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42 BODY MANUAL
PIVOT PIN INCLINATION:
Pivot Pin Inclination is the inward tilt of the steering
spindle pivot pin at the top. The correct degree of
pivot pin inclination is 3°36' . If the pivot pin incli-
nation and the camber are incorrect, it is likely due
to worn pivot pin bushings. If the camber is incorrect
and the pivot pin inclination is correct, the spindle is
bent. Camber should not be more than specified
1-1/2°; however,a decrease in camber if pivot pins
are not loose in the bushings, is not detrimental to
steering unless an actual reverse camber exists.
CASTER:
Caster is the backward tilt of the steering spindle
pivot pin. Positive caster is obtained by tilting the
top of the pivot pin toward the rear of the car.
Negative or reverse caster is the tilting of the top of
the pivot pin toward the front of the car.
Positive caster imparts a trailing action. The correct
amount of caster helps to keep the front wheels in the
straight ahead position. When turning the wheels
away from the straight ahead position, caster and
pivot pin inclination act as a lever in returning the
front wheels to the straight ahead position. No caster
correction should be made until after the camber
angle and pivot pin inclination angle have been
checked.
FIGURE 42
WHEN CHECKING THE CASTER THE WHEELS
SHOULD BE TURNED ON THEIR BEARINGS TO
BRING THE HIGH SPOT, OR THAT PORTION OF
THE TIRE WITH THE GREATEST RUNOUT, TO-
WARD EITHER THE FRONT OR THE REAR OF
THE CAR.
The amount of caster the front wheels require depends on
the friction in the pivot pins, tie rod ends and the steering
linkage. A well lubricated car requires less caster than
does one that is frequently lubricated.
One complete turn of the eccentric bushing changes caster
1/2°. Set caster to 1° preferred, plus or minus 1/2°. Setting
must be equal on both front wheels if possible, but never
allow over 1/2° variation between right and left wheels.
CAMBER:
Camber is the outward tilt of the front wheels at the top
and is generally measured in inches or degrees. It is
seldom necessary to turn the eccentric bushing more than
one half turn to obtain 1/2° camber adjustment. This half
turn should be all that is ever necessary for camber adjust-
ment and will also cause a minimum of caster change.
WHENEVER THE ECCENTRIC BUSHING IS
TURNED, THE CASTER, CAMBER, AND PIVOT
PIN INCLINATION MUST BE CHECKED, AS ALL
THREE ARE AFFECTED.
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