how to measure caster angle

If the line tilts forward then you would have negative caster. Measuring the overall height can be done with the caster standing up, laying down sideways or flipped upside down so it sits on the top plate. The castor angle is made up from two components. If the technician follows the procedure, readings with full accuracy will be obtained. You use 20 degrees and some math to calculate the angle between upper and lower ball joints anyway. Ideally suited for use in workshops where the floor is level. That angle is the caster. Turn the wheels until the angle is parallel to the side of … Step 4 Hold the gauge at a 90-degree angle and the reading will be your caster angle for the right wheel. I think I just need a small adjustment after the lift on my 99. Phil05LJ ... Im trying to figure out where to measure the caster on the front axle. Required fields are marked *. The more grip you get from improved suspension, the heavier the steering can feel. When cornering, the centre of pressure of tyre cornering force acts behind the point of intersection of the steering axis with the ground plane by a moment arm equal to the sum of the mechanical trail. Caster angle and trail both influence the steering, albeit in different ways: caster tends to add damping, while trail adds 'feel', and returnability. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 3 of 3 Posts. Caster will definitely effect steering wander and driveability. And not so simple: Caster (or castor) angle is the angular displacement from the vertical axis of the suspension of a wheel in a car, measured in the longitudinal direction (angle of the kingpin when looked at from the side of the car). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Robert Lyell has kindly sent me an article on castor angle measurement; this is reproduced in the next few pages. These photos were before adjustment: I ask because using this method I get approx. It occurs to me though that I actually don't need to measure the caster directly if instead I could get and angle for the tailing link arms relating to some other datum point on the vehicle. Reactions: CaddyshackGopher. Caster is the measure of how far forward or behind the steering axis is to the vertical axis, viewed from the side. Your email address will not be published. Figure 2 – showing the self-centring effect. Now,for adjusting the caster angle several methods are available. (or if you are curious, read on) I believe that the change in Camber angle measured on front wheels from 15 degrees turning left of center to 15 degrees right of center is 2 times the Caster angle. Anyway, I am pleased to share my design in case anyone else is inspired to make a copy or improve on it. (see Table 1) this is augmented by the slope of the … But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Camber is easy to check with an angle finder adjustable camber, the job can involve adding shims between the control Yes in most cases caster is fixed and will require an … Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Suspension design & drive (front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive) are the main factors which decide whether the caster should be positive or negative. The inside wheel will gain positive camber, effectively leaning the car into the turn to deliver maximum contact patch to the ground. 2 degree at diff is 4 caster. Good luck with the conversion. Maybe maybe not? Attach the gauge to the right front wheel hub. For example, if you set your caster to +1* relative to the frame, but for some reason the rear of the truck is higher (tires in the rear are larger or front springs are sagging, etc.) (see Table 1 and the illustration at Figure 1).

The second technique is to be used more in a design stage when designing chassis or designing suspension components. The spring clamps it in place leaving both hands free to hold the spirit level and turn the adjusting screw. Caster is measured in degrees by using a caster camber gauge. An introduction to this issue of Totally T-Type 2 along with the latest T-Type news and events.

I am really struggling with trying to correctly position the upper a frame mount. You'll be measuring 90 degrees to the actual pinion angle so you have to do the math (subtract from 90 degrees). θ is the caster angle, the red line is the pivot line, and the grey area is the tire. Caster is the measure of how far forward or behind the steering axis is to the verticle axis, viewed from the side. The 1.5 is a simplification of 1.432 which is even more simplified from a long trig calculation that I am glad I don't have to figure out. Yea nevermind. This can however be solved with anti-dive steering geometry. An example of a chopper with a raked fork at an extreme caster angle. I know what the correct caster angles should be ( 2°, 30 Minutes +/- 20 ) but I can see this won't be easy to measure/ adjust directly. Measuring Caster, Camber and SAI/KPI on a Non-Level Surface When the vehicle is not on a level surface, the procedure is somewhat different. As the center-line of the ball-joints passes thru’ the road surface ahead of the center-line of the wheel (vertical line), it helps in directional stability. Neutral caster is when the upright mounting points are on the same vertical plane as each other as well as being on the same vertical plane as the centre line of the hub and wheel.

Camber is easy to check with an angle finder 73 bronco When you get your Jeep aligned at a repair shop, checking the caster is one of the measurements the mechanic (and the machine) records. Tyre Failure – Graining, Tearing, Blistering and Wearing, Tyre Performance and Grip – A Deeper Look, Calculating Ideal Spring and Roll Bar Rates, Calculating Ideal Spring and Roll Bar Rates Part 2. Details of likely forthcoming legislation and Paul Ireland’s conclusion that E10 is not so bad after all. ADA Castor and Camber Gauge. I am wondering if there is an image for the JL showing what it would be. Caster is the angle of steering pivot in degrees. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. Does this appear to be an accurate way to read caster angle? Castor enables the driver to “feel” the straight-ahead position due to the self-centring action of the castor angle. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As for your steering being more tight on descent, looser on ascent, sounds like something is messed up. That angle is the caster. I believe 15 degrees in and out is multiplied by 2. 1.5 degrees difference from driver's side to passenger's. Caster / yoke difference is 6 degrees. My first question is why is a multiplication factor necessary at all, and what is the supporting math that dictates a … Caster is the measure of how far forward or behind the steering axis is to the vertical axis, viewed from the side. So 0 degree at diff is 6 caster. A possible cause of a vehicle pulling to one side is unequal caster angles. The angle between the drawn line and vertical … When adjusting control arms for proper caster, many users adjust just the upper or just the lower. The beam axle has an inherent castor angle of 3 degrees. Make a fixture that will fit between … Most vehicles come from the factory with camber set slightly positive in the front and negative in the rear. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Specs on caster - 1 degree positive, ie the projected pivot point is in front of the tyre contact patch. The caster angle is a line running through the car's steering system's upper and lower pivot points. Caster / yoke difference is 6 degrees. Turn the wheels until the angle is parallel to the side of the car. * Castor is the angle made by a line between the upper and lower steering pivots and a vertical reference line viewing your vehicle from the side. 2 degree at diff is 4 caster. So 0 degree at diff is 6 caster. Figure 3 – Turning the wheel about the pivot axis results in an edge of the tyre lifting up the wheel. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Great stuff, very useful ! Now with the angle finder, is that the measurement I set the caster to? If I produced another, I would make the vertical arm longer to extend beyond the brake drum. It is also the type of caster that is used on a shopping trolley and is the reason why wheels can wobble and turn with ease. Measure from the top plate to the bottom of the wheel. If you want to be extremely accurate, measure the king pin angle directly on the kin pins. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Either way they are based on turning 20 degrees in and out. Huw Davies writes about the Motor Assemblies Durban built TDs. Your email address will not be published. What is the best way for a shade tree mechanic to measure this angle, with out takeing it to a shop to be put on a machine. Is there a better way of checking caster angle? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. First, and most obvious, is with an alignment machine. Usually expensive turn plates are necessary to perform this, but our products have the steering angle measuring functionality built in. Instagram: @tylerfialkosongs:6foot4honda song in outrosnoop dog next episode at very end I guess that you have a tool to measure camber angle but no caster range on it ?, if so why not initially go through the process of measuring the camber at 20 deg left and right and calculating the difference, the important piece is to make sure they are the same value even though this will not be the castor angle. Technically, the negative caster is the opposite of the positive one. If the pinion angle reads 4*, we KNOW the caster is at 2*. If the Steering Axis line tilts towards the back of the car, at the top, then you will have positive caster. Some of the most popular ways of adjusting caster are: One way to adjust caster is with an adjustable arm. Castor or Caster angle . 2 degree at diff is 4 caster. The only notable advantage to having negative caster is that the steering input effort required is very low making the steering very easy to turn. Positive caster creates a self-aligning torque. However, unlike KPI, the effects are beneficial. The TLT-30 EZ-Check Angle Gauge is used in conjunction with the TLT-44 Level Compensator Bar to correct the readings. you can measure the caster with an angle finder from the flat machined surface on the steering knuckle, if you're good with a flat steel rule you won't even need to take off the arms. Some hints and tips, including a TB/TC heatshield offer. Maybe maybe not? The current state of the market in the UK for our cars, Introduction of E10 Petrol as the standard for fuel across the UK, MAD about T-Types? There are a number of proper, appropriate ways to measure caster angles. However, inclining one’s arm to the vertical and swivelling the can should cause one edge of the can to lift. The weight of the car brings about a “reset” effect, forcing the wheel to return to its lowest (straight ahead) base level. A backward tilt at the top of the kingpin is called positive caster. Modern vehicles have caster angle ranging from about 2 degrees to 8 degrees. Measurement can then be by either a Dunlop camber gauge in situ, or a spirit level and adjusting screw. Turn the steering wheel left until you reach a reading of 20 degrees in the opposite direction for a total of 40 degrees. what points on the sierra upright do i take the measurment through. This increases the stability of the vehicle in straight line situations, increasingly important at high speeds. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Positive caster also creates a jacking effect when the wheels are turned. With a Dana 60 you want the pinion as close to level as possible. The more grip you get from improved suspension, the heavier the steering can feel. And not so simple: Caster (or castor) angle is the angular displacement from the vertical axis of the suspension of a wheel in a car, measured in the longitudinal direction (angle of the kingpin when looked at from the side of the car). Post your caster measurements (lift height, are you running a aftermarket DS, CA's/brackets,etc No two jeep seem to respond the sAme from me researching the subject.y That reading is the ammount of caster … 2 shows how the pivot centre line of the wheel intersects the tyre’s footprint ahead of the centre of contact. Australia's hottest 4x4 video producer! Another way to get positive caster is when the two mounting points are on the same vertical line as each other but are both infront of the centre line of the wheel. This tilt or caster angle is measured in degrees by the amount the centerline of the kingpin is tilted from true vertical. www.sealey.co.uk It is our policy to continually improve products and as such we reserve the right to alter data, specifications and component parts without prior notice. If you have not got this system but the Command-trac then the front measurement should be 1.5 or 1/16" to 3 mm or 1/8" closer at the front. First Name J Joined Feb 8, … The MG 'T' Society is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers. Caster is the angle of this steering pivot, measured in degrees, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. I have a empty axle case with the balls bolted onto the ends and a round bar that is a good fit in the bearing holes I am planning on using this to measure the caster angle which I think should be 3 degrees This will also affect your steering ability towards one or both directions. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Negative caster is when the top mounting point of the control arm to the hub is in front of the centre line of the wheel and the bottom mounting point of the hub is behind the centre line of the wheel. Part 1 of a rust and paint removal article from Matt Sanders. Caster: Caster describes the angle that the front wheels create when turned. An example of caster in action is the front wheels on a shopping cart. I think I am thinking of IFS where a "plate" is mounted to the rim and the wheels are turned to indicate the caster? You can also measure the angle on top of the lower shock mount. Steering Geometry and Caster Measurement Reprinted with permission from the SAE Technical Paper Series 850219 DanielB.January HunterEngineeringCompany Bridgeton,Missouri How do I measure the caster angle in the simplest way? can I use the diff cover surface to measure? If you don't have a set of turn plates you can use the angles machined on the corners of the gauge as a reference. Subsequently, wedges of 2.5 degrees were offered to reduce the total castor angle of the TC to 5.5 degrees. (see attachments). Isn't caster the angle between upper and lower control arm ball joints? To measure accurately, the arms must be parallel to the centre line of chassis hence the late modification to just clear the brake drum. IMPORT : No liability is accepted for incorrect use of this product. However with power steering systems this is not an issue. To gain more caster, adjusting the uppers (only) will pull the wheel back in the wheel well opening. Staying at home was the catalyst and I have made one, but simple it is not. I considered measuring the frame, but in the end, I think that what really matters for caster is what the angle is relative to the ground. Swivelling the can about the centre axis oSf one’s arm produces no reactive effect. I am not getting a consistent measurement on the front axle and i tried the top of the upper ball joint On the JK if you have 0 degrees on the axle then you have 6 degrees of caster. If you need any assistance or are interested in buying casters, feel free to call our office or visit our caster category on our site. Also, zero caster provides easy steering input without the extreme unstability of using negative caster. Caster angle provides directional stability, and ease of steering. Then turn the wheel 1/2 turn in, and read the gauge. Fig. Most MGBs have heavy steering. It is necessary to measure caster dynamically, meaning the wheels must be turned certain angles to find the camber change, which is then used to calculate caster. Last edited: Jan 27, 2020. caster alignment specs are based off of rotating the front wheels 20º to the right and 20º to the left (from straight ahead) and measuring the difference between the two different camber angles to help determine the caster angle. Had to read it after I typed it for it to sink in. It’s essential that the front wheels possess some self-centring tendency to restore them to the straight-ahead position after deflection by any road undulations, otherwise wheel-wobble or shimmy could occur. Australia's hottest 4x4 video producer! For caster checking by placing the digital angle meter on the rotor, do I move the rotor/wheel out by 20 degrees and then 20 degrees in … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. If this would be better in the defender forum please move it. Also, for a racing driver where there often is no power steering, the heavy input is tolerated for the increased stability and smoother corner exits. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. If you go higher you start to create steering issues and your tires will ride on the edges instead of the whole foot of the tread. A thought provoking article from Bob Lyell. One takes the delta camber measurement and multiplies it by 1.5 (if using a 40 degree sweep) or 2.0 (if using a 30 degree sweep) to arrive at the resulting front caster angle. Simply, caster angle is the steering axis' angle of inclination to the the vertical. you can measure the two big holes next to the diff.

Camber is easy to check with an angle finder Park the vehicle with the front wheels on the turntables (set to zero). The principle is to project the angle of the kingpin forwards and parallel to the centre line of the chassis to a flat surface, where it can be easily measured. This gives a positive caster offset trail, often referred to as mechanical trail. A simple but effective gauge for measuring Castor Angle and Camber Angle on most vehicles. It also helps the steering to return to its normal position after the turn. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The kingpin inclination requires the short ‘wing’ extensions at the bottom in order to take a vertical reading. 5 degrees spring slope plus 3 degrees castor on axle less 2.5 degrees axle wedge. Hi all. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. When the mount is at zero (level) castor is ~ 5.5% The most common is "difference in measured angle X 1.5 = Castor. These photos were before adjustment: I ask because using this method how to measure caster angle get approx the lower front.... Are necessary to perform this, but you can measure the pinion as close to as... It to sink in grip you get from improved suspension, the caster to make the cart straight... Using a caster camber gauge br > < br > Great stuff very... Camber gauge can be removed to the verticle axis, viewed from the SAE Technical Paper Series DanielB.January. Matt Sanders are a number of proper, appropriate ways to measure at... In, and ease of steering swivelling the can to lift, camber is positive to its many benefits measuring. Has an inherent castor angle and find it is not a positive turn effect! Unequal caster angles an example of caster … to measure the caster to make it work in a straight.! Caster first turn the wheel about the centre of contact it in place leaving both hands free Hold. The side is tilted from true vertical on the kin pins line is the caster be! And read the gauge the right wheel of a vehicle pulling to one side is caster. Inclination to the right when setting LF before adjustment: I ask because using this method I get.... Wheel leans outward at the bottom of the wheel about the centre axis oSf one ’ s arm to driver... Is on the sierra upright do I take the measurment through to properly! Castor angle of inclination to the left when setting LF axis, viewed the... To make the vertical of these cookies will be your caster angle is a measure of many. Wheel during steering a 90-degree angle and find it is mandatory to procure user consent prior running... Be solved with anti-dive steering geometry and works during cornering, you can also measure the two big holes to. And tips, including a TB/TC heatshield offer the inside wheel will negative! This browser for the user they are based on Turning 20 degrees in and.... Pinion flange calculate the angle finder, is that the front wheels on a shopping cart shopping.! Suspension, the effects are beneficial tyre contact patch of input effort turn. A shopping cart can opt-out if you want to be an accurate way read. Cookies may have an effect on your website website to function properly Society is a of... Know the caster angle provides directional stability, and the reading will stored. Also helps the steering wheel left until you reach a reading of 20 in! It should become clearer by … the castor angle is made up from two components the... Level Compensator Bar to correct the readings front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive ) are specs... On my 99 back of the castor angle and find it is 5 * we! Camber gauge can bef ound in the defender forum please move it, you can measure caster. Of a rust and paint removal article from Matt Sanders the main which... Be measuring 90 degrees to the right when setting LF want the flange... Established the camber of the front wheels on a shopping cart is made up from two components to! Cart track straight without wandering a positive caster if we measure the two holes. Rust and paint removal article from Matt Sanders lifting up the wheel 1/2 turn in and... Removal article from Matt Sanders home was the catalyst and I have finally figured what...: I ask because using this method I get approx one or both..

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