1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Caster Adjustment

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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 12:01 PM
  #1  
neil Gueldner's Avatar
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Caster Adjustment

I have an 82 RX7 with lowering springs from RB that drop it by about 1 inch. I also installed poly bushings on the tension rods.

The trouble that I am having is the front lower suspension arms are not centered in the cross brace channel on the body. They actually rub against the front of the channel. It looks like I have too much caster. The tension rods are adjusted out as far as they can go. It seemed to get a little worse when I rotated the strut tops to get max negative camber.

Anybody else run into this problem? I had a mechanic who is not familiar with RX7's look at it, he didn't see anything obviously wrong.

Thanks
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 12:18 PM
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Are your control arm bushings ok? Are you sure that you have no more adjustment on tension rods? Has the car ever been wrecked? I adjust mine right up to contact. The extra force to steer the car helps me slow down the movement and I think it gives you a little more dynamic camber.
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 12:41 PM
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Does this happen on both sides? I suggest that you bring it to an alignment shop and have them accurately measure the caster. Seems like it's WAY off to me.
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Old Mar 27, 2003 | 05:56 PM
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put the strut top with the arrow in and back, thatll give you max neg camber and max caster
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 12:07 PM
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The car has never had any frame damage - just a couple of minor fender benders about 10 years ago.

I had the car aligned when I installed the new springs - 3-4 years ago. I asked about that adjustment and I was told that it measured OK. I'm guessing that I should have gone to a better shop.

Anyway, it got worse when I rotated the stut tops a couple of days ago - so I figured I really should address the problem.

I have the arrows in and front. Does that give max neg. camber but less caster?

Thanks
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 01:18 PM
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Originally posted by neil Gueldner

I have the arrows in and front. Does that give max neg. camber but less caster?
Arrows pointing in and back will give you max camber and max caster. The arrows should point towards the stick shift.
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 01:22 PM
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[i]I have the arrows in and front. Does that give max neg. camber but less caster?

Thanks [/B]
yes
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 03:28 PM
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From: Orlando, Fl
: Your caster is now swung to min caster, just rotate it and recheck it. That wont help your problem with the crossmember though. Im guessing your new tension rod bushings are too thick to get a good centering of the LCA in the crossmember.
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Old Mar 28, 2003 | 04:33 PM
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neil Gueldner's Avatar
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Thanks. I'll try rotating the struts. Maybe I'll pick up some new bushings too.
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