on ground?
- What are the symptoms of camber issues?
- Does camber mess up alignment?
- How do you adjust camber alignment?
- What is a camber adjustment bolt?
How do you adjust the camber on a Ford Transit Custom?
There is no practical way to adjust the camber. In the service information, they recommend shifting the front subframe. The procedure requires loosening four bolts that secure the subframe. These bolts are torque-to-yield and will require replacement.
What causes camber to be out of adjustment?
Too much inward or outward tilt, also known as negative and positive camber, respectively, indicates improper alignment and will need to be adjusted. Worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel-suspension parts may contribute to camber misalignment.
Can you adjust camber on ground?
To make sure you perform your camber adjustment properly you will want to make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat level surface. A garage floor is ideal, but any flat hard surface will work.
What happens if your camber is off?
Misaligned camber can lead to excessive or uneven tire wear, which will shorten the life of your tires and adversely affect your car’s handling. It can also cause the vehicle to drift or pull to one side when driving.
How do you check camber alignment at home?
To check camber, make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground. If not, factor the ground slope into the camber reading. Then place a straight edge across the wheel (use the inner lip if the outer is nicked or uneven) and use an angle finder to reveal camber.
Do you adjust camber with car on ground?
To properly make camber adjustments, you need to make sure your vehicle is parked on a flat level surface. A garage floor is ideal, but any flat hard surface will work. Both tires must also point straight forward otherwise your measurements will be incorrect. A camber gauge is a fairly simple tool to understand.
What are the symptoms of camber issues?
Pulling To One Side. If your car is drifting to the center of the road or towards the shoulder, then you could have an alignment problem. You may find yourself continually applying pressure to the wheel to keep the car moving straight. The reason a car pulls to one side is usually due to the camber of the wheels.
Does camber mess up alignment?
When the camber is at the correct angle, the tire and wheel will roll straight. However, the camber can go out of alignment over time. When the top of the tire is leaning inward (toward the vehicle), it is a negative camber. Positive camber has the top of the tire tilting outward (away from the vehicle).
How do you adjust camber alignment?
Varies. You can usually look at the suspension and use common sense to understand your adjustments. For camber, you want to move either the lower or upper ball joint laterally in or out (perpendicular direction to the car’s long axis) to change how the tire leans in towards the car (negative camber).
What is a camber adjustment bolt?
On the bolt there that you can see. And what I also like is this lovely little indicator. On top here and if I turn it around these these little sharp spikes.