If you’ve just noticed that your rear wheel looks slanted, don’t panic.
A negative camber can lead to a slanted rear wheel. This is when the bottom of the wheel is slanted outward to improve handling performance.
Cars with negative camber maximize tire contact with the road surface when cornering, increasing grip and allowing the driver to navigate turns more quickly.
However, if the wheel slant is more extreme, it could indicate an issue with your vehicle’s suspension or steering system.
Other possible causes include damaged spindle bushings or worn control arm bushings.
Identifying the root of the problem is vital in order to address it correctly and ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle.
In this article, let’s find out what you should do if you find that your rear wheel looks slanted.
What Causes Slanted Wheels?
There are several reasons why your rear wheel might appear slanted. Let’s discuss some of the common causes:
1. Camber issue: Your wheel may be slanted due to a negative camber angle, which is when the bottom of your tires are angled outward. This helps improve cornering abilities, allowing you to corner at much higher speeds.
2. Damaged suspension components: An accident or impact may have caused damage to the rear suspension components, resulting in a slanted wheel.
3. Worn wheel bearing: The wheel bearing supports the weight of the vehicle and keeps the wheel spinning smoothly. Over time, this component can wear out, causing your wheel to become slanted.
What is Rear Wheel Camber?
Camber refers to the angle at which the wheels of a vehicle tilt when viewed from the front or rear.
It’s an essential aspect of wheel alignment that affects how the tires make contact with the road surface.
Camber can be either positive or negative.
Positive Camber: This occurs when the top of the wheel tilts away from the vehicle’s center.
Positive camber is more commonly seen in situations where stability is prioritized over cornering performance.
It can help distribute weight evenly and ensure straight-line stability.
Negative Camber: In contrast, negative camber occurs when the top of the wheel tilts toward the vehicle’s center.
This setup is often used in performance-oriented vehicles or those meant for sharp cornering. Negative camber maximizes tire contact during turns, enhancing grip and allowing for better handling.
Both positive and negative camber have their advantages and disadvantages, and manufacturers typically set specific camber alignments based on the intended characteristics of the vehicle.
Proper camber adjustment is crucial for maintaining optimal tire wear, stability, and handling performance.
Impact Of Negative Camber On Rear Wheel
A slanted rear wheel can be caused by negative camber, wearing the inside tread of the tire. To avoid uneven wear, rotate tires every 6,000 miles. Also, check if the camber exceeds 1 degree negative.
If you see a slanted rear wheel, inspect the suspension and chassis components for any damage.
Sometimes, a damaged camber bolt can cause a problem. Replace faulty parts and perform a wheel alignment to rectify the camber issue and ensure optimal tire performance.
Remember, proper camber is crucial for your vehicle’s safety and performance.
Impact of Slanted Wheels on Driving
Having slanted wheels on your car can affect various aspects like suspension, steering, control, performance, tire wear, braking, cornering, grip, and handling.
Let’s discuss how these factors are impacted in brief.
Suspension system
When your rear wheels appear slanted, it could be due to an issue with the suspension system. It may cause uneven weight distribution, affecting your car’s stability and handling on the road.
Steering
Steering can be compromised as well when the wheels are slanted. You might experience difficulty in making turns and maintaining control, especially during sharp turns or high speeds.
Vehicle performance
Your vehicle’s performance can suffer too. Slanted wheels can create extra stress on the engine and other components, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear.
Uneven tire wear
Uneven tire wear is another consequence of slanted wheels. When the tires are not aligned correctly, they are subjected to unequal pressure and premature wear.
Braking issues
Braking can be less effective due to unbalanced forces acting on the wheel assemblies. It can result in longer stopping distances and poor braking response.
Cornering and grip
Cornering and grip can be negatively affected as well. When wheels are slanted, tires may lose contact with the road surface, leading to decreased traction and potentially dangerous situations.
Therefore, slanted wheels impact various aspects of your car’s performance. It is essential to address the issue promptly.
Impact of Popular Modifications on Wheels
Car enthusiasts often modify their vehicles to achieve a unique and eye-catching look. One such trend is making the rear wheels look slanted, which is achieved through a series of modifications.
In this section, we’ll explore some popular modifications and their impact on your car.
Stanced Cars
Stancing is the process of altering a car’s suspension system to lower it closer to the ground. This can give your vehicle a more aggressive appearance.
However, keep in mind that stanced cars may have reduced ground clearance, making them more susceptible to scraping on uneven surfaces.
Slammed Cars
Similar to stanced cars, slammed vehicles involve lowering the suspension but to a more extreme level.
While they can make your car look cool, slammed cars may experience performance issues, such as poor handling and excessive tire wear.
Hellaflush
Hellaflush is the act of fitting oversized wheels and tires to a lowered car, producing a “flush” look where the wheel and fender are evenly aligned.
This modification may come with risks, including damage to your car’s suspension and uneven tire wear.
As a car enthusiast, you might find these modifications appealing, but it’s necessary to consider their impact on your vehicle’s performance and practicality.
Compare the benefits and drawbacks of each approach:
| Modification | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Stanced | Aggressive appearance, unique look | Reduced ground clearance, may scrape on uneven surfaces |
| Slammed | Extreme look, attention-grabbing | Poor handling, excessive tire wear, risk of damage on uneven surfaces |
| Hellaflush | Flush look, visually appealing | Suspension damage risk, uneven tire wear, may affect alignment |
Technical Aspects to Consider
When you notice that your rear wheel looks slanted, it’s essential to consider several technical aspects:
- Up travel and down travel: Excessive wheel camber can impact both up travel and down travel of your suspension system. This can lead to uneven tire wear and compromised handling performance.
- Cornering performance: Slight negative camber (bottom of the wheel slanting outward) can improve a car’s cornering as it maximizes contact between tires and the road surface. However, too much camber can negatively affect this performance.
- Contact patch: This refers to the area where the tire touches the road. Adequate camber maintains an optimal contact patch, enhancing traction and grip, especially during cornering.
- Traction: Moderate negative camber can increase traction, allowing you to corner faster and with more control. However, going overboard with camber can decrease traction and make your car less stable.
- Drivetrain wear: Too much rear wheel camber may cause unnecessary stress on your vehicle’s drivetrain, leading to faster wear and tear. Proper camber adjustments can help prolong the life of your drivetrain components.
While a slight camber can enhance performance, excessive camber may lead to stability issues, uneven tire wear, and increased drivetrain wear. It’s important to balance these factors when addressing a slanted rear wheel.
Key maintenance and repair tips
Let’s discuss some maintenance and repair options under this section.
Wheel alignment
First, a wheel alignment may be necessary. This service will adjust your vehicle’s suspension to ensure proper wheel positioning.
For example, after an accident or hitting a curb, your wheel alignment can get thrown off. You can expect to pay around $100 to $150 for this service.
Repair bent wheel
If the slant is due to a bent wheel, consider seeking repairs at the workshop.
Repair costs vary from $75 to $300 or more per wheel, depending on the severity of the damage.
In extreme cases, it might be more cost-effective to replace the wheel altogether.
Check camber angle
In some instances, your vehicle’s camber angle could be causing the slant.
Negative camber angles, where the top of the wheel is tilted toward the vehicle, are designed to improve cornering performance.
You may have to fix the negative camber angle if necessary.
Does Insurance Cover Slanted Wheels?
First, check if your car insurance policy covers wheel alignment issues or damage. Some policies include coverage for such repairs, while others may not. To verify, go through your policy documents or contact your insurance agent.
In the case of an accident, if you’re at fault, your collision coverage might cover the repair costs for a slanted wheel.
However, if another party is responsible, their liability insurance should cover the expenses.
For example, if your wheel is bent inwards due to a collision with another vehicle, the other driver’s insurance should help with the repair costs.
Keep in mind, if you’ve modified your car’s wheels for aesthetic reasons, your insurer may not cover any related damages.
It’s essential to inform your insurance company if you make significant changes to your vehicle. They may adjust your policy and premiums accordingly.
Examining Suspension and Steering System
One of the main causes of a rear wheel looking slanted could be an issue with the suspension system. To examine your suspension, try the following steps:
- Observe the car’s behavior on the road. Take note if you sense any issues while driving, such as poor handling or excessive bouncing over bumps.
- Visually inspect the suspension components. Look for any visible damage or wear on the suspension parts, including the bushes, which are responsible for providing cushioning between moving components.
A simple test that you can perform to check the suspension system is to bounce your car:
- Carefully place your hands firmly on the car, at the seam where the hood and fender meet.
- Push down hard on the vehicle’s suspension, let go, and allow it to raise back up on its own.
- If the car bounces back up and stops, it may indicate that the shock or strut is still good.
In addition to the suspension system, the steering system might also be responsible for the slanted rear wheel. Here’s a quick way to check the steering system:
- Drive on a straight, level road and observe if your steering wheel remains straight or not.
- If the steering wheel is not straight, there could be an issue with the wheel alignment.
When identifying problems in your suspension and steering systems, you may encounter the following signs:
- Unusual noises when going over bumps.
- Uneven tire wear.
- Loose or vibrating steering wheel.
It’s essential to address these issues promptly to avoid further complications and ensure a safe driving experience.
Remember, maintaining the health of your suspension and steering systems plays a crucial role in your vehicle’s overall safety and performance.
Dealing with Slanted Front Wheels
When you notice your front wheels looking slanted, it is essential to address the issue promptly. Slanted wheels can be caused by a problem with the steering wheel or other suspension components such as the lower control arm.
One of the first steps you should take is to inspect your car’s steering wheel. Make sure it is properly aligned and functioning correctly. Misaligned steering wheels can impact the angle at which your front wheels sit.
Your lower control arm can also lead to slanted front wheels. This suspension component is responsible for connecting the wheel to the vehicle’s chassis. Damage to the lower control arm can cause your front wheels to become slanted.
Here are some possible steps to address slanted front wheels:
- Check the tire’s air pressure and ensure it is correctly inflated.
- Inspect your car’s suspension components, including lower control arms and bushings, for wear or damage.
Remember, slanted front wheels can affect your car’s handling, performance, and tire wear. It is crucial to address the issue to maintain your vehicle’s safety and overall performance.
Conclusion
Addressing a slanted rear wheel issue is vital for maintaining your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity.
From understanding camber angles to identifying causes and effects, this article has equipped you with insights to take prompt action.
Regular maintenance, professional assessments, and informed decision-making will ensure a smooth and secure driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my rear wheel leaning inwards?
Your rear wheel may be leaning inwards due to negative camber. Negative camber is when the bottom of the wheel is tilted outwards, and the top is tilted inwards.
This can improve handling performance and cornering grip but, if excessive, might cause uneven tire wear and reduced stability.
What causes negative camber on tires?
Negative camber on tires can be caused by either intentional adjustments for performance purposes or issues with the suspension components.
Worn or damaged control arms, bushings, and ball joints, or incorrect alignment, can result in negative camber. In performance-oriented vehicles, car enthusiasts might deliberately add negative camber to improve handling and cornering capabilities.
How to fix a slanted wheel after an accident?
To fix a slanted wheel after an accident, you should first assess the damage. Based on the findings, you may need to replace or repair damaged suspension and alignment components.
What’s the term for slanted rear tires?
The term for slanted rear tires is “camber.” Camber refers to the angle at which the wheel and tire are positioned relative to the car’s vertical axis. If the top of the tire tilts inward, it is called negative camber, and if it tilts outward, it is called positive camber.
How does a wheel get tilted outward?
A wheel gets tilted outward due to positive camber.
This can be a result of suspension or alignment issues, worn or damaged components, or intentional adjustments for certain off-road or heavy load conditions. Positive camber increases straight-line stability but decreases cornering grip.
What are the reasons for rear wheels slanting?
Rear wheels may slant due to intentional adjustments, suspension issues, or damage to components. Some possible reasons are:
- Negative or positive camber adjustments for performance or aesthetic purposes
- Worn or damaged suspension components like control arms, bushings, and ball joints
- Incorrect wheel alignment
- Damage inflicted by accidents or driving on poor road conditions
Why is my rear wheel leaning inwards?
Your rear wheel may be leaning inwards due to negative camber. Negative camber is when the bottom of the wheel is tilted outwards, and the top is tilted inwards.
This can improve handling performance and cornering grip but, if excessive, might cause uneven tire wear and reduced stability.
