Caster
Definition
Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the
steering axis from the vertical as viewed
from the side of the vehicle.
Caster is measured in degrees, starting at the
true vertical (plumb line).
Positive (+) caster
It is the backward tilt from the vertical line.
The upper suspension pivot point is behind the
lower pivot point (ball joint).
...Positive caster
Negative (-) caster
Tilts the top of the steering knuckle toward the
front of the vehicle.
is present when the upper suspension pivot
point is ahead of the lower pivot point (ball
joint)
…. Negative (-) caster
Zero caster means that the steering axis is
straight up and down, also called zero degrees
or perfectly vertical .
Purposes (Role) of Caster
To aid directional control of the vehicle
To cause the wheels to return to the straight-
ahead position
Caster is a directional control angle. It
determines whether the vehicle travels
straight or pulls (steering wheel tries to turn)
to the right or left.
The caster angle produces a trailing effect
and hence gives the directional stability.
Caster‘s effect is on
Steering stability
Steering effort, and
Steerring return
Caster is not a tire wearing angle, but
positive caster does cause changes, in
camber during a turn. This condition is
called camber roll.
Most cars have positive caster, because it makes it
easier to travel in a straight line with minimal driver
action.
But as positive caster increases, more and more effort
is needed to turn the steering wheel.
Some vehicles have by design an amount of negative
caster. Generally such vehicles would only operate at
low speeds as vehicles with negative caster can
become unstable as speed increases.
While greater caster angles serve to improve
straight-line stability, they also cause an increase
in steering effort.
Lower angles being used on heavier vehicles to
keep the steering effort reasonable.
To ease steering effort, negative caster is
recommended for vehicles with manual steering.
Typically, positive caster is recommended for
vehicles with power steering.
Caster trail
The distance from the intersection of the
steering axis centreline with the ground, to
the centre of the tire-to-road contact area is
called “caster trail”.
Caster trail
Positive caster
Positive caster helps keep the vehicle’s wheels
travelling in a straight line.
When you turn the wheels, it lifts the vehicle.
Since this takes extra turning force, the wheels
resist turning and try to return to the straight-
ahead position
Negative caster
With negative caster the wheels will be easier
to turn. However, the wheels will tend to
swivel and follow imperfections in the road.
Caster and road crown effect
Unequal caster can be used to offset road crown
and keep the vehicle from trying to steer off the
road.
... Caster and road crown effect
If the caster of both front wheels were the same, the
road crown could make the vehicle pull or steer
toward the outside (lower) edge of the road.
Since caster is a directional control angle, it is
commonly used to offset the effect of road crown.
The right front wheel may be set with slightly more
positive caster than the left. This counteracts the
forces caused by the road crown, and the vehicle
will travel straight ahead.
Caster adjustment
Incorrect caster can produce difficulties like
hard steering, pulling to one side when
brakes are applied and shimmy.
Caster angle is adjustable and should be
maintained accurate for directional pull or
drift tendencies.
Caster adjustments can be made on most
automobiles by repositioning the inner
pivots of the upper control arm to move the
upper ball joint forward or backward.
If caster is adjustable, the change is made by
moving the lower or upper pivot point forward or
backward by means of one of the following
methods:
a) shims
b) Eccentric cams
c) Slots
d) strut rods
Sample Specs
