Which adjustment increases negative caster?

Prepare for the Automotive Service Technician Period 1 exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which adjustment increases negative caster?

Caster is the angle of the steering axis relative to vertical when viewed from the side. Positive caster tilts the axis toward the rear at the top; negative caster tilts it toward the front at the top. To increase negative caster, you need to tilt the steering axis more forward at the top. In a MacPherson front suspension, the steering axis is defined by the upper strut mount and the lower ball joint. Lengthening the front-mounted strut rod changes the relation between those two points so the steering axis tilts more forward at the top. That increases negative caster. Moving the top rearward would tilt the axis the other way (toward positive caster). Adding a shim at the top or lowering ride height can affect camber and overall geometry in less predictable ways and aren’t direct, reliable methods to increase negative caster.

Caster is the angle of the steering axis relative to vertical when viewed from the side. Positive caster tilts the axis toward the rear at the top; negative caster tilts it toward the front at the top. To increase negative caster, you need to tilt the steering axis more forward at the top.

In a MacPherson front suspension, the steering axis is defined by the upper strut mount and the lower ball joint. Lengthening the front-mounted strut rod changes the relation between those two points so the steering axis tilts more forward at the top. That increases negative caster.

Moving the top rearward would tilt the axis the other way (toward positive caster). Adding a shim at the top or lowering ride height can affect camber and overall geometry in less predictable ways and aren’t direct, reliable methods to increase negative caster.

More practice questions