Front Wheel Alignment - Caster, Camber & Toe
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Date: 2020-08-05
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Comments and reviews: 10
behexen250
One thing to keep in mind when adjusting caster and camber by moving pivot points, is camber is adjusted indirectly. Camber is a vertical line that runs through the center line of the wheel. Simply put, to move it, you need to change the tilt of the wheel itself. While its true that moving the cam bolts in even amounts will change camber, you move your upper pivot point (in this case, the upper ball joint, to do it. Moving a pivot point length wise with the car changes caster, and moving one crosswise with the car changes SAI. That's why its indirect. There's no need to alter a pivot point to adjust it.
I only mention it because depending on the vehicle, and how much you change it, SAI has a big effect on how the car handles. Also, if you listen to sources like ASE, they say SAI is not considered to be adjustable, yet on some vehicles it clearly is.
reply
One thing to keep in mind when adjusting caster and camber by moving pivot points, is camber is adjusted indirectly. Camber is a vertical line that runs through the center line of the wheel. Simply put, to move it, you need to change the tilt of the wheel itself. While its true that moving the cam bolts in even amounts will change camber, you move your upper pivot point (in this case, the upper ball joint, to do it. Moving a pivot point length wise with the car changes caster, and moving one crosswise with the car changes SAI. That's why its indirect. There's no need to alter a pivot point to adjust it.
I only mention it because depending on the vehicle, and how much you change it, SAI has a big effect on how the car handles. Also, if you listen to sources like ASE, they say SAI is not considered to be adjustable, yet on some vehicles it clearly is.
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Steve
Ahh, A trip down memory lane for me. I spent the 1st two years apprenticing on a Bear alignment rack.
It is monotonous but my option was the lube rack.
Spent 43 years as a interprovincial licensed Canadian mechanic, enjoyed almost every minute.
Your drift to the right is possibly from the rear thrust line position, but you you never spoke of tire pressure or irregular tire wear. My comments aren't a criticism, just an observation. You do a masterful job of bringing weekend warrior mechanics into the reality of professional auto repair and service. Thanks for the memories.
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Ahh, A trip down memory lane for me. I spent the 1st two years apprenticing on a Bear alignment rack.
It is monotonous but my option was the lube rack.
Spent 43 years as a interprovincial licensed Canadian mechanic, enjoyed almost every minute.
Your drift to the right is possibly from the rear thrust line position, but you you never spoke of tire pressure or irregular tire wear. My comments aren't a criticism, just an observation. You do a masterful job of bringing weekend warrior mechanics into the reality of professional auto repair and service. Thanks for the memories.
reply
B91SUPRA
Techs like this one are rare these days. Most techs today will just put it on green and call it a day.
Last tech aligned my rear toe, although in green, the readings were 0. 01 LR and 0. 18 on RR. It caused the thrust angle and steering to be tilted. I had to comeback and tell them to even out the rear toe so the the trust angle would center.
Good job!
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Techs like this one are rare these days. Most techs today will just put it on green and call it a day.
Last tech aligned my rear toe, although in green, the readings were 0. 01 LR and 0. 18 on RR. It caused the thrust angle and steering to be tilted. I had to comeback and tell them to even out the rear toe so the the trust angle would center.
Good job!
reply
Jim
I never seen a alignment machine like yours. for years I worked on ten wheelers,
gets real interesting at times, did glider kits, White Freight Liner. in Upstate.
I like it, 12 v71's. crazy loud noise making machine. got away from that & back To Cat.
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I never seen a alignment machine like yours. for years I worked on ten wheelers,
gets real interesting at times, did glider kits, White Freight Liner. in Upstate.
I like it, 12 v71's. crazy loud noise making machine. got away from that & back To Cat.
reply
Vernon
I'm sure alot of people would agree the same on meeting your dad. It would be nice to have him talk on how he got started there and move to the bigger shop and all. I lime to hear stories on how people got started doing what they love to do.
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I'm sure alot of people would agree the same on meeting your dad. It would be nice to have him talk on how he got started there and move to the bigger shop and all. I lime to hear stories on how people got started doing what they love to do.
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Nigel
Im sorry for saying this. but Why would this guy even want to fix this rusty pos. he would be better off buying a used one for 3 grand in better shape. this truck is a lost cause. but I dont know, but maybe it sentimental. good job tho bro.
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Im sorry for saying this. but Why would this guy even want to fix this rusty pos. he would be better off buying a used one for 3 grand in better shape. this truck is a lost cause. but I dont know, but maybe it sentimental. good job tho bro.
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My
Is there a specific way the control arm bolts should face? Nuts out or in? (On the bolt that is) I could see either way being fine if you use two wrenches like you did. Maybe bolt head out if the alignment guy uses a socket with the tire on?
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Is there a specific way the control arm bolts should face? Nuts out or in? (On the bolt that is) I could see either way being fine if you use two wrenches like you did. Maybe bolt head out if the alignment guy uses a socket with the tire on?
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mike
lucky for you it, s a 4x4. 2wd s-10, with 4. 3L you better have gloves, long sleeve shirt, long 10mm wrench, antibiotic ointment, plenty of clean towels. you get the point. if you see one pull into your shop RUN.
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lucky for you it, s a 4x4. 2wd s-10, with 4. 3L you better have gloves, long sleeve shirt, long 10mm wrench, antibiotic ointment, plenty of clean towels. you get the point. if you see one pull into your shop RUN.
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Gerardo
Is there a Caster adjuatment Kit for a Mazda 2 2013, cause my car has negative front right side.
I had my car lowered 1. 5in front & 1. 3 in rear, would that be the problem?
Whats your opinion?
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Is there a Caster adjuatment Kit for a Mazda 2 2013, cause my car has negative front right side.
I had my car lowered 1. 5in front & 1. 3 in rear, would that be the problem?
Whats your opinion?
reply
mmbengs
I'm getting one of these tomorrow on a Class C MH on an E450 Ford. Highly informative vid! Thanks so much. You're an amazing technician operating a very impressive machine. Thank you!
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I'm getting one of these tomorrow on a Class C MH on an E450 Ford. Highly informative vid! Thanks so much. You're an amazing technician operating a very impressive machine. Thank you!
reply
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