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  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

Caster?

  • Thread starter Thread starter iamvillani
  • Start date Start date Sep 15, 2012
I

iamvillani

New Member
Nov 9, 2006
15
0
1
Sep 15, 2012
#1
  • Sep 15, 2012
  • #1
So I was looking at my new to me 99 GT and I noticed the front wheels sit back in the wheel wells more towards the firewall. And the passger side is even a lil further back then the driver side. Is this bad? Someone said my caster is off. Car does not seem to be hit. It tracks straight and no other noises or effects out of the ordinary. Steering wheel is pretty centered however there is about an inch or so play when centered. Tires seem to be wearing ok. Thanks for any input.
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Sep 15, 2012
#2
  • Sep 15, 2012
  • #2
The K-member locates the lower control arms. If the K has ever been out of the car and wasn't re-installed in the same position it's possible, through slop in the mounting holes, to move it rearward a bit. This would cause the wheels to appear rearward in the wheelwells.

I'd take the car to an alignment shop and have them do some measurements and, if necessary, move the K back to the correct position.

Incorrect caster can affect high speed stability of the front wheels as well as the self-centering of the steering wheel when turning.

You might check the rag-joint between the steering shaft and the rack (the joint is located just behind the driver's side engine mount) for looseness. It may explain your on-center steering slop.
 
I

iamvillani

New Member
Nov 9, 2006
15
0
1
Sep 15, 2012
#3
  • Sep 15, 2012
  • #3
trinity_gt said:
The K-member locates the lower control arms. If the K has ever been out of the car and wasn't re-installed in the same position it's possible, through slop in the mounting holes, to move it rearward a bit. This would cause the wheels to appear rearward in the wheelwells.

I'd take the car to an alignment shop and have them do some measurements and, if necessary, move the K back to the correct position.

Incorrect caster can affect high speed stability of the front wheels as well as the self-centering of the steering wheel when turning.

You might check the rag-joint between the steering shaft and the rack (the joint is located just behind the driver's side engine mount) for looseness. It may explain your on-center steering slop.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much for the input. I appreciate it.
 
I

iamvillani

New Member
Nov 9, 2006
15
0
1
Sep 15, 2012
#4
  • Sep 15, 2012
  • #4
iamvillani said:
Thank you very much for the input. I appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Is the rag joint easily replaced if its worn? I have a chiltons manual and pretty good on basics.
 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member
Jan 31, 2003
3,125
81
99
Canada
Sep 15, 2012
#5
  • Sep 15, 2012
  • #5
iamvillani said:
Is the rag joint easily replaced if its worn? I have a chiltons manual and pretty good on basics.
Click to expand...

Here's a link to replacement in a Fox. New Edge are likely the same (just make sure you get the part for your year...)

http://www.stangnet.com/mustang-forums/threads/rag-joint.741031/#post-7955953
 
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