INSTALLING A FRONT CAMBER KIT ON AN ACURA RSX FOR BETTER HANDLING

Installing a Front Camber Kit on an Acura RSX for Better Handling

Installing a Front Camber Kit on an Acura RSX for Better Handling

Blog Article

Installing a Front Camber Kit on an Acura RSX for Better Handling


The Acura RSX, a sporty hatchback produced from 2002 to 2006, is well-known in the tuner community for its sharp handling and rev-happy K-series engines. While the stock suspension setup offers solid performance for daily driving and some spirited cornering, there's still room for improvement—especially when it comes to dialing in precise alignment specs for performance driving. One of the best upgrades you can make to enhance the RSX's handling is the installation of a front camber kit.


In this article, we’ll break down what a camber kit does, why it’s beneficial for your RSX, and walk you through the process of installing a front camber kit to take your handling to the next level. Front camber kit RSX






What Is Camber, and Why Does It Matter?


Camber refers to the angle of your wheels in relation to the vertical axis when viewed from the front or rear of the car. If the top of the tire leans inward, that's negative camber; if it leans outward, that's positive camber.


For performance driving—whether it’s on the street or track—negative camber is generally desirable, particularly in the front. It allows for better tire contact with the road during hard cornering, reducing understeer and increasing grip. However, too much camber can lead to uneven tire wear and reduced straight-line stability.


The factory RSX suspension isn’t designed with aggressive camber in mind. That’s where a front camber kit comes in. It allows you to adjust the camber beyond factory specs, tailoring the alignment for better performance and better tire wear when properly dialed in.






Benefits of a Front Camber Kit on the RSX




  • Improved Cornering Grip: Allows for more negative camber, increasing the tire’s contact patch during hard cornering.




  • Reduced Understeer: Helps balance the car’s tendency to push wide in corners.




  • Tire Wear Management: Lets you dial in camber to reduce excessive inner or outer tire wear, especially after lowering your car.




  • Fine-Tuning Suspension Geometry: Essential when modifying ride height or participating in autocross and track days.







What You'll Need


Before diving into the installation process, gather the following tools and parts:


Parts:





  • Front camber kit (such as copyright, Skunk2, or Hardrace)




  • Optional: new upper control arm bushings or ball joints




Tools:





  • Jack and jack stands




  • Lug wrench or impact gun




  • Socket set (including 17mm, 19mm)




  • Torque wrench




  • Pry bar




  • Alignment tools or an appointment with an alignment shop







Step-by-Step Installation Guide


1. Preparation: Start by parking your RSX on a level surface and securing the rear wheels. Loosen the front lug nuts slightly, then jack up the front of the car and secure it on jack stands. Remove the front wheels to access the suspension.


2. Remove the Factory Upper Control Arms: The front camber kit typically replaces or modifies the upper control arms. Begin by locating the upper control arm inside the wheel well. It’s usually secured by two bolts at the chassis and one ball joint to the spindle.


Use a socket wrench to remove the two chassis bolts. For the ball joint, you may need a ball joint separator or pry bar to free it from the steering knuckle.


3. Install the Camber Kit: Install the camber kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some kits are direct replacement arms with adjustable ball joints, while others require pressing in a camber-adjustable bushing or arm.


Set the initial camber setting roughly to your desired angle—typically between -1.5° to -3.0° depending on your goals. Don’t worry about perfect alignment at this stage; that comes later.


4. Re-Torque and Double Check: Once the new arms are installed, torque all bolts to factory specifications. Make sure the ball joint is fully seated and secured. Shake the control arm slightly to confirm there’s no play.


5. Reinstall Wheels and Lower the Car: Mount your wheels back on and lower the car off the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the correct torque.


6. Get a Professional Alignment: This step is crucial. Even if your camber kit includes a visual scale, the alignment must be done precisely. Drive carefully to your preferred alignment shop and tell them your desired specs. For a street/track RSX, a common setup might look like:





  • Front Camber: -2.0°




  • Rear Camber: -1.5°




  • Toe: 0 or slight toe-out in front







Tips for Optimal Performance




  • Pair with Other Suspension Mods: A camber kit works best when paired with lowering springs or coilovers and a quality sway bar setup.




  • Regularly Inspect Your Suspension: After installing adjustable components, check for loosening bolts and excessive wear periodically.




  • Don’t Go Too Extreme: Excessive negative camber can look cool but may harm tire life and straight-line performance.




  • Test and Tune: After alignment, take your car for a spirited drive or track day. You may want to fine-tune settings based on your feel and tire temps.







Real-World Results


Many RSX owners report a noticeable difference after installing a front camber kit. The car feels more planted mid-corner, offers sharper turn-in, and has a better balance when pushed near the limit. Especially if your RSX is lowered, the ability to correct and fine-tune camber is invaluable for both performance and practicality.


With a proper camber kit and alignment, your RSX will not only perform better on track but also maintain more even tire wear—making it a smart long-term upgrade.






Conclusion


A front camber kit is a must-have mod if you're serious about improving your Acura RSX’s handling. Whether you're a weekend canyon carver or an aspiring track day enthusiast, the ability to precisely control your front suspension geometry offers both performance and longevity benefits.


Installation is relatively straightforward with the right tools and mechanical know-how. Just don’t skip the alignment! With this upgrade, your RSX will feel sharper, more responsive, and ultimately more fun to drive.


Ready to hit the apex? Your RSX will thank you for it.

Report this page