What does camber, caster, trail and toe-in mean? I read them on the RP motorsports webpage but i never really knew what they all meant, can somebody tell me what they mean?
Thanks!!

Ranger

 

I know they all have to do with tire/wheel/axle/vehicle relationships to each other. Toe is when the tires are in or out from each other in relationship to the front and backs of the tire. For example, both front tires face in/toe'd in like this: /\ or both tires out/toe'd out like this: \/. Toe refers to one axis, ie "X, - " and camber refers to the other, ie "Y,

 

I understand what camber is, and slighty understand what toe-in is, except for the axis and stuff. Caster i dont understand quite yet, but thanks for the other help.

Ranger

 

Working on automotive alignments and front ends for a living I can give you a very simplified idea. Think of both front wheels, then think of one front wheel slightly ahaid of another... Or both front wheels ahaid of spec or behind. Caster helps with directional control, and gives you that `fighting to stay center feel` when adjusted right. Look at your A-arms on your 4wheeler, they are layed back, kinda like a `caster` wheel, so wheel will return straight. They just call this measurement caster. It is not adjustable on 4 wheelers, and most front wheel drive cars. Usually only camber and toe.

 

Try this link.

<a href="http://www.autosite.com/garage/encyclop/ency15d.asp">http://www.autosite.com/garage/encyclop/ency15d.asp</a>


[This message has been edited by Texridr (edited 12-30-1999).]