Suspension & Steering
Work Example 8

WorkKey Level: 6
NATEF Automotive Tasks: IV.D.5, IV.D.6

Caster Camber Adjustment Using Shims

You have an automobile with a shim adjustment system for setting Caster and Camber. 

These are the facts for this car.

Readings:
                   Left Front                   Right Front
Caster:            1.75                                 2.25
Camber:          .5                                     –-.5

Specifications:
                  Limits                           Preferred
Caster:       2.5 – 3.5    degrees                3
Camber:     0 – 1          degrees              .5                                

Shims used in above diagram.
     Left Front: One 1/16" shim and two 1/8" shims
     Left Back: One 1/16" shim and two 1/8" shims
     Right Front: Three 1/16" shims and one 1/8" shim
     Right Back: Eight 1/16" shims and no shims

Each 1/8-inch shim changes Caster and Camber .5 degrees.

Do you add or subtract shims to move in the direction you wish?

What is the difference between readings and preferred?

                         Left                                         Right

Caster             ____                                        ____

Camber           ____                                        ____

Solutions:

Remember:
You need to add to go more positive and subtract to go more negative.
Caster: do the opposite on the top and bottom.
Camber: do the same on the top and bottom.

                   Left                                  Right
Caster       +3/4degrees     +2             +1/4 degree    +1
                                        –2                                  –1

Camber        Good!             0              +1/2 degree    +1
                                         0                                   +1

Final Answer:                     2                                   2
                                       –2                                   0