Caster

[Prowrench22]

What has been your best caster setting number that provided good stability and handling?

[tqm3]

What has been your best caster setting number that provided good stability and handling?

I first ran 0, i cut the spindles off and welded new ones on at 12 degrees. It seems to be a lot more stable.... IMHO:cheers:

[CritterBuddy]

First of all let me say that I have not worked with steering geometry in connection to BSRs. I have worked with it on go-karts, have observed several BSRs, and done a lot of research on the subject. So I guess my answers would be more of a guide for you. Bear in mind that it also matters what the wheelbase of your vehicle is and the speed at which you are having trouble steering. Hopefully others will post with direct experience with BSRs since they have such short wheelbases.

Caster is how much your kingpin tilts towards the back of the vehicle in reference to the ground NOT the vehicle frame. In this way when you steer to the left, the left front wheel will dig into the ground creating a 3-wheel effect during the turn for a much sharper turn. The same happens when you steer to the right.

Dead axle vehicles, only one drive wheel, normally do not need caster. If caster is applied it should only be about 5 degrees.

Live axle vehicles, both rear wheels drive, tend to need about 10-15 degrees tilt back with an average of about 12 degrees.

Rear axles with differentials are like dead axle vehicles and don't normally need caster. However, some do apply caster normally about 5 degrees.

Hope this helps...

[kkuenemann]

I agree with critterbuddy. I used 10 degrees in my BSR and the thing wants to go straight at speed and seems stable.

I would warn that all parts of the alignment need to be looked at. Caster, Chamber and Toe. I set my Caster at 10 degrees, Chamber at 0, and Toe at 1/16"-1/8" in at the front of the tire.

Hope this helps.