[s-cars] 2B Camber Plates

[Bob Rossato]

This has nothing to do with the design of the camber plate.  The change in
toe as a result of a change in camber is a factor in all cars.  The
magnitudes will vary depending on how long the steering arm is, it's
relative position and how much of a delta in camber you're making.  Consider
the front strut as being attached at 3 points: the lower ball joint, the top
strut mount, and the tie rod.  These 3 points define a plane.  When you
change your camber setting you move the top point but the other two points,
the tie rod and ball joint, are fixed.  Therefore, as you move the top point
the plane pivots about the tie rod/ball joint line.  As this plane pivots,
so does the wheel.  As Chad said, the steering arm on the Audis is rather
high which exacerbates the problem.  In order for toe not to be impacted the
tie rod would have to be at the same level as the ball joint.

Yes, all camber plates allow you to easily adjust camber from street to
track settings.  But people that do that without regard to toe either don't
understand the effect it has on toe, or choose to disregard it.  Even
minimal changes in toe can drastically affect tire wear.  The effect it has
on handling will vary depending on the car.  I don't know how sensitive our
cars are to toe changes.  I was just trying to clarify the reply that
2Bennett gave to James.

Bob


> -----Original Message-----
> From: s-car-list-admin at audifans.com
> [mailto:s-car-list-admin at audifans.com]On Behalf Of TM
> Sent: Friday, December 13, 2002 9:06 PM
> To: bob.rossato at att.net
> Cc: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Subject: RE: [s-cars] 2B Camber Plates
>
>
> Bob-
> Is this more a function of the 2Bennett design rather than
> the suspension configuration?
>
> I've seen plenty of cars w/ camber plates that allow you to
> go from street to track and back w/ ease. Maybe these Audis
> don't allow you to do that.
>
> Taka