How to meassure/calculate caster angle?

Thread in 'Technical Questions' started by Wesslan, Jul 25, 2010.

  1. Wesslan

    Wesslan Member

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    The past hours Ive been searching for info about how to meassure the caster on a car/on my s13.

    I know how to meassure camber, and adjust toe...
    The only info i found was here: Sheldon's DIY Miata Alignment Page

    And this formula: Caster (deg) = (180 / 3.1415) * [(camber1 - camber2) / (turnangle1 - turnangle2)]


    I dont really get it, how its done.. can someone help me out? :wave:
     
  2. steady eddie

    steady eddie Member

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    To measure the caster angle you need :

    Camber gauge and

    A pair of turntables (to measure turning 20 degrees in each direction acturately)

    Tell me if you have these first, to save me typing the whole procedure out for nothing :)
     
  3. Bolf

    Bolf Resident Nut Job.

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    Iphone ftw.
     
  4. Wesslan

    Wesslan Member

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    i have access to those parts yes...
     
  5. steady eddie

    steady eddie Member

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    Fine....

    Make sure your on a level and even surface (home drive is no use as it has a fall for rain etc)

    You already know how to measure the camber angle so this is how to measure the caster.

    With the wheels on the turntables and pointing straight ahead, zero your turntables.

    Turn steering wheel to the right 20 deg (if your turntables have locks, lock them at this position.. if not get someone to hold the wheel steady)

    Use the camber gauge as you normaly would at 90deg to level surface, adjust the gauge to read ZERO.

    Now turn the steering wheel left till you reach 20deg in the opposite direction (total of 40deg) and lock turntable.

    Without altering the camber gauge setting, hold it at 90deg to level and the reading will be your caster angle :)

    repeat on the left side wheel

    job done :thumbs:
     
  6. Wesslan

    Wesslan Member

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    thanks, i think i get the idea. what kind of camber guage do you use?

    edit: found this in your thread:
    [​IMG]
     
    #6 Wesslan, Jul 25, 2010
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2010
  7. mushtafa

    mushtafa Member

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    remember to keep your foot on the brake when going lock to lock.
     
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