Do wheel spacers affect camber
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
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2013 E350
Do wheel spacers affect camber
Just put 15mm front and 20mm rear spacers on my stock 18" AMGs. It definitely fills the wheel well much better, but the rears seem to be a little negative on the camber to my eye. Not sure if this is an optical illusion caused by the lines of the rear fender, or an actual camber change. I haven't lowered the car yet, but will be installing H&Rs next week. I know spring will cause negative camber, but do spacers too??
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From: SoFlo
W212 E250 BT 4M
It shouldn't but theoretically using spacers can change the camber because it changes the load applied to the rear suspension due to the increased torque applied around the suspension pivot point. This can slightly alter the static ride height and thus increase negative camber. You are moving the rim+tire weight outwards and making the "lever" longer, which would make it flex. So, of course, with very thin spacers you wouldn't notice it, with thicker ones you might. Best way to tell is to get it checked at any tire shop that does wheel alignments...
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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2013 E350 Sport
It shouldn't but theoretically using spacers can change the camber because it changes the load applied to the rear suspension due to the increased torque applied around the suspension pivot point. This can slightly alter the static ride height and thus increase negative camber. You are moving the rim+tire weight outwards and making the "lever" longer, which would make it flex. So, of course, with very thin spacers you wouldn't notice it, with thicker ones you might. Best way to tell is to get it checked at any tire shop that does wheel alignments...
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Minneapolis, MN/Breckenridge, CO
2010 E550 4Matic Sport P2
I agree that it is more noticeable. However I say it's worth it all day long!!! I received my spacers in the mail this week and have the back ones installed (H&R DRA's). NIGHT AND DAY difference with the stock split 6 AMG's! I have nearly new Pirelli Pzero's on the car and plan to replace them with a set of 20's for the summer and the pirelli's with some snow tires on the amg's for winter. The car looks night and day better with the rear 20mm's in place. I am just waiting for the correct extended lugs to arrive so I can make the fronts match!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Spacers increase the lever arm length and put the forces further out so YES by definition they affect the angle/camber but NOT noticeably or in any detriment
Spacer away!! I'd much much rather have a well spaced set of rims than 105% perfect camber
Spacer away!! I'd much much rather have a well spaced set of rims than 105% perfect camber
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
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From: SoFlo
W212 E250 BT 4M
http://www.k-mac.com.au/ kits is the only solution to fix negative chamber. Front negative chamber can be fixed with longer bolts ( i know it can be done on CLS so E probably will be the same ) so you only need rear kit - http://www.k-mac.com/pages/newprods/...ercedes_04.htm
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Joined: May 2018
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2018 C63 S Coupe
Front turn feel after 15mm spacers
Hey, I just placed H&R 15mm spacers all around. No drop just yet. When I’m making a turn (U-turn) it almost seems as if the front tires aren’t in proper contact with the surface. It’s tough to describe.... Best way I can explain it is that it feels like the tires are oval and don’t roll smoothly when making sharp turns. Crazy description, but that’s the best description I’ve got. If it’s raining out it’s even more pronounced where the front tires will roll/grip then slide a small amount. I’m guessing the 15mm threw off the camber and it needs an alignment. Anyone else experience the phenomenon with just spacers?
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Joined: May 2018
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2018 C63 S Coupe
It’s not a 4Matic. I have a 18’ C63S Coupe. This is the only thread I could find on MBWorld regarding spacers. I’ve experienced hop in AWD/4X4 vehicles. It’s somewhat similar, but it only started after the spacer placement. I was wondering if a simple alignment would get rid of this. I’ll end up installing H&R Coil Overs and will need an alignment regardless. First time using spacers and hadn’t heard of this issue. Thanks
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Hey, I just placed H&R 15mm spacers all around. No drop just yet. When I’m making a turn (U-turn) it almost seems as if the front tires aren’t in proper contact with the surface. It’s tough to describe.... Best way I can explain it is that it feels like the tires are oval and don’t roll smoothly when making sharp turns. Crazy description, but that’s the best description I’ve got. If it’s raining out it’s even more pronounced where the front tires will roll/grip then slide a small amount. I’m guessing the 15mm threw off the camber and it needs an alignment. Anyone else experience the phenomenon with just spacers?
If you put on wider tires and kept the center of the tire at original location then spacers should not cause a problem.
Front wheels turn different amount when you make a turn. The inside wheel in the turn has to make more angle change for the turn than the outside one and the sharper the turn the more difference between the front wheels.
If you install 15 mm spacers you move the center of the tire out meaning that the turning radius of the inside wheel gets smaller and for the outside wheel it gets bigger. Does not sound much but in a sharp full U-turn probably can be noticed.
If the problem is what I explained don't spend money for alignment as it would not help any. Get wheels and tires that keep center of the tire at the same as original wheels do.
