Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Front Caster and Camber Adjustment





Important: All of the caster specifications are given with a frame angle at zero. Therefore, it is necessary to know the angle of the frame whether up-in-rear or down-in-rear before a corrected caster reading can be determined. The camber and the toe angle can be read as is from the alignment equipment.

1. Position the vehicle on a smooth and level surface.
2. Use a bubble protractor or inclinometer in order to measure the frame angle. The frame angle is the degree of tilt in the frame from the level position.
3. Determine whether the frame angle is level, up-in-rear or down-in-rear.
4. To determine an actual (corrected) caster reading with various frame angles and various caster readings, one of the following rules apply:
^ A down-in-rear frame angle must be subtracted from a positive caster reading.
^ An up-in-rear frame angle must be added to a positive caster reading.
^ A down-in-rear frame angle must be added to a negative caster reading.
^ An up-in-rear frame angle must be subtracted from a negative caster reading.





5. Determine the caster (2, 3) angle.
6. Determine the camber (2, 3) angle.
7. If the caster and the camber angles are not within specifications, remove the frame bracket knockouts.





8. Adjust the caster and the camber angle together by turning the cam bolts (1) until the specifications have been met.
9. Verify that the caster and the camber are within specifications.