Mechanic Glossary

Caster Angle

The forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side, affecting directional stability and steering self-centering.

Caster angle is a suspension alignment setting. It is the angle of the steering pivot axis when viewed from the side of the wheel. If the axis tilts backward, it is positive caster; if it tilts forward, it is negative caster. Positive caster is standard on modern cars. It acts like the casters on a shopping cart, pulling the tires straight forward when driving and forcing the steering wheel to snap back to center after you complete a turn.

Incorrect caster will not cause tire wear on its own, but it destroys handling. If caster is too low, the steering will feel light, twitchy, and wander on the highway. If caster is unequal between the front wheels, the car will pull constantly toward the side with the lower caster angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Positive caster means the steering pivot line tilts backward toward the driver, placing the tire contact point behind the steer axis. Negative caster tilts forward toward the bumper.
No. Unlike camber and toe, caster does not scrub the tire tread across the road, so it does not cause direct tread wear. However, it heavily affects steering effort and tracking stability.
On many vehicles, caster is adjusted by turning eccentric cam bolts on the control arms or by adding shims behind the control arm mounting brackets. Some cars have fixed caster that cannot be adjusted without installing aftermarket adjustable control arms.

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