What does the Camber Compensator do?

I just installed a Camber Compensator in my VS. My beetles all have Anti-sway bars front and back. I just started to think about the dynamics of the camber Compensator and I just don't see the logic.

The anti-sway bars I get. When the outside suspension is compressed, The inside wheel is forced up as well. This levels the car.

The Camber Compensator does the opposite. When the outside suspension is compressed the Compensator is released on both sides.

Did I waste 60 dollars?

From most of the experts I've read, and note this is without seeing if your car is dropped or stock height, I'd say you really did the right thing. The Camber Compensators noteably improve handling stability at highway speeds. I think it's a absolute must on any car that is lowered in the front end.

If you have a swing axle rear suspension an anti-roll bar on the back may not be a good idea, but a camber-compensator probably is. Rear anti-roll bars are best used with late style VW IRS suspensions.

Email me your address and I'll send you a copy of Greg Ward's excellent article on VW suspensions and handling characteristics (Greg races VW's - hillclimb competition in Australia). His article used to be on a web site that has been discontinued.

I found a few articles on the web. It seems that the object here is to keep the inside wheel from lifting and jacking the car over.

I haven't been able to drive the car since installing it yesterday for reasons of weather and registration difficulties. I am also waiting for a front 3/4" bar.

I did drive it without any bars and the lean and cornering sucked. It's a good thing it only has 165SR15 Kelly tires.

My 62 swing-axle beetle with anti-sway bars front and rear handles extremely flat in power slides at speed with 185 Dunlop tires.

(Message Edited 12/19/2002 3:48:21 AM)