alignment questions, 80Q

[Dan Cordon]

> You asked about caster: they recorded the "caster" as 1.1 L and 2.0 R, for 
> both the before and after numbers, and also mentioned caster is not 
> changeable. Given the different numbers, do you suspect movement of the 
> sub-frame?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Tess
> in Bellevue, WA USA

Hey Tess,

They are right...caster isn't adjustable. It's visualized by looking at 
the car from the side and drawing a line down the axis the wheel steers 
on. So, on your car it would be between the upper strut mount and lower 
ball joint.

I'm guessing that the lower ball joint has moved slightly, since the 
upper mount won't move readily. The sub frame could have twisted 
slightly though. Based on the #'s for caster, I'd guess that the sub 
frame twisted counter clockwise (when viewed from above the car). You 
could try to loosen the lower sub frame bolts and try pushing the left 
side forward and pulling the right side back.

On the type 44 cars our sway bar is what locates the lower arm, so 
adjusting it can change our caster slightly. But with your wishbone 
setup, I'd think it *has* to be in the sub frame.

I suppose if you really wanted to correct the caster side to side you 
could make some offset bushings, but that's probably way more trouble 
than its worth. I think resetting your toe will take care of the 
instability you're experiencing.

-- 
Dan Cordon
Mechanical Engineer - Engine Research Facility
University of Idaho