RC Camber Link Locations Explained
What Are Camber Link Locations?
Camber Link Locations refer to the mounting positions of the upper suspension links (also called Camber links or turnbuckles) on both the shock tower and the suspension arm. These links connect the chassis to the wheel hub and control how the tire leans (Camber) as the suspension moves.
On most RC vehicles, you can adjust Camber Link Locations by moving the link to different holes on:
• The shock tower (vertical adjustment)
• The suspension arm or hub (horizontal or vertical adjustment depending on design)
These small changes have a major effect on how the car gains or loses Camber through suspension travel, often referred to as Camber gain.
How Do Camber Link Locations Affect Your Car?
Camber Link Locations directly control how the tire maintains contact with the track as the suspension compresses and extends.
Here’s how it breaks down:
1. Camber Gain
• Shorter links or steeper angles = more Camber gain
• Longer links or flatter angles = less Camber gain
More Camber gain means the tire leans more during cornering, helping maintain grip when the chassis rolls.
2. Roll Center Influence
Adjusting Camber Link Locations changes the car’s Roll Center, which affects how weight transfers during cornering.
• Higher inner link position = higher roll center = quicker response, less roll
• Lower inner link position = lower roll center = more grip, more roll
3. Cornering Grip and Stability
• Aggressive Camber Link setups = faster steering response, more rotation
• Conservative setups = smoother handling, more stability
4. Bump Behavior
Camber Link geometry also affects how the tire reacts over bumps:
• Poor setup = inconsistent grip
• Proper setup = predictable handling over rough surfaces
How Do You Change Camber Link Locations?
Changing Camber Link Locations is one of the easiest and most effective tuning adjustments.
Common adjustment points:
1. Shock Tower (Inner Mount)
• Move link up = increases roll center, reduces roll
• Move link down = lowers roll center, increases grip
2. Hub/Knuckle (Outer Mount)
• Move link inward = increases Camber gain
• Move link outward = reduces Camber gain
3. Link Length
• Shorten link = more aggressive Camber gain
• Lengthen link = smoother, more forgiving handling
Always make small adjustments and test after each change.
When To Alter Camber Link Locations
Increase Camber Gain (more aggressive setup)
Use when:
• Track has high grip
• You need more corner speed
• Car feels lazy entering turns
Typical changes:
• Raise inner link position
• Move outer link inward
• Shorten camber link
Decrease Camber Gain (more stable setup)
Use when:
• Track is low grip or dusty
• Car feels twitchy or unpredictable
• Rear end is stepping out too much
Typical changes:
• Lower inner link position
• Move outer link outward
• Lengthen camber link
What to Check After Changing Camber Link Locations
Adjusting Camber Link Locations affects multiple aspects of your setup. You should always re-check and fine-tune the following:
1. Camber Angle
Changing link positions will alter static Camber. Reset it after adjustments.
2. Ride Height
Roll Center changes can affect chassis balance. Verify Ride Height front and rear.
3. Toe Settings
Front and rear Toe can feel different after geometry changes. Make sure the car still tracks straight.
4. Shock Setup
• Spring rate
• Shock oil
• Piston setup
More aggressive Camber Link setups may require softer shocks to maintain grip.
5. Roll Center Balance (Front vs Rear)
Keep the car balanced:
• Too much front Roll Center = aggressive steering, possible traction roll
• Too much rear Roll Center = loose rear end
6. Anti-Squat and Anti-Dive
These interact with weight transfer. If the car feels off under braking or acceleration, revisit these settings.
FAQ
Q: What is the easiest way to tune Camber Link Locations?
A: Start with the inner (shock tower) position. It has the biggest and most predictable effect.
Q: Should I adjust front or rear Camber Link Locations first?
A: Start with the front for steering feel, then fine-tune the rear for stability.
Q: How do I know if I have too much Camber gain?
A: The car may feel edgy mid-corner or lose grip suddenly, especially on low-grip tracks.
Q: Do Camber Link Locations affect straight-line performance?
A: Not directly, but poor settings can make the car unstable under acceleration or braking.
Q: Is there a “standard” Camber Link setup?
A: No. It depends on track conditions, grip level and driving style. Start with the kit settings, then tune for the surface.
Q: How big of a change should I make at once?
A: One hole at a time. Small changes make a big difference.
Related Tuning Adjustments
To get the most out of this setup change, review these related guides:
• Camber
• Ride Height
• Roll Center
Back to the RC Suspension Tuning Guide.
