Type 85 Alignment - Caster Error Cause

[Doug Johnson]

Thank you, Ned. 

Could I bend a strut by driving over the corner of a curb in a parking lot
at, say, 3 or 4 MPH?

~ Doug

-----Original Message-----
From: Ned Ritchie [mailto:Q at IntendedAcceleration.com] 
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 10:34 PM
To: 'Doug Johnson'
Cc: 'q-list'
Subject: RE: Type 85 Alignment - Caster Error Cause

Bent strut.  Had that happen.  Only a frame alignment rack can check these
things as it locates the bottom and top of the strut and all points of the
frame and subframe.  Took out the dampener and heated the strut cherry red
and used a frame puller to bend it back the 1/4 inch.  Ah yes, we kissed a
curb only a little bit.

-----Original Message-----
From: quattro-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:quattro-bounces at audifans.com] On
Behalf Of Huw Powell
Sent: Friday, December 02, 2005 1:00 PM
To: Doug Johnson
Cc: q-list
Subject: Re: Type 85 Alignment - Caster Error Cause


> The caster on my '86 4000CS q can't be brought into spec on one side.  
> My only guess, regarding a cause, is that the sub-frame has been shifted.
> Sub-frame and a-arm bushings were replaced a couple of years ago, but 
> this is the first time the caster has been reported as being out of spec.

That would be the only thing that could affect caster, yes (besides an
accident bending something).  Caster is not technically adjustable on the
type 81/85 or 89 cars, but there is some small range of placement choice
with the subframe mounting (slightly movable captive nuts in the frame).

> Also, what would allow axial movement that I notice in my steering wheel?
> I'd guess it's about 1/4" of play.  I'm dumb(founded).

Can't figure that one out... once everything is bolted in place, there
should be no place that has play (I presume you mean "in and out" by axial).

So it might be a good idea to pull the under-covers and take a look at where
things are moving.  Perhaps the bolt locking the shaft to the rack input is
loose, or the "breakaway" linkage thing could have some play?

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi

http://www.humanthoughts.org/
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