I actually came up with the SmartCamber gauge before the SmartStrings – I needed something to replace my old trusty Dunlop gauge that had seen better days, and wanted something digital and could be used to measure the angle of other things on the car also. Proper camber settings are significant, not just for good tire wear for a street car but to get the most from a tire on a car that is auto-crossed or track driven - it's one of the most fundamental changes (along with toe angles) to improve handling. In any of these conditions, tire wear is greatly affected by proper or improper camber settings – and lap times.
Camber angle is commonly referred to as the inclination of the wheels from true vertical. Camber is read as either positive or negative.
Caster angle is the rearward inclination of the line the front steering wheels pivot around. It is important because it produces a lever-arm for lateral forces, that is, a speed-dependent returning torque to the center-steer position. Caster also increases the camber angle when the wheels are turned which can also increase the tires total grip.
Correct settings of these two angles results in a vehicle that tracks straighter, more predictably and helps maximize the traction potential of the tire.
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The Hands-Free Adapter is purchased separately. With the Hands-Free Adapter it allows you to attach the gauge to the wheel so as you make camber changes you can see the changes happening instead of putting down your tools down and holding the gauge to the wheel again and again. You can always buy the Hands-Free Adapter later on if you decide to.
Here, this customer uses a carpenters level to ensure the gauge is vertical. The module can deviate several degrees from true vertical and still read accurately, but he prefers this method. The gauge is super versatile and like any tool, you'll find your own ways to use it.
The SmartCamber gauge can be used in many different ways. Shown with optional Hands Free Adapter.