Caster Angle
Caster Angle
- Thread starter Gurpgork
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PaRenegade
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Buy a $10 one that works just as well! All it is is an angle finder. Set it across a flat spot on the top of your steering knuckle.
Gurpgork
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Do you guys usually put shims under your front leaf packs after lifting? And if not, what is the best way for a relatively inexperienced shade tree mechanic to adjust caster?
Last edited:
Torxhead
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Another option to correct the castor angle would be to adjust the location of the axle spring mounting pads, this means installing new ones. Doing it like this would allow you to correctly adjust the pinion angle also. A bit of ground clearance is lost by installing shims also. Installing shims is of course the easiest and cheapest way to go.
Gurpgork
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Is replacing the pads a bolt on solution or does it require welding?
PaRenegade
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Not under, over (between the spring and axle). It depends on how the springs are made, if they have a flat spot. Some springs, such as old man emu's come with shims and have flat spots. It really depends on the brand parts your working with. Castor angle is typically 6 degrees positive but a degree or two either way may not effect your steering too much. Don't use aluminum shims though get steel ones.
edit: welding.
edit: welding.
Gurpgork
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I'm trying to eliminate some dangerously loose steering. I've seen some people say caster is the most important factor. Other people point to replacing bushings and joints to tighten tolerances. I'm obviously not looking for the tight response you would get out of a car but when I say it's dangerous now, I'm not exaggerating. I would estimate 30 degrees of slop. Any guidance on this topic in general would be greatly appreciated. I'm also on a short budget, like most of us, so a complete overhaul from the column to the knuckle isn't really an option.
PaRenegade
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Start eliminating the easy stuff. Check fit and tightness of all tie rod / drag link ends. Check the steering box mount and bolts. Check your ball joints / wheel bearings, if theres any play in any direction. Check for slop in the steering shaft ends. Check lug nuts too. Do all this with the front axle on jack stands.
Steering issues could have several causes, poor castor is only the most common on lifted Jeeps.
Steering issues could have several causes, poor castor is only the most common on lifted Jeeps.
Gurpgork
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Ok, this is a really stupid question. How exactly do you test a drag link or tie rod end? Just shake it? Hold it while the wheel is turned? Also are there any threads that describe how to replace drag link or tie rod ends? I'm an uber-noob
CJ
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1st thing to do is follow the advice in this thread. -->> http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f99/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/
A ggod way to check tie rod ends is take a pair of channel locks and squeeze the end together by clamping on the top of the end (where the nut is) and the bottom. If you can move the ball into the socket the end should be replaced.
Like this. This image is just to show you what I mean about how to clamp on the end.
A ggod way to check tie rod ends is take a pair of channel locks and squeeze the end together by clamping on the top of the end (where the nut is) and the bottom. If you can move the ball into the socket the end should be replaced.
Like this. This image is just to show you what I mean about how to clamp on the end.
Gurpgork
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That is a really great thread and I intend to follow it to the T. But I noticed it doesn't address the steering column or steering shaft. Are these not a concern?
PaRenegade
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That's more of a visual inspection and grab it and wiggle test. There should be no play or slop.
S76
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The easiest way to start is with the Jeep on the ground and the engine off, have a helper move the steering wheel back and forth a few inches each way. Not to fast. While they are doing that, start at the base of the steering column and look at the shaft. Check the shaft joints and see if there is any lost motion, play, looseness, whatever you call it. All parts must change directions without lost motion. When you get to the steering box make sure it itself is not moving. These often loosen up, and/or the mounting plates crack. The box should not move.
Then compare the movement of the steering box input shaft to the steering box output shaft on the bottom. As the input shaft is changing directions the output shaft should also change directions with very little lost motion. By now you have probably found your problem but if not, while the steering wheel is still being moved, follow the linkage from the steering box lower arm. Inspect each end joint (tie rod) for play. You can see the play in the joints if it is bad enough. Then check the joint at the wheel end of that rod. And also the joints at the wheels of the tie rod for play. By now you most definitely should have found your problem, but if not.
Jack up each front wheel, both or one at a time, until the tire is about 2 or 3 inches off the ground. Insert a pry bar or something similar under the tire about as deep as the tire is wide. Then, by lifting up and down on the bar you will notice if there is any play in the ball joints. You will notice the wheel assembly clunk or chuck in and out if it is bad.
Let us know what you find.
Then compare the movement of the steering box input shaft to the steering box output shaft on the bottom. As the input shaft is changing directions the output shaft should also change directions with very little lost motion. By now you have probably found your problem but if not, while the steering wheel is still being moved, follow the linkage from the steering box lower arm. Inspect each end joint (tie rod) for play. You can see the play in the joints if it is bad enough. Then check the joint at the wheel end of that rod. And also the joints at the wheels of the tie rod for play. By now you most definitely should have found your problem, but if not.
Jack up each front wheel, both or one at a time, until the tire is about 2 or 3 inches off the ground. Insert a pry bar or something similar under the tire about as deep as the tire is wide. Then, by lifting up and down on the bar you will notice if there is any play in the ball joints. You will notice the wheel assembly clunk or chuck in and out if it is bad.
Let us know what you find.