Caster adjustment

[cliftyhanger]

I have managed to find a caster angle 2 1/4 degrees, but I can't see an obvious way to adjust. Apart from shims in the tie-bar. Is that the way it is done? Just that my car seems to have very light steering at driving speeds, despite 185 tyres and 26psi. it just feels wrong, and caster is the only thing I can think of (toe is about 1mm in, camber is 1- 1 1/2 negative)
Steering is "normal" at parking speeds though...

[Flyfisherman]

I have managed to find a caster angle 2 1/4 degrees, but I can't see an obvious way to adjust. Apart from shims in the tie-bar. Is that the way it is done? Just that my car seems to have very light steering at driving speeds, despite 185 tyres and 26psi. it just feels wrong, and caster is the only thing I can think of (toe is about 1mm in, camber is 1- 1 1/2 negative)
Steering is "normal" at parking speeds though...

Clive there are shim (2 off) fitted between the front suspension mounting bracket / upper wishbone arms and the subframe are these what you are referring too.

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID008481

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-145083

Paul

[soe8m]

You need more for more feel at high speed but toe out can cause about the same feel. Static you can have 1mm toe in but a bit play on the ball joints and soft bushes and even a not so tight steering rack can cause while driving a 10mm toe out.

Jeroen

[Toledo Man]

Paul, those shims are for adjusting the camber. According to the Haynes manual the castor can't be adjusted so there's a problem somewhere else with the suspension. The figures in the Haynes are 2 1/4 degrees with +/- 1 degree (kerb weight) and 2 3/4 degrees with +/-1/2 degree (fully laden). The info is for the 1850 but it should apply to the Tolly too.

Hope this helps

[cliftyhanger]

I have managed to find a caster angle 2 1/4 degrees, but I can't see an obvious way to adjust. Apart from shims in the tie-bar. Is that the way it is done? Just that my car seems to have very light steering at driving speeds, despite 185 tyres and 26psi. it just feels wrong, and caster is the only thing I can think of (toe is about 1mm in, camber is 1- 1 1/2 negative)
Steering is "normal" at parking speeds though...

Clive there are shim (2 off) fitted between the front suspension mounting bracket / upper wishbone arms and the subframe are these what you are referring too.

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-GRID008481

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-145083

Paul

No, that is the camber shim, I am thinking the only way to adjust the caster is to shim the lower wishbone/tie rod. That seems a simple solution, but I will measure the caster at the weekend when I can get the car on level ground and have an assistant! The front springs are 1/2" higher than book figure, and that will pull the bottom of the front upright forwards a little. So see if I can adjust the ride height too.

jeroen, I will recheck the toe figure, and maybe give it a bit more. The bushes are pretty good (in fact they feel as good as when fitted) and the rack is tight. Tyre wear is very even.