Mazda 5 camber problem

[bluekron]

I installed 225/45Z r17 tires in my mazda, the original tires were just too thin for the rims. I also ended up replacing the rims for some after market ones. It looks like I now have more camber in the back and was wondering if the camber can be adjusted. It kind of was like that before. I have read a bit around here that mazda 5's have this problem. Everytime I take the tires for an alignment they come out looking about the same. And they tell me they are to spec, and I tell them that it doesnt matter what the factory recommends but what is the most functional and that they eat the tires like that. Can I fix the camber myself. Whats the best replacement for suspension that can fix this problem.

 

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Deja Vu !

As Unpopular it is to own a vehicle that "chews tires like that" you're stuck with it. Here is why

1) No you CAN NOT adjust rear stock camber, unless you buy some aftermarket cam adjusters.

EXAMPLE ONLY ! ! ! NOT the actual Mazda 5 aftermarket camber adjusters:

(Good luck on finding Mazda 5 cam adjusters, I think Demon or someone else posted a link once.)

2) ROTATE your tires every oil change, that is what I do, then again I have access to the base (Military) auto hobby shop car lift bay for $5.00 an hour and it takes me 20 min to rotate them (Including lifting the car and oil change). (hump)

3) The SIZE of the tire makes a difference! (The wider the tire the worse the camber will be, speaking from the land of rice, I know)

Your 225/45s are WIDER than the stock tires and well just in case you didnt know, it's self inflicted. (toetap)

4) Cheap tires will wear faster, Id get Yokahama Z or ZR rated tires expect to pay big $$ though.

Hope that helps...

We await your response / update... (couch)

Peace!(rei)

 

[Northern]

Note that usually little negative camber isn't a problem, it's the tire toe-in that eats the tires.

 

[antlind]

Note that usually little negative camber isn't a problem, it's the tire toe-in that eats the tires.

In the case of the Mazda5 it's a LOT of negative camber that eats away at the tires.
You're better off installing a camber adjustment plate to remedy this problem once and for all.

 

[scottgib]

It appears that your wheels have less positive offset than stock putting them further out; which makes it sit lower and increasing neg. camber.