When it comes to optimizing your vehicle’s suspension and overall handling, one essential component that often goes overlooked is the rear camber bolts. For Subaru owners, especially those who push their cars to the limit on the track or are simply looking to improve everyday handling, understanding the importance of rear camber bolts is key to achieving the perfect alignment and performance. In this article, we will explore the role of rear camber bolts, their benefits, and why they are an indispensable tool for achieving a well-balanced, precise driving experience.  subaru rear camber bolts

What Are Rear Camber Bolts?

Camber bolts are specialized components that allow for the adjustment of the camber angle of your vehicle’s suspension. Camber is the angle at which your wheels tilt in or out relative to the vertical axis of the car. More precisely, the camber angle is the angle formed between the wheel and the road’s surface when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle.

In standard suspension setups, camber is often fixed, meaning there is no adjustment. However, for performance-oriented driving or when lowering your car, the ability to adjust camber becomes crucial to ensure that the wheels are in the optimal position for maximum tire contact with the road. This improves grip, enhances tire wear, and ensures better overall handling.

Why Are Rear Camber Bolts Important for Subaru Vehicles?

Subaru vehicles, particularly the WRX, STI, and Outback, are known for their performance capabilities, all-wheel drive systems, and rugged designs. Many Subaru owners choose to modify their cars for improved handling, stability, and control. When lowering the car for aesthetic or performance purposes, the geometry of the suspension changes, often resulting in excessive negative camber. This can cause uneven tire wear, poor grip in corners, and suboptimal handling.

Rear camber bolts provide an easy solution to this issue. By allowing for precise adjustments to the rear camber angle, these bolts can help restore optimal alignment, ensuring better tire contact and preventing uneven wear. This is especially important for Subaru owners who enjoy driving their cars hard or taking them to the track. Proper camber adjustment allows for more predictable handling, improved cornering stability, and greater overall control.

The Benefits of Installing Rear Camber Bolts

1. Improved Handling and Cornering
   One of the most significant benefits of rear camber bolts is their ability to improve handling, particularly in high-performance driving situations. Adjusting the camber allows for better tire contact with the road during cornering, which translates to improved grip and stability. This is especially important for Subaru models with all-wheel drive (AWD), where proper suspension tuning ensures the car maintains traction on all four wheels during tight turns.

2. Even Tire Wear
   Without the proper camber adjustment, excessive negative camber can cause uneven tire wear, with the inner part of the tire experiencing more wear than the outer. This can significantly reduce the lifespan of your tires and result in costly replacements. Rear camber bolts help to address this issue by allowing you to fine-tune the camber angle, ensuring that the tires wear evenly across the tread, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

3. Enhanced Suspension Geometry
   Adjusting the camber helps to restore the suspension geometry, particularly after lowering your Subaru. Lowering a car changes the suspension's angles, and the rear camber bolts provide the ability to correct these angles. Proper alignment ensures that the suspension operates as intended, reducing the risk of premature suspension component wear and improving the car's overall ride quality.

4. Track and Performance Driving Benefits
   If you take your Subaru to the track or participate in motorsport events, rear camber bolts are an invaluable tool for maximizing your vehicle's performance. On the track, where every fraction of a second counts, having the correct camber ensures that your tires maintain maximum contact with the road, providing better handling, more responsive steering, and ultimately faster lap times.

5. Better Control in Adverse Weather Conditions
   For Subaru owners who live in areas with frequent rain, snow, or ice, camber adjustments can help improve traction and handling under slippery conditions. By ensuring that the tires remain as flat as possible during driving, you increase tire surface contact, which can significantly improve grip on wet or icy surfaces.

How to Install Rear Camber Bolts on a Subaru

Installing rear camber bolts is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools, although some knowledge of suspension components is necessary. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to install rear camber bolts on your Subaru:

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Rear camber bolts (specific to your Subaru model)

• Socket set

• Jack and jack stands

• Torque wrench

• Wheel chocks

• Alignment tools (optional, for fine adjustments)

Step-by-Step Installation:

1. Lift the Car
   Use a jack to lift the rear end of the car and place it securely on jack stands. Make sure the car is stable and that the wheels are off the ground.

2. Remove the Wheels
   Using a socket wrench, remove the wheels to access the rear suspension components. Be sure to keep the lug nuts in a safe place, as you will need them to reinstall the wheels later.

3. Locate the Rear Suspension Bolts
   The rear camber bolts are typically located near the rear control arm, where the suspension links attach to the chassis. This is where you’ll need to install the adjustable camber bolts.

4. Remove the Factory Bolts
   Use a socket wrench to remove the stock bolts from the suspension. Depending on your Subaru model, you may need to remove additional components or loosen certain bolts to gain full access to the rear suspension.

5. Install the Rear Camber Bolts
   Position the rear camber bolts in place, ensuring they align properly with the suspension. Tighten them securely but be careful not to overtighten them. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications for the camber bolts to avoid damaging the suspension components.

6. Reinstall the Wheels
   After the rear camber bolts are installed, carefully reinstall the wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

7. Lower the Vehicle
   Lower the car off the jack stands and carefully torque the lug nuts to the recommended specification.

8. Alignment
   After installing the rear camber bolts, it’s highly recommended to perform an alignment. While you can make rough adjustments to the camber, precise alignment requires specialized tools and expertise to ensure that the angles are set correctly. Many Subaru owners choose to have a professional perform the alignment after making these adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Rear camber bolts are a simple yet essential modification for Subaru owners who are looking to improve handling, tire wear, and suspension performance. Whether you’re modifying your vehicle for daily driving or preparing it for track days, these bolts give you the ability to fine-tune your alignment and achieve optimal results. By installing camber bolts and making the necessary adjustments, you can ensure that your Subaru delivers improved stability, better tire life, and a more enjoyable driving experience. So, if you’re looking to take your Subaru’s performance to the next level, investing in rear camber bolts is a step in the right direction.