rear camber adjustment devices (WRX)

[nabsie]

Has anyone here installed any devices to adjust rear camber on the 02 WRX or any model wrx for that matter ? I'm in the market for some adjustable rear camber and i dont know what to use, camber bolts or adjustable control arms. obviously adjustabel control arms is the best way of doing it however the cost is alot more also. My only worry about camber bolts is the possabilty of them slipping.

So what are your thoughts and what device do you use and why and how is it going...any problems ?

[Wojtek]

Hi,

I though it would be appropriate to list the various camber adjusters available for your car, with a brief description of each.

1. Camber bolt kit - KCA414.
- adjustment range +/- 1.5 deg
- easy to install and adjust
- does not effect wheel track or roll centre
- relatively inexpensive

2. Adjustable control arm set - KTA108 (wagon) KTA109 (sedan)
- adjustment range +/- over 2 deg, but limited by drive shaft clearance
- relatively easy to install
- heavy duty control arms
- low compliance bushes
- easy to adjust
- also effect wheel track

3. Adjustable strut tops - n/a
- adjustment range unknown
- requires removal of struts to install
- requires access to strut top mount for adjustment
- most models will increase ride stiffness
- also effects roll centre

Hope this helps with your decision.
BTW, we have had NO problems with camber bolts at all. I guess it depends on fitment.

Wojtek.

[nabsie]

It sounds like the camber bolts are probably my best option as i am not looking for anymore then -1.5 degrees of negative camber. The money i save on going with camber bolts i might look at doing the steering rack mounts as that seems like a very popular mod that has great results.

Cheers.

[Wojtek]

sounds like a wise decision.

please note, that the adjustment range is relative to your current settings, so if you have say - 1.25 deg (average standard rear camber on WRX), then KCA414 will effectively give you an absolute range of +0.25 > -2.75 deg.

Wojtek.

[nabsie]

so you are saying that on a standard wrx the rear camber is around -1.25 degrees ?

There is no camber adjustment on the rear in stock form though is there?

[Wojtek]

yes

and

yes

Wojtek.

[chief]

Wojtek,


You mention in the description of the various camber adjusters that adjustable strut tops effect roll centre.

I'm just wondering how they do this and the negatives of taking this approach.

Thanks,
Ben

[Wojtek]

Hi Ben,

On McPherson strut suspension, lateral movement of the upper pivot changes S.A.I. (steering axis inclination). Roll centre is partly scribed by the perpendicular line from the upper pivot. You'll really need to see a diagram of this.
As far as negatives, it really must be considered on individual cases, but in general low(er) roll centre can increase roll couple which in turn decreases roll resistance - more body roll. This may be bad or good, depends on what you want to acheive.

Wojtek.