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jmbdef

Member Since: 08 Dec 2021
Location: London
Posts: 5

Caster Angle

Hi everyone,

I have a couple of questions about caster angle.
Details of build are : 1997 110 300tdi. Tough Dog 2 inch lift suspension. 500kg constant in rear (made for 130). Weight is around 2700kg with overlanding accessories. Rear perhaps slightly more than 2 inch lift, but I think it is close. (I took stock measurements wrong so hard to compare back exactly).
I have 0-300kg springs on the rear first but the rear sat lower so I swapped to the 500kg.
After the switch my steering was very vague. I went to an alignment shop and found caster angle to be -1.6°. So on recommendation of suspension shop and mechanic and I went with 3° caster correcting arms from Terrafirma.
This helped the steering and caster is at +0.3°.

Symptoms now are vague feeling steering at higher speeds, brakes pull randomly either way.
I have had brakes checked, and swivel preload.
My mechanic thinks it may still be caster angle.

Could the caster angle be the culprit?
Would the higher Rear have an affect on caster angle? Once I am more loaded once the overlanding setup is complete, or on a trip will it be brought more +?
What else can I check?
What should the caster angle be?
How much should the 3° arms have changed the caster angle? Am I correct in thinking they should have changed it by 3°, which by the shop measurements they didn't.
If caster angle is still the problem, will fitting 6° arms be better for me?

Thank you
Jean

18th Sep 2024 9:25am

TexasRover

Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1052

2002 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Chawton White

How is the 2" lift achieved. Is the caster corrected back to stock?

Vague steering can also be play in various joints. Are you sure every part is 100%?

18th Sep 2024 3:02pm

jmbdef

Member Since: 08 Dec 2021
Location: London
Posts: 5

Lift is Tough Dog springs. I am pretty sure caster is not back to stock.
Other parts have been checked

19th Sep 2024 5:51am

TexasRover

Member Since: 24 Nov 2022
Location: Paris
Posts: 1052

Ok I see you have fitted caster corrected radius arms. You would have to measure what the caster is now.

There are a bunch of things that would affect the steering including weight distribution. Not sure where this additional weight is. Do you have anti-roll bars fitted?

19th Sep 2024 6:24am

Mo Murphy

Member Since: 01 Jun 2008
Location: Letchworth Garden City, Herts
Posts: 2227

1984 Defender 90 BMW M57 3.0 Diesel HT Auto Pennine Grey

Are you using a standard length panhard rod ?
Mo The Land Rover 90 - Many are called, few are chosen.

50 Shades of Pennine Grey

19th Sep 2024 7:46am

jmbdef

Member Since: 08 Dec 2021
Location: London
Posts: 5

Additional weight is a roof tent, 2 spare wheels, fridge, drawer, awning etc.
Yes caster is 0.3° now. With 3° arms. Maybe I should fit 6° arms instead?
No anti-roll bars, although I would like to fit I think

19th Sep 2024 7:47am

jmbdef

Member Since: 08 Dec 2021
Location: London
Posts: 5

Yes, standard length panhard rod.

19th Sep 2024 10:21am

MatLandy

Member Since: 11 Sep 2020
Location: Paris
Posts: 184

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Zermatt Silver

as per LR specification, caster angle should be at 3° 15' ± 45', but I'm sure you've figured that out already.
Instead of changing again your radius arms, you also have the option to fit caster corrected swivel housings, I know Bripart makes some giving an additional 3°.

/Mat

27th Sep 2024 4:04pm

jmbdef

Member Since: 08 Dec 2021
Location: London
Posts: 5

Thank you very much, yes my current swivels are getting a bit worn, so that may be an option...

27th Sep 2024 10:33pm

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