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So in dealing with a possible alignment/return to center issue, I wondered if too little positive caster could be causing poor "re-centering" after a turn. I've read the more positive caster, the more inclination to return to center. Figured it was unlikely the alignment was off, but after looking at the UMI caster/camber plates, I noticed a LOT of available positive caster left in the upper strut mount. It was hard to tell how the main strut mount was adjusted as it blocked the caster slots in the body, but I figured most people want as MUCH + caster as possible. Figured since the upper mount ONLY adjusts caster, it wouldn't be TOO hard to F@#$ up. The two weren't exactly the same, but using a micrometer, I moved each mount back exactly 3/4" of an inch. No idea how that translates to degrees.
A quick test drive showed no improvement on my "return to center" issue, and it wasn't a "handling" test drive, so nothing major to report performance wise. Questions:
Any issues leaving that extra caster in there? It's due for an alignment, but I figured I'd leave it as is, and ask the tech what angle it's at, then have him adjust as necessary. -in the meantime, any issues? I trust the guy who did the initial alignment, but I hear lots of people talk about how they can't get enough caster. Assuming it was correct originally, I had a LOT of extra available, and that was a little surprising.
if you adjust your caster or camber you really need to recheck your toe as it will change. also you don't want the caster from side to side too different or it will also cause issues
It's really common for performance drivers to run more caster than stock.
Caster is a little tricky, you need special tools and slip plates under the tires so you can turn the steering without tires binding on the ground. Caster is calculated from data you take at two different reference points of steering angle. And you have to lay out reference lines on the ground so you know how much steering angle to turn. It's not that bad once you figure it out, but takes some practice before you get it right.
I don't have money for slip plates so I use large plastic lawn bags. My buddy uses two pieces of sheet metal with grease between.
After I did my first home alignment I went to a shop and paid for a confirmation. My home measurements of caster and camber were spot on.
Measurements of toe at the shop are in angles, measurements of toe at home are in inches. Makes no difference either way, I knew by the way the car drove that I wasn't able to dial in toe at home. I tried at least 10 times. Maybe I just needed more practice, maybe a tape measure just isn't good enough. The shop made the tiniest little adjustment to the driver side and it made all the difference in the world in the way the car drove. I was so close, and yet so far.
I made my own slip plates using Lexan but they didn't work very well, I ended up using one of these and some trash bags, I'm hoping once I get it to an alignment shop that I'm at least in the ballpark.
I've done a little more reading on it, learned pretty much what you guys are saying here. ...gonna go get the alignment checked, though I don't THINK the caster is off.
10-23-2023, 07:46 PM
