Wheel Alignment Tips for Custom Cars : What is Caster in a Car Steering System?

[SalernoAutoRepair]

CUSTOM is right!

Can't get over your work,

LOVE to see some of that

action in Brooklyn!!

[SalernoAutoRepair]

Damn, those are sick rides.

[elebeu]

Finally, an Expert Village video that wasn't lame or out right wrong.

[Saabatron]

@elebeu heh couldn't agree more

[Bertsblurts]

interesting way to explain caster. I'm sure many people are confused by this video. Good luck.

[blaxpear]

Thanks!

[04smallmj]

wow! An expert on expertvillage!

[Zickcermacity]

I know that high rates of positive caster can become very negative caster when backing down a long driveway, so in that case I'd rather have more SAI than Caster.

Also, why is the effect of unequal SAI(a degree or more different from left to right) felt at LOWER speeds, as a pull, than at high speeds, as is the case with unequal caster or camber?

[hatch22a]

you have to be a little bit more specific on the question? depending on your vehicle measurements your SAI and your IA (included angle) should be equal or have 0.30 degress +/- left to right, for example if your IA is cool and you SAI is off and your camber/ caster is ok it could be that your upper/ lower pivot point are not located in the correct locations( or their bent)

[Bertsblurts]

@hatch22a This also depends on the type of suspension. Is it a fixed spindle (SLA suspension) or is it adustable spindle( where camber is adjusted at the base of the strut) Caster is not related to Camber,SAI and IA. Using Camber,SAI and IA can tell you if parts are bent or frame is damaged. These are advanced alignment theories!

[Zickcermacity]

Good explanation of caster!

Question: Which has more effect on straight-line stability and return from turns - Caster or SAI(Kingpin for you old-schoolers)?

Second Question: I know this is dependent on the type of car, but how do engineers know how much Caster and Steering-Axis-Inclination to design into its suspension? Some cars have conservative amounts of SAI and high caster, and others, vice-versa.

[Bertsblurts]

@Zickcermacity SAI is more responsible for making your car go straight.