Jump to content
Click here to contact our helpful office staff ×

Camber Gauge


Beagler

Recommended Posts

Bought the Gunsons Camber gauge and although it is for steel wheels there is an attachment for aluminium wheels.

The problem was when I checked the Camber both were 2 degrees instead of the 1 degree 20 min plus or minus 15 mins.

When I checked both items against a known vertical datum the gauge was out. I thought it was the additional tool but turned out to be the spirit level in the gauge. Removed the faceplate and thankfully the spirit level can be zeroed against the vertical datum.

Rechecking the camber on the front wheels established they are as near as dam it correct.

This is a good tool and accurate once its correct.

Hope this helps if you are contemplating buying one 

81BBB336-3E8D-49FC-9D89-FA96729381CF.thumb.jpeg.032ef110ea901d57c092fffdaa309d82.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Throw a long bubble accross the floor and use this to calibrate the camber gauge with a square. I use aerosol caps as little stand offs to sit the bubble on.

or as I've had to do mark the floor for contact patches and make shims to ensure a level platform.

Beagler did you ballast the car prior to checking the camber...? if not you need to recheck it

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Leadership Team

What toe in/out are you planning to have? Probably worth being aware that a car set up specifically for even tyre wear isn't necessarily a car that achieves the best handling ....

You're a lucky man if you're garage floor is level, it makes setting up much easier *thumb_up*  Every garage I've had has had a decent fall towards the main door!

Stu.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Found a datum point on the track rod and tried the Trackrite today. Got 0 degrees on O/S and .45minutes on the N//S. The driveway flags are not as even as they look also the tyres are slightly different tread depths. I think I will put new tyres on and then recheck.

Tyre depth is around 3.5 mm on both.

F7A19E78-7EFE-4D89-8DAB-4F989DEBC662.thumb.jpeg.30207b8257ce809657869d1a86551100.jpeg E8BD5AFA-C0C6-4048-8EB7-EEF7F18560E2.thumb.jpeg.3eca4473f3b08ac6f11dc913864e90d4.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Leadership Team

I'm not sure what you're doing here but I certainly wouldn't rely on any markings on the trackrods; there are just so many other variables and tolerances in the total steering system and connection to wheel that will affect and determine the outcome.

I'd propose that you start by making sure that the rack is centered - count number of turns from lock to lock, wind back from one end to the centre/straight-ahead position and then adjust the steering wheel so that it is straight-ahead at this point.  With spline adjustment available at each end of the column it should be possible to get quite close to straight-ahead, preferably exactly so.  Then adjust the trackrod lengths on each side of the car to set the total tracking to whatever you are after, making sure that the amount of toe-in/out is shared equally between each side of the car.  Then fine tune as necessary.

Make sense?

James

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The point on the trackrod is the machined shoulder where the threads for the trackrod end starts. The distance from there to the track rod end face where it screws to track rod is exactly the same both sides. I am happy the rack is central. As can be seen the tyrewear is quite even both sides so this is just a checking exercise rather than any specific problem. The car was Caterhams own and I have only done 100 miles since I got it in September.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Leadership Team

If you have exactly the same amount of threads showing and your tracking is correct, when you drive it the steering wheel is likely to not be centralised correctly, there has to be a compromise somewhere. This is what James was trying to explain.

I guess you'll find that out in the spring!

Stu.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Are you really worrying about a 0.45 MINUTE imbalance measures across the two sides? I make that 0.075 degrees, which equates to 43 MICRONS across as 13" rim! That's around half the thickness of a human hair. Unless you've ballasted both seats to the precise weight of yourself and your intended passenger, and neither of you have eaten since, you're wasting your time.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...