What is Caster, Camber, and Toe Angles - Beginner's Guide

Video demonstration on what is caster, camber, and toe with regards to suspension alignment. For this example, I will be using this Ford Ranger which recently had new upper control arms, lower ball joints, and outer tie rods. I do have tutorial videos for those procedures, so be sure to check them out. Since the truck is going in for an alignment, I figured this would be a great time to produce a demonstration. #suspension #alignment #mechanic
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Caster angle is defined as the position of the wheel in reference with the lower and upper ball joints or lower ball joint and top of the strut. This is the pivot point of the steering knuckle. A line can be drawn on this pivot point, the angle is measured and this will determine if the caster is positive, negative, or zero.
Positive caster angle is when the wheel angles towards the front of the vehicle, meaning it sits further ahead of the centerline. A positive caster allows for the steering to be more stable at higher speeds and promotes self-centering or the wheels returning to the center when exiting a turn. All vehicles typically have a positive caster angle, but the amount will vary depending on the vehicle and suspension geometry. However, the greater the positive angle, the more effort it takes to operate the steering, especially if your vehicle does not have power steering.
Negative caster angle is when the wheel is angled towards the rear of the car and while it does make the vehicle easier to steer, it does, however, make the vehicle’s handling unstable at high speeds.
Moving onto camber angle.
While we’re on the topic of these bolts, as mentioned earlier they are able to adjust two areas of the suspension. When these bolts are rotated, they can pull the steering knuckle in and out from the top, angling the wheel. Vehicles equipped with a strut style suspension, adjustments can be located at the top of the strut or where the strut attached to the steering knuckle. Camber angle is the vertical position of the wheel when viewing it from the front or rear. This too is expressed in a degree value, can be negative or positive, and these values can vary between vehicles.
Typically road vehicles will be at around a zero-degree camber angle, meaning that the wheel is perpendicular to the roads surface, there is maximum contact between the tread face and the surface of the road and this, in turn, promotes maximum traction in a straight line while maintaining even tread wear.
Negative camber, which this truck was experiencing when the suspension components were worn, this was an excessive amount which resulted in the inside of the tire having the most amount of wear. Negative camber can also be purposely done, either from the factory or when performance suspension is installed to promote high-speed cornering. When the vehicle enters a corner, the suspension compressed to some extent when the weight is shifted and this allows the tire tread contact to improve.
Toe angle is defined as the front position of the wheel in reference with the rear when looking at the wheels from the top. Another way to explain it is the wheel’s centerline position when compared with the centerline of the vehicle. This can be either toe in or toe-out. Toe angle can be either measured by a degree value or a distance measurement such as fractions of an inch.
Toe in is when the front of the wheels are angled inward to the vehicle’s centerline. Using the steering to provide an extreme example. Toe in reduces steering response but can improve high-speed stability.
Toe out, on the other hand, is when the front of the wheel angle outward based on the centerline of the vehicle. Again showing an extreme example. Toe out reduces high-speed stability but will increase steering response.
Effects can vary depending on if the toe is relating to the front or rear wheels. Neutral or zero toe will maximize the life of the tires and will be a balance between other characteristics.
Toe angle is adjusted by the tie rods. The inner tie rods on this particular truck have a threaded shaft which provides an area for the outer tie rods to run on. Allowing them to pull the steering knuckle in or out. Once that adjustment is made, then there is a locking nut when holds against the outer tie rod to keep the adjustment in place.
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© 4DIYers 2013
All Rights Reserved
No part of this video or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the author.

[@4DIYers]

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[@jmkx81]

Bravo! I was losing hope and I had my doubts clicking on this video but I’m glad I did! Best video on explaining my main concern (camber) and how to address it. Straight to the point!

[@joelh3030]

Damn, Im new at alignments and I needed this. You covered all of my concerns moving forward on alignments. Now its just up to my experience to teach me the best way of doing them

[@kissmyhonkydonkey5678]

This video and the other one explaining how to replace those adjustment bolts are the two best videos on KZbin that I have found explaining how to do this!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much!

[@waynelgray]

Thank you for making this video. I watched so many other videos but nobody seem to say it perfectly.

[@4DIYers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BW-dh7vf]

Nice video, VERY CLEAR INFORMTION. I now finally understand what my Dad taught me about alignments so many years ago!!! Castor was what confused me, Camber I got, toe I got...but CASTOR was oblique until your video cleared it all up for me! THANKS!

[@joebishman6163]

The repairs to this Ranger have helped me a lot with my 2000 4 cylinder Ranger. Thanks for keeping it on the road.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you for the feedback and always happy to help :)

[@AndysDogHouse]

Good video. I have heard my Buddies talking about all this stuff, but I really didn't know exactly what it was. Thanks for sharing. 👍👍

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@ryanshannon6963]

I *CRUSHED* that like button, just because you asked. Thanks!

[@powerofknowledge7771]

This is incredibly helpful! Best video on this topic!! This video deserves WAY MORE views!!! I had to go through many videos that only gave me bits and pieces of what I was looking for to find this! (Perhaps you could type more in the description to get more eyes on this.) My back wheel was leaning out after someone replaced the control arm, and I've been trying to figure out why. This is the answer! Thank you!!

[@donniespence3643]

Very helpful. Direct and to the point.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@TheGibby13]

Great material and examples thank you!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[@cody_rightnow6137]

Great info thank you

[@taegenjade]

great video! super helpful to see different examples and on different vehicles instead of on paper/pictures as i am learning about ssb in school currently :)))

[@4DIYers]

Thank you so much for the feedback!

[@jvmp-tj8rq]

Thanks guys this video was extremely helpful.

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@gordizechevarria526]

i love the way you explained the caster/camber, i have a toe in and am trying to fix it myself. thanks video very helpful

[@4DIYers]

No problem and thank you for the feedback!

[@cockasorrus7475]

Fantastic explanation! Thank you!!!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@smokey8764]

Thank you man you are great on these

[@4DIYers]

No problem and thank you so much for the feedback!

[@noconsentgiven]

Love it, great video👍❤️!!

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@philliphawkins3062]

Very informative and helpful

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@TheLT1383]

Thank you so much for this video! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@4DIYers]

You are so welcome!

[@joebaucom4537]

Great Job !

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@sureshlingabathina]

Excellent

[@4DIYers]

Thank you!

[@mantimemlojwa4622]

Thanks

[@4DIYers]

You're welcome!

[@mukageegee]

I neede this. Many thanks.😊

[@4DIYers]

You're very welcome!

[@stereophonicstuff]

The real world examples in this video really helped drive the concepts home. Watching whiteboard drawings really wasn't doing it for me. Thanks!

[@ericg4915]

Yea i clicked that whiteboard video too and I was like no way I know I can find something better

[@antoniobradiano]

Thanks man

[@4DIYers]

No problem!

[@kaundankandu837]

hi, I have vw polo 2002 9N that is giving my hell on the camber settings for both front and rear tires, any suggestion on how to adjust both cambers

[@bossylady80]

Excellent explanation!!! Thank you!!! 😊

[@turbot6592]

What side of car where you on when adjusting toes in and out. Thanks

[@orleydoss3171]

👍

[@Spiritedalphawoman]

Had work done on my escape. They said my control arm shifted and my caster is out and I need a new control arm because it’s shifted. Said they bent the toe so that it would align. None of it makes sense compared to what you are saying. I have all the symptoms in my car you were saying after they messed up in my wheel bearing replacement. But is it the control arm shifter or the bushings that are bad or something completely different. I can’t get a straight answer anywhere and I’m so broke now that I can’t afford new arms. My car is my job.

[@morbadevisoftwares4981]

Does Honda City ivtec S model 2009 has caster angle and can it be changed?

[@johnnyherring4825]

So I have a 03 ranger 2wd I replaced the upper control arms and lower ball joints I took it in for a front end alignment and the camber bolts are still the way I put them I think he only adjusted the tierod ends I know they couldn't have been right cuz I just put them on knowing I was having it aligned the next day so I just put them on without even trying to get them close to what it was before and they are in the exact same position I put them in thats not right is it

[@stanionman8178]

Excellent video, I have a Volvo C70II 2011, which has the same suspension as a C30, V50 etc, but I have an issue with the camber on the front nearside, do you know if there is an upgrade to allow some kind adjustment please ? I've fitted adjustable upper control arms on the rear already !

[@4DIYers]

Thank you! Are you lowered? You should be able to get upper mounts for your struts that are adjustable.

[@stanionman8178]

@@4DIYers No, I think it's got standard suspension, but would love to know if there is some kind of device to adjust things, you say about upper adjustable mounts ! Do you know where I can get these from please ? By the way, I've used your videos to help me change my rear upper control arms and lower control arms, so I am hoping you have a video about how to change the front drop links ?

[@4DIYers]

I just did a quick Google search and found a bunch of options www.google.ca/search?q=adjustable+strut+mounts+volvo+c70&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-ca&client=safari which one is good, I’m not sure as I haven’t used these before. But if you’re stock, then I would check for any worn components first. Awesome to hear! Unfortunately I don’t have a video on that.

[@stanionman8178]

@@4DIYers Oh that's brilliant thank you, why didn't I think of that lol, I usually do, but didn't on this occasion for some reason ! But yes I know the top strut mount on the drivers side is a little rough when the steering is turned and your hand is on the strut, feel the bearing graunching ! could cause the camber to be a bit out maybe ?

[@muthukumarmech2646]

Today my doubt was Crystal cleared

[@Throwbot091]

Great video, but please spend more time on those factory "non adjustable" ford Ranger camber plates.

[@Jtlaptops]

If not properly aligned ? does the front end "vibrate" when applying your brakes ?

[@4DIYers]

Typically no. If it's vibrating when applying the brakes, you can have warped rotors, depending on the vehicle a worn front end bushing can cause a vibration, or there maybe loose/worn components with the caliper/carrier.

[@Davidsavage8008]

My Mazda 4x4 has straight axil.

[@turbot6592]

You need to have wheels on the ground

[@4DIYers]

Which is why I have axle stands under the spindles. The suspension needs to have the weight of the vehicle.

[@danielescobar7618]

No u

[@broskis80]

The only problem is that you unable to find start 0⁰ position for caster with out special tooling/3d machine if talking about american trucks like dodge ram RWD.

[@kevantorrance4342]

Hi, where did you get thata gauge from?

[@wraprock-itroll-francisfra9370]

Thanks