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fiveoformula
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Joined: 08 Aug 2007
Posts: 1799
Location: OR
1988 Pontiac Formula
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 Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:30 pm Post subject: alignment |
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So I'm in the steering & suspension class in school right now, and we're learning all about alignments, I figured it'd be a free checkup for the firebird so I pulled it in...
I had it aligned last year when I got some new front tires (about time for rears  ) For the most part everything was spec, the only thing in the "red" was caster, its little bit on the negitive side, but I guess you have to have special tool (GM part# J29724) to adjust caster for our cars. My teacher says if I get the tool he'll show me how to set up so I can be doing 100 on the highway, let go of the wheel and go straight as an arrow. 
So I guess my question is, where can I get one? Or does anyone have one I can barrow?
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Twilightoptics
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Joined: 13 Jan 2004
Posts: 9191
Location: Auburn , WA
1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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Not actually sure how the Caster is adjusted. Wouldn't it be the two strut bolts?
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iansane
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Joined: 16 Jan 2004
Posts: 5742
Location: Bothell
1991 Pontiac Trans Am
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:32 pm Post subject: |
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Paul are you thinking camber? Caster is basically the angle at which the struts lean back. Positive caster means typically more stability at speed and less camber loss in turning...
I've never done my own alignment but there are plenty of guys that do successfully. I'd image it'd be adjusting the top three mount bolts backwards (towards the firewall). Is it not? What's the special tool for?
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Twilightoptics
Hardcore (12sec Club)
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Location: Auburn , WA
1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 5:45 pm Post subject: |
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| iansane wrote: | Paul are you thinking camber? Caster is basically the angle at which the struts lean back. Positive caster means typically more stability at speed and less camber loss in turning...
I've never done my own alignment but there are plenty of guys that do successfully. I'd image it'd be adjusting the top three mount bolts backwards (towards the firewall). Is it not? What's the special tool for? |
CASTER is how far forward or rearward the spindle sits in regaurds to angle. CAMBER is controlled by the slots in the strut tower bringing the spindle towards the center of the car, or out toward the fender.
-1º Camber is the typical stock/mild performance number.
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Dewey316
The Lama
Joined: 08 Jan 2004
Posts: 7295
Location: Bringing the tech
1990 Chevrolet Camaro RS
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject: |
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| You shouldn't need a special tool. The upper strut mount moves in two directions. The strut mount itself is slotted for camber. The studs that it bolts to, can be moved via slots in the sheet metal. You should be able to just losen the mounting nuts, and it will allow you to move the strut mount rearward, adjusting caster. |
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iansane
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Posts: 5742
Location: Bothell
1991 Pontiac Trans Am
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Twilightoptics wrote: |
CASTER is how far forward or rearward the spindle sits in regaurds to angle. CAMBER is controlled by the slots in the strut tower bringing the spindle towards the center of the car, or out toward the fender. |
Right. That's what I said. The spindles angle is dictated by the angle of the strut. Which is controlled by the strut mount. The bolts on the spindle are on a different plane than the caster adjustment.  |
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Twilightoptics
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1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 6:36 pm Post subject: |
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Why am I remembering that the holes in the strut tower are not slotted, just the mount itself slotted in/out for camber only.
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fiveoformula
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Joined: 08 Aug 2007
Posts: 1799
Location: OR
1988 Pontiac Formula
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| Posted: Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Twilightoptics wrote: | | Why am I remembering that the holes in the strut tower are not slotted, just the mount itself slotted in/out for camber only. |
I want to say the mount is slotted only left to right for camber adjustment, but now that I think about it, the picture on AllData showing the tool has like two hooks and an adjustment sleeve connecting the two, it hooks on the strut tower on one side and the mount on the other, to allow a controlled movement of the strut mount front to rear... So it must move that way some how  |
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fiveoformula
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Location: OR
1988 Pontiac Formula
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