Alignment question regarding caster
03-01-2010, 07:39 PM
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Alignment question regarding caster I took my 98 Trans AM for alignment after changing my tie rods.
The guys at Firestone said that front castor can't be adjusted. They said that may frame maybe bend. Is this true or do we have a lazy tech?
The car pulls during breaking I noticed.
The guys at Firestone said that front castor can't be adjusted. They said that may frame maybe bend. Is this true or do we have a lazy tech?
The car pulls during breaking I noticed.
03-01-2010, 08:17 PM
#2
Does the car pull when you are off the brakes?? If the caster is in fact out of spec on one front wheel, it will always cause a pull to the side of least caster, regardless of brake application.
Caster is adjustable as well, the adjustment is in the lower control arm. However, if the tech adjusted it all the way in one direction and its still not in spec, the chassis could be tweaked.
03-01-2010, 10:25 PM
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A pull during braking is typically caused by a seized caliper.
Does the car pull when you are off the brakes?? If the caster is in fact out of spec on one front wheel, it will always cause a pull to the side of least caster, regardless of brake application.
Caster is adjustable as well, the adjustment is in the lower control arm. However, if the tech adjusted it all the way in one direction and its still not in spec, the chassis could be tweaked.
Does the car pull when you are off the brakes?? If the caster is in fact out of spec on one front wheel, it will always cause a pull to the side of least caster, regardless of brake application.
Caster is adjustable as well, the adjustment is in the lower control arm. However, if the tech adjusted it all the way in one direction and its still not in spec, the chassis could be tweaked.
but if unable to gain proper spec. they may be able to offset one side against the other( a about 0.50 % lead on right siide) to over come pull
( IF pull is no brake related)
Johnny
03-01-2010, 11:35 PM
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Wow you guys are good. Thanks Wesman & Johnny.
Now I have couple things to check this week. I'll have to do a little more road testing to do. I think you're right about the capiler. The problem is intermittent with the pulling. I double check the lower control arms too while I'm at it.
Thanks again for your help!
-Drew
Now I have couple things to check this week. I'll have to do a little more road testing to do. I think you're right about the capiler. The problem is intermittent with the pulling. I double check the lower control arms too while I'm at it.
Thanks again for your help!
-Drew
03-02-2010, 06:21 PM
#5
Didn't they give you a printout of "before" and "after" settings??
I'm sure your caster can be "adjusted", maybe just not within spec, possibly due to some past damage, or just a lazy tech that doesn't want to mess with a frozen bolt, or a worn bushing, stuff like that. Most "franchise shops" specialize in the time honored, "toe and go"..........
03-02-2010, 09:22 PM
#6
Wow you guys are good. Thanks Wesman & Johnny.
Now I have couple things to check this week. I'll have to do a little more road testing to do. I think you're right about the capiler. The problem is intermittent with the pulling. I double check the lower control arms too while I'm at it.
Thanks again for your help!
-Drew
Now I have couple things to check this week. I'll have to do a little more road testing to do. I think you're right about the capiler. The problem is intermittent with the pulling. I double check the lower control arms too while I'm at it.
Thanks again for your help!
-Drew
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03-03-2010, 07:55 PM
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yup 1st problem is firestone. i just quit from there after 4 years. i wouldnt go there. f-bodies require a special tool that makes adjusting camber/caster a hell of a lot easier than pry bars. the tech most likely didnt want to mess with it. i would take it back and complain. bitch enough at firestone and you will get anything! beleive me... free alignment done right the second time
