Caster & Camber Gauge Instructions
The caster/camber gauge is used to measure the pitch of your car wheels. Caster angle is the angle both wheels have between the side of the wheel and the ground, which should be 90 degrees. The wheels must be set at the correct angle to avoid unnecessary pressure on mechanical parts and wear on the tires. Camber is the angle of the wheels in relation to one another. This also should be 90 degrees. The caster and camber must be adjusted separately. You can use the same gauge to measure both.
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Instructions
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Reading the Camber
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Work on a flat surface where you can securely raise your vehicle's front end. Make sure that the wheels of the car are pointing straight.
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Attach the gauge to the spindle and keep rotating the gauge until it is level. You will know it is level when the small bubble in the vial at the end of the gauge is in the middle.
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Take a camber reading from one of the two vials on either end of the gauge. Each line on the gauge is 1/4 degree. Take note that one vial is "+" and the other is "-."
Reading the Castor
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Set the castor of the right-front and left-front wheels as follows. Turn the wheels 20 degrees to the right and then adjust the right-front wheel. Turn the wheels 20 degrees left and then set the the left-front wheel. Straighten the wheels. Rotate the gauge until it is level.
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Turn the knob in the center of the gauge until the caster vial is set at 0 degrees. Turn the wheel past the central marking until the gauge reads 20 degrees. Turn the wheel in the other direction until the gauge reads 20 degrees. Rotate the gauge to the center position and read the caster on the center vial.
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Take a reading from the center of the bubble. Each line has a value of 1/2O. Adjust the caster and camber as needed. Each make of vehicle will have its own adjustment techniques and values. Consult the owner's manual to find the methods and values for your car.
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Tips & Warnings
Bounce the front end of the car after each adjustment to settle the suspension into place.
Tighten all bolts on the suspension before driving the car.
Adjusting the camber will affect the caster, and vice versa. Test them both again after making adjustments.
Do not leave the gauge in direct sunlight or very hot places or the liquid in the vials will expand and burst the vials.
References
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