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Suspension , tires , Castor and Alignment 200

Hi.
I have been having problems with the castor on my 1990 240 after replacing the front control arm bushings with Super pro. The manufactor make a castor corrective bushing to fix this but only wants to sell the bushes as a set. so instead of replacing the left bush to bring the castor aprox .5 deg forward to match the front. I have to buy two bushes left and right, even though I only need the left. I was pretty unhappy about this as the only way you will know if you need the corrective bushing is to replace them with the standard and check the alignment. It just seems a bit dirty too have to buy a full kit.
Anyway I had been looking at some options in regards to suspension and had decided to go to Kmac (in Sydney Aust)to get some bars made up. They seem quite good and make a nice adjustable rear bar, So I can really tune the handling. While at Kmac I found out that they make A CAMBER/CASTOR kit for this car. It removes the top shock bearing ect. and replaces it with a fully adjustable one. I was told up to 5 deg's of Castor! I'm getting one ASAP.
Anyone else tried it ? Sound like EXCACTLY what I am looking for. Tire wear problems ? Maybe this is the answer ?








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    Suspension , tires , Castor and Alignment 200

    The caster on 240s can be made adjustable by sloting the mounting holes on the lower A arm rear bushing mount. Use a round file to slot the three holes in each mount horizontally. Moving this mount side-to-side will then move the spindle forward and back thus changing the strut angle and the caster. The three adjustments,camber,caster,toe will still be interactive. I strongely suggest an alignment shop that has computer print outs of before and after specs and getting the service option that references the rear wheels.








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    Suspension , tires , Castor and Alignment 200

    Thanks for your reply.
    I try to put things a little simpler, I forgot you have to work on the lowest common denominator. Sorry guys.I even got my girlfriend to read it and she understood....I suppose she must a have a really good understanding of cars. I replaced the front control arm bushes. I used Super Pro (Plastic) When I finished the job the castor was out .5 of a degree on the left hand side. This is supposed to be a known problem. The manufacturer makes a corrective bush kit to fix this. The only way you will know if you car needs this is to use the kit I have fitted then get a wheel alignment. I do not believe that I should have to pay for another right hand bush when I already have the same part fitted. Castor is not adjustable on a 240. I need to bring the left-hand forward to match the right (or the right back). Has anyone had this problem ? I am running new shocks/springs Standard height. Standard wheels tires. Which as we all know wear quite a bit on the front dues to the factory alignment figures being not exacactly idea. Most of which are not adjustable. I know quite a few manufacturers that make car with bad alignment figures. It is quite common. Go ask a good alignment guy and he will name quite a few. Adjustable rear sway bar, I should have been more specific. Castor, Well I have never heard anyone want more on a 240 ! Why ? What do you think it would do ? I have seen the adjustable Castor/Camber kit and it looks nice. It replaces the top strut bearing Ect. Well thanks for your input guys. It was appreciated. I was hoping to have some input from people who had at least half an idea... Ah well. Please feel free to go back to your bakery's and working on cars while drunk (not really a good idea but I suppose you know what your doing)....








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    Suspension , tires , Castor and Alignment 200

    I'm not quite sure what the question is but...I wouldn't recommend fannying about with the camber/castor adjutments. Manufacturers OE spec is the best compromise between safety, stability and handling.
    If you are running a wacky wheel/tyre/suspension set up then seek the advice of a supspension specialist, preferably one with full 4 wheel lazer alignment gear. Your high street tyre emporium will not be able to help you effectively with their relatively crude optical alignment kit.
    Tyre wear on the Passenger side front (UK) can be alleviated somewhat by a harder lower bushing but this should still not affect the suspension geometry, unless you fit it whilst drunk.

    Regards,

    Big Rich.
    --
    '86 245, B230A. 161k. A few modifications here and there old boy.








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    Suspension , tires , Castor and Alignment 200

    Sorry Mate, but ya sorta lost us at the bakery.

    for example:

    "so instead of replacing the left bush to bring the castor aprox .5 deg forward to match the front."

    I mean I dunno what you are saying!?! I understand your castor is out of spec. if so, find out why and fix it. The compensation bushings sound interesting, but I never heard of them in the USA, and they sound like a bit of a BandAid.

    What "rear bar" are you talking about? Adjustable?

    I have heard of people proposing to make a kit for adjustable castor for the 240, but I haven't seen one yet. The 240, could probably stand for a little more castor.....
    --
    http://www.fidalgo.net/~brook4/oilslubesfilters.html







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