measureing caster angle

[Gennybro]

Ok, I have finally figured out what "caster angle" is. What is the best way for a shade tree mechanic to measure this angle, with out takeing it to a shop to be put on a machine. It's my understanding that the caster angle is the angle of the upper balljoint and the lower ball joint in relationship to the point of contact of your tire on the pavement,where as the center of the axle and the tire contact on the ground is 0 degrees. thanks.

 

[longdog]

I'm no pro but I just dealt with this myself. I took two straight pieces of iron or wood or aluminum and bungie corded them to the outside of each tire. I then measured from tire to tire front and rear top and bottom. I got lucky though that is after an hour or so of walking from one side to the other. Alot of patience

 

[Jester32]

You can use an inclinometer on the welded on knuckle on the housing with a home made jig that goes to the upper and lower ball joint studs. That will give you a close guesstimate. Theres some axles that you can just stick the inclinometer on cuz the knuckle is flat.

 

[longdog]

I just got back from my maiden voyage. New axils all around, uturn steer and so on. It didn't drive bad like I say I got pretty lucky with the front end bur the back axil is 1/2 inch out on the passengers side. I think an adjustable track bar is in the future. Any ideas

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Ok, I have finally figured out what "caster angle" is. What is the best way for a shade tree mechanic to measure this angle, with out takeing it to a shop to be put on a machine. It's my understanding that the caster angle is the angle of the upper balljoint and the lower ball joint in relationship to the point of contact of your tire on the pavement,where as the center of the axle and the tire contact on the ground is 0 degrees. thanks.

You've got a pretty good idea what it is. In the most simple of terms, it's the relation of the upper and lower ball joints to each other.

I measure mine with an angle finder across the top balljoint. +5* to +8* is desired.

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

I have a photo or two that will help you out, I'm at work right now and do not have access to them. I send them later.

 

[PoliceMonkey161]

Hey GennyBro...... This would be one way of measuring your caster angle. You would want the vehicle to be as level as possible and the front axle preloaded with the it's normal weight (i.e. on jack stands). You can also measure from the bottom ball joint, but your readings would be inverted. I can't find the photo of that one? The tool cost me about $8.00 at HomeDepot.

 

[Gennybro]

Thanks guys,that was very helpful. Haven't gotten anouther jeep yet but continueing to get geared up with knowledge about them. Seen the jeep I sold sitting in a parking lot today,had to go over and take a peak at it. Thought to myself "darn wish I had it back". But then I rememberd the 4 banger in it just didn't have what I needed.