PDA

View Full Version : Caster out of spec...what are my options?

TurDz
10-22-2006, 09:29 PM
I got my car aligned a long time ago and I found out my caster on one side is very far from the stock setting. They said it couldn't be fixed either, and that it was probably due to an accident and something got slightly bent (drifting into a curb btw... :o).

Anyway, what are my options to get it back to stock oem spec? If I simply replace the tension rod on that side, would it correct the caster? Or maybe a different component was damaged?

I would spend money on SPL tension rods, but I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet. I'd appreciate any insight on this topic. I've been driving with a slight pull to the right for probably 1 or 2 years, so it's not too urgent for me.
chmercer
10-22-2006, 10:00 PM
dont be a lame bitch, get some tension rods

"I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet"

that is pretty high up on the list of gay shit i have read on this forum

its not like you are getting solid engine mounts
McRussellPants
10-22-2006, 10:03 PM
TeNsIoN RoDs R soooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooo annoying.





















what?
Ian
10-22-2006, 10:03 PM
Yeah...Solid rod ends on the tension rods is like the least noticeable thing ever
!Zar!
10-22-2006, 10:13 PM
Sounds like your lca is bent 9/10

Don't try to bandaid the problem with tension rods and what not.
dct223
10-22-2006, 10:37 PM
agreed... change your LCA....

if its still messed up get some tension rods so you can adjust back to reguular settings... there isnt anything to be ready about for tension rods and its a decently priced mod.
OptionZero
10-22-2006, 10:54 PM
any accidents on that part of the car?
slideways2004
10-22-2006, 11:05 PM
if you are not ready for pillowball t/c rods, then you should sell teh 240sx and buy a cadillac.
Prok0
10-22-2006, 11:11 PM
If you want caster adjustment but dont want solid rod ends you could get these...Saw them on Enjuku's website the other day, dont know much about them, but it looks like something you would probably want...
http://storesense.megawebservers.com/HS318/-strse-1202/SPC-Front-Caster-fdsh-Tension-Rods/Detail.bok
!Zar!
10-22-2006, 11:12 PM
any accidents on that part of the car?
(drifting into a curb btw... :o).



if you are not ready for pillowball t/c rods, then you should sell teh 240sx and buy a cadillac.
A little harsh eh?
DrFtKiNg240sxy
10-23-2006, 12:20 AM
Holy Crap!

Your story is exactly like mine. I hit a curb, bent my LCA, replaced it with a new one and my caster is still a little off. My car also pulls to the right. LoL

I guess Im going to get new Tension Rods soon =)
TurDz
10-23-2006, 06:00 PM
The accident was 2 years ago, I think I mentioned that to you, OptionZero. It was by the 2nd Street train tracks...haha

Guys, thanks for the suggestions, but I don't really care for insulting remarks.

Plain and simple, I'm just not as well-versed in solid-link suspension as you guys are. Since all of you agree that it isn't a major change at all, that's great, I'll plan to buy some soon. I said I wasn't ready for them because I wanted to save them for when I'm on coilovers and other solid links, then align them all together. For now, I'm just planning to run on Koni Yellows and sway bars with stock alignement.

The way I hit the curb wasn't sideways, but more like I ran head on into it, (15 degrees off from perpendicular) on the right front side wheel.

Thanks for the input.
TurDz
10-23-2006, 06:03 PM
If you want caster adjustment but dont want solid rod ends you could get these...Saw them on Enjuku's website the other day, dont know much about them, but it looks like something you would probably want...
http://storesense.megawebservers.com/HS318/-strse-1202/SPC-Front-Caster-fdsh-Tension-Rods/Detail.bok

Wow, that seems like a great product. I didn't know that kind of thing was out there. Thanks for the suggestion.
OptionZero
10-23-2006, 06:11 PM
Yeah, those are primarily for the AutoX competitors who do not want to be bumped into a higher class because of the pillowball mounts.

If the car is still drivable, you don't need to replace the thing now; wait and do the Konis, tie rods and rear multilink all at the same time.
DoriftoPnoy
10-23-2006, 06:23 PM
Holy Crap!

Your story is exactly like mine. I hit a curb, bent my LCA, replaced it with a new one and my caster is still a little off. My car also pulls to the right. LoL

I guess Im going to get new Tension Rods soon =)


yea well when you do something like that you dont just blow your lca. You also can fuck up the tie rod end and the bushing in the tension rods.
sncs14
10-23-2006, 08:22 PM
I wouldn't go so far as to say pillow ball tc rods are the an unnoticable suspension mod...but ride comfort is not something that will be terribly compromised. I would say just spend the money and get the new LCA and adjustable tc rods.
DrFtKiNg240sxy
10-24-2006, 01:31 AM
yea well when you do something like that you dont just blow your lca. You also can fuck up the tie rod end and the bushing in the tension rods.

I forgot to mention that I also snapped my stock tension rod and replaced it with another stock tension rod. So i dont know what else can be bent. When I got my alignment they told me it was slighty off so I guess Im just going to get an aftermarket Tension rod.

O yea, Im filipino too! Haha
sw20>>s14
10-24-2006, 02:21 AM
just get a tap and tap a few threads on your stock tc rod to see if itll compensate before buying some...how much is it off by? if its a whole lot, maybe consider throwing your car on a rack to see if its still within spec and whether or not the frame needs to be pulled a little or not...
Johny5
10-24-2006, 08:53 AM
Don't Street Drift And These Things Won't Happen
chmercer
10-24-2006, 09:53 AM
tap a few threads on your stock tension rod? what? there are zero threads on the stock tension rods
articdragon192
10-24-2006, 10:22 AM
Check if the mounting position of the LCA on the crossmember is tweaked.
spdfreek0o
10-24-2006, 01:16 PM
^bingo, check all suspension mounting points.
sw20>>s14
10-24-2006, 04:04 PM
tap a few threads on your stock tension rod? what? there are zero threads on the stock tension rods
thats right :duh: ...its been so long since ive seen/had stock ones, i got them confused with toyotas' tc rods (mr2s, ae86, etc.)...nvm, my mistake...
McRussellPants
10-24-2006, 04:08 PM
lol, thats all that SPC company is.

some dude with a stack of OEM tension rods, a hacksaw and a die in the backyard fabbin some cleezo adjustable rods that maintain a BUUTTTTERERRRRY SMMOOOTOOTOTOTTTTTHHHH ride.
TurDz
10-24-2006, 08:41 PM
If anyone could help me out some time I'd appreciate it. I wouldn't know what I should look for, but I'll definately inspect the area thoroughly for bends/misalignment when I have the chance.

BTW, the drifting accident was pretty much at 10mph, and as I said before, I pretty much ran straight on top of the curb (like I drove straight into it). No curb rashing or anything.
articdragon192
10-25-2006, 03:40 AM
Unbolt the LCA from the crossmember and check to see if there are any bends. Also check the hole to see if it has stretched at all.