Camber Arms with Fitting Position Front and Rear, Front Axle, Rear Axle for SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STi GD Sedan

Camber arms are suspension arms used to change or extend the adjustment of camber, the inward or outward tilt of a wheel. On independent suspension, the position of the arms holding each wheel decides its camber, and when ride height changes, that angle moves. Camber arms, including adjustable arms and replacement upper control arms with a revised ball joint position, provide the range needed for a wheel alignment to set camber correctly. On many 4WDs, camber is corrected together with caster. Use the vehicle search to find camber arms to suit your WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA.

What Is Camber on Your WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA?

Camber is the angle of a wheel when viewed from the front of the vehicle. If the top of the wheel leans inward toward the vehicle, that is negative camber. If it leans outward, that is positive camber. Manufacturers specify a camber range for each axle, usually close to vertical with a small lean.

The correct camber keeps the tyre's tread sitting flat on the road as the vehicle drives, spreading the load across the full width of the tyre. When camber moves outside its range, the tyre rides more heavily on one edge, which can cause that edge to wear faster and can affect how the vehicle steers and handles.

How WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms Work

On independent suspension, each wheel is held by arms that connect the wheel hub or knuckle to the chassis or subframe. The upper and lower arms together decide where the top and bottom of the wheel sit. If the top of the wheel moves inward relative to the bottom, camber becomes more negative, and if it moves outward, camber becomes more positive.

A camber arm changes that geometry. Adjustable camber arms have a threaded section or adjustable mounting that lets their length be changed, moving the top or bottom of the wheel in or out. Replacement upper control arms with a revised ball joint position move the top of the knuckle to a new position, restoring camber at a different ride height. Either way, the arm provides the adjustment, and the wheel alignment sets the final angle.

Camber Arms on Your WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA

On independent front suspension 4WDs, the upper control arm has the greatest influence on camber. When the vehicle is lifted, the upper arm angles down more steeply, which moves camber away from specification and often reduces caster at the same time. Replacement upper control arms with an offset or adjustable ball joint are the most common way to correct both angles together after a lift. They are often called camber or caster correction arms, because they address both.

Some 4WD wagons and SUVs also use independent rear suspension, where rear camber is set by the rear control arms. Changing ride height at the rear, through a lift or heavier springs, can move rear camber as well. Adjustable rear arms provide the range to set it correctly.

WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms or Camber Bolts?

Camber bolts and correction cams replace standard bolts or cams with ones that offer more adjustment range. They are a cost-effective option when camber sits just outside specification, which is common after a mild lift.

Camber arms suit larger corrections. When camber has moved further than bolts can correct, or when caster and ball joint angle also need restoring, a replacement arm provides more range. Some vehicles use both, with an arm providing the main correction and bolts allowing fine adjustment during the alignment. A wheel alignment check shows how far camber sits from specification, which helps decide which option suits.

Does Your WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Need Camber Arms?

It depends on the vehicle and how much its ride height has changed. Many vehicles can be aligned within specification using the factory adjustment or camber bolts after a modest change in ride height. Vehicles with a larger change, or those where the factory adjustment range is small, more often need replacement arms.

The clearest guide is a wheel alignment check. If the technician can bring camber within specification with the existing adjustment, new arms may not be needed. If the adjustment runs out before camber is correct, camber arms or replacement upper control arms can provide the range.

Signs WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Is Out of Range

The most common sign is uneven tyre wear, with the inner or outer edge of the tyre wearing noticeably faster than the rest of the tread. On the front, incorrect camber can also make the vehicle pull to one side, particularly if camber differs between the left and right wheels. The vehicle may feel less stable under braking or when cornering.

These signs can also come from incorrect toe, worn bushes, worn ball joints or tyre pressure problems. Toe errors in particular can cause edge wear that looks similar to camber wear. Have the alignment and suspension checked together to confirm the cause.

Adjustable or Fixed WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms?

Fixed camber arms, such as fixed-offset upper control arms, build a set correction into the arm. They suit vehicles with a known ride height and are simple to set up once fitted.

Adjustable camber arms let the correction be fine-tuned, which suits vehicles whose ride height may change as accessories are added or loads vary. Adjustable arms need to be set correctly during the alignment, and their lock nuts should be checked periodically so the adjustment does not move.

WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms and Tyre Wear

Camber arms can help reduce tyre wear when the wear comes from camber that cannot otherwise be set within specification. Restoring the adjustment range lets the alignment set camber correctly, so the tread sits flatter on the road.

They will not fix wear caused by worn components, incorrect toe, incorrect tyre pressures or overloading. Worn bushes and ball joints in particular let camber change as the vehicle moves, so a new camber arm fitted alongside worn parts will not deliver the full benefit. Check those components at the same time.

Bushes and Ball Joints on WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms

Like any suspension arm, a camber arm has bushes at its mounting points and, on upper control arms, a ball joint at the outer end. These are its main wear points. Most replacement arms come with new bushes and joints fitted, renewing every wear point at once. On some arms, the bushes, ball joint and boot can be replaced separately later.

Check the bushes and ball joint boots at each service. Torn boots let dirt and water reach the joint, and worn bushes allow the arm to move, both of which affect camber.

Fitting WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms: An Overview

Camber arms are safety-critical parts, so fitting should be carried out by a qualified suspension technician. The vehicle is supported on rated stands, the old arm is disconnected and the new arm fitted. On adjustable arms, the length is set close to the required position before fitting. Pivot bolts through bushes should generally be tightened with the vehicle at normal ride height, and all fasteners tightened to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

A wheel alignment is required after fitting camber arms, since setting the angle is the reason they are fitted. Camber, caster and toe should all be checked and set.

Find the Right WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA Camber Arms with Formula 4x4

Start with a wheel alignment check to see how far camber sits from specification, and whether caster also needs correcting. Identify whether the correction is needed at the front, rear or both, and decide between camber bolts, fixed arms and adjustable arms. Search by your WRX STi GD Sedan IMPREZA to find camber arms to suit it. If you are unsure what your vehicle needs, contact the Formula 4x4 team.