Alignment Caster / Camber Cam

What Are Alignment Caster / Camber Cams?

Alignment caster and camber cams — also called cam bolts or eccentric bolts — are specialized suspension fasteners designed to fine-tune two of the most critical wheel alignment angles on your vehicle. These components feature an intentionally off-center design: when rotated, the eccentric washer or cam shifts the position of a control arm or strut, allowing a technician (or a skilled DIYer) to dial in precise geometry without drilling or modifying the surrounding structure.

Camber vs. Caster: Why Both Angles Matter

Understanding what these cams actually correct is key to appreciating why they matter. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of your wheel when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle. Ideally, wheels sit perpendicular to the road surface, but suspension wear, collision damage, or a lift/lowering modification can push camber out of spec — causing uneven tire wear and compromised handling. Caster, on the other hand, is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering pivot point when viewed from the side. Most vehicles are designed with positive caster, which promotes straight-line stability and helps the steering wheel return to center after a turn.

When either angle drifts outside of the manufacturer's specification, the results can be significant: tires wear out prematurely on one edge, the vehicle pulls to one side, and steering feel becomes vague or unpredictable. A proper alignment using quality cam hardware corrects all of this, protecting both your tires and your suspension investment.

When Do You Need New Alignment Cams?

Cam bolts are often overlooked during routine maintenance because they are adjusted infrequently — which ironically makes them prone to corrosion and seizing over time. You should inspect or replace alignment cams whenever you:

• Install new tires and notice they wear unevenly shortly after
• Replace suspension components such as control arms, struts, or bushings
• Lift or lower your vehicle and need an extended adjustment range beyond what the factory hardware provides
• Experience a hard impact — a pothole, curb strike, or minor collision — that may have shifted suspension geometry
• Notice the vehicle pulling to one side or the steering wheel sitting off-center

What to Look for When Shopping

Not all cam bolt kits offer the same degree of adjustment. Most OEM-style replacements provide a range of roughly ±1.5° to ±2.25° of correction. For vehicles that have been significantly modified or damaged, a kit with a wider adjustment window gives the alignment tech more room to work. Also consider whether the kit includes greaseable components for easier future service, and always verify fitment by year, make, and model — cam bolt dimensions vary widely across platforms.

Top Brands in Alignment Caster / Camber Cams

ACDelco is a trusted OEM-grade supplier with deep roots in GM vehicle engineering. Their alignment caster/camber kits — such as the Gold series — are built to factory specifications, making them a go-to choice for GM truck and SUV owners who want a like-for-like replacement with confidence in fit and function.

Motormite (a Dorman brand) brings a practical, problem-solving approach to alignment hardware. Their cam components are designed to address common OEM shortcomings and are well-suited for straightforward replacement jobs where reliable performance and broad vehicle coverage are the priority.

Mevotech has been an innovator in suspension and steering parts since 1982, building alignment caster/camber kits that start from OEM specs and then improve upon them. Their Supreme and TTX product lines are engineered for durability beyond factory standards, making Mevotech a strong option for high-mileage vehicles or those operating in harsh conditions.

Skyward Automotive Products rounds out the category with additional fitment options for drivers seeking dependable alignment hardware to restore their suspension geometry to proper spec.