Nina Caldwell
Adjusting the camber on a Mk3 Golf can be a tricky process. While some recommend taking it to a specialist garage or alignment shop, there are ways to adjust the camber yourself. One method involves loosening the two bottom bolts on the strut and moving the wheel in or out by hand to adjust the camber. Another method is to jack up the car, measure the gap from the wheel arch to the top of the tyre, and then jack up the wishbone so that the wheel is off the floor but the suspension is the same as when it's on the floor. It's important to note that adjusting camber can affect the toe settings, so it's recommended to get a professional alignment done after making any adjustments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Adjusting camber | Loosen the two bottom bolts, push on the top of the wheel while pulling on the bottom, then tighten the bolts |
| Camber adjustment bolts | EZ Cam XRs are designed for non-slotted struts and allow both positive and negative camber changes of up to 1.75 degrees |
| Camber reference gauge | #81139 |
| Toe settings | 0° +- 10' |
| Camber degree | 0°30'N +- 20' |
| Castor degree | 1°45' +- 30' |
| Castor adjustment | Not possible |
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What You'll Learn
Adjusting camber and tracking
Adjusting the camber and tracking on a Mk3 Golf can be done in a few ways, but it is recommended to get it done by a professional mechanic or tyre specialist.
One method is to measure the gap from the wheel arch to the top of the tyre, then jack up the car and the wishbone so that the wheel is off the floor but the suspension is the same as when it's on the floor. Remove the wheel and place a spirit level on the brake disc, adjusting until it is level. Put the wheel back on and return the car to the floor.
Another method is to use camber adjustment bolts, which replace the upper O.E. strut/spindle bolt and allow for both positive and negative camber changes. These can be purchased and installed, but it is advised to get a professional to do this.
The camber must be set first and should be 30 to 40 minutes negative (top of the wheel in) depending on the car. This is only measurable using a gauge mounted to the wheel. The tracking can then be measured, which should be 0 or parallel and can be done with the string method. The tracking must only be set by adjusting the length of the right-hand track rod.
It is important to note that adjusting camber and tracking can be complex and time-consuming, and incorrect adjustments can lead to issues with tyre wear and handling. It is always recommended to consult a professional mechanic or tyre specialist for assistance.
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Using camber adjustment bolts
Although camber adjustment bolts are not necessary for a Mk3 Golf, they can make the process of adjusting the camber much easier.
There are several companies that make camber adjustment bolts, which replace the top bolt where the front strut housing meets the hub. These bolts are smaller in diameter and lock in place, allowing for some movement.
One such product is the SPC Front Camber Adjusting Bolts EZ Cam XRs, which are designed for non-slotted struts. They allow both positive and negative camber changes of up to approximately 1.75 degrees by replacing the upper O.E. strut/spindle bolt. To install these bolts, you will need to remove the tire and wheel and use a camber reference gauge. It is also important to jack up the vehicle by the frame when installing the EZCams.
Another option is to use the stock bolts that come with the Mk3 Golf. To adjust the camber with these bolts, you can loosen the two lower bolts on the strut and move the wheel in or out by hand to adjust the camber.
It is important to note that adjusting the camber on your own can be dangerous and it is recommended to take your car to a professional for alignment.
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Alignment and toe settings
The camber must be set first and should be 30 to 40 minutes negative (top of the wheel in) depending on the car. This can be done by releasing the strut to hub bolts and allowing the required setting to be found. You can also loosen the two lower bolts on the strut and move it in or out by hand to adjust the camber. The ball joint should be in the middle of the wishbone slots.
You can also equalize camber by moving the subframe left or right. Loosen the 21mm subframe bolts with the weight of the car on it, but don't take them all the way out. Once you get caster close, tighten the back bolts first.
The toe settings are probably way off, which will wear the tires. Toe settings can be measured by the string method. Toe-in should be 0+-1 and toe-in deg should be 0° +- 10'. Toe-in deg-1/100 should be 0 +- 0.17. A street-driven front-wheel-drive car should have about 2.5mm/.100" static toe out.
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Camber gauge
Adjusting the camber on a Mk3 Golf can be done in several ways. One method involves loosening the bottom bolt of the two on the strut and adjusting the wheel to the desired position. Another approach is to use "Camber Adjustment Bolts", which replace the top bolt where the front strut housing meets the hub, allowing for some movement. However, some sources suggest that adjusting the camber bolts may not be necessary for a Mk3 Golf as there is already a lot of room to adjust the camber.
To adjust the camber, you will need a camber gauge. There are three main types of do-it-yourself camber gauges: bubble gauges, digital inclinometers, and track-targeted castor/camber devices. The bubble gauge, available on Amazon for less than $20, is a small bubble level with a magnetic base. It helps you return the strut to its original camber position. To use it, you must first level the gauge on its rotational axis using the small secondary bubble level. Then, you magnetically stick the gauge to the brake rotor, zero the gauge, perform your front-end work, and finally adjust the strut's camber until the gauge reads zero.
If you cannot use the brake rotor method, you can try the alternative approach described in the gauge's instructions. This involves placing a straight bar across the two flats of the wheel at the 6 o'clock position and then placing the gauge in the centre of the bar to take the reading. However, this method requires a dead-flat, straight piece of metal that is the exact right length to lay on the outer lip of the wheel, which can be challenging to find.
Another option for a camber gauge is the EZCam, which is designed for non-slotted struts and allows both positive and negative camber changes of up to approximately 1.75 degrees. It is important to ensure you have the correct kit for your vehicle and to follow the installation instructions carefully.
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Camber and caster
Camber refers to the inward and outward tilt of the tire and wheel assembly when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Each manufacturer sets a specific camber alignment for every vehicle it produces, which might be either positive, negative, or zero (0º). When the camber is at the correct angle, the tire and wheel will roll straight. Camber bolts are not needed on a Mk3 Golf, as there is a lot of room to adjust the camber. However, camber bolts can make it easier to adjust. Camber adjustment bolts go in place of the top bolt where the front strut housing meets the hub. They are smaller in diameter and lock in place, allowing for some movement. EZ Cam XRs are designed for non-slotted struts and allow both positive and negative camber changes of up to approximately 1.75 degrees.
Caster refers to the slope of the steering axis, which can be negative, neutral, or positive. A negative caster has an axis tilted toward the front of the vehicle, while a positive caster has an axis tilted rearward toward the driver. A zero or neutral caster has a steering axis line that is straight up and down. Vehicle specifications rarely call for a negative or zero caster. Caster angles of over 7 degrees with radial tires are common, and power steering is usually necessary to overcome the jacking effect from a high caster angle.
To adjust the camber on a Mk3 Golf, you can loosen the bottom bolt of the two on the strut and adjust the wheel to the desired position. It is also important to ensure that the toe settings are correct, as incorrect toe settings can cause excessive tire wear.
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Frequently asked questions
You can adjust the camber on your VW Golf Mk3 by loosening the two bottom bolts, pushing on the top of the wheel while pulling the bottom, and then tightening the bolts. You can also adjust the camber by jacking up the car and then jacking up the wishbone so that the wheel is off the floor but the suspension is the same as when it's on the floor.
No, you don't need camber bolts for a VW Golf Mk3. There is a lot of room to adjust the camber without them. Camber bolts just make it easier to adjust.
You can either adjust the camber on your VW Golf Mk3 yourself or take it to a garage or alignment shop to have it done.
