Caster out of spec...what are my options? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

TurDz · 10-22-2006, 09:29 PM

I got my car aligned a long time ago and I found out my caster on one side is very far from the stock setting. They said it couldn't be fixed either, and that it was probably due to an accident and something got slightly bent (drifting into a curb btw...

).

Anyway, what are my options to get it back to stock oem spec? If I simply replace the tension rod on that side, would it correct the caster? Or maybe a different component was damaged?

I would spend money on SPL tension rods, but I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet. I'd appreciate any insight on this topic. I've been driving with a slight pull to the right for probably 1 or 2 years, so it's not too urgent for me.

chmercer · 10-22-2006, 10:00 PM

dont be a lame bitch, get some tension rods

"I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet"

that is pretty high up on the list of gay shit i have read on this forum

its not like you are getting solid engine mounts

McRussellPants · 10-22-2006, 10:03 PM

TeNsIoN RoDs R soooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooo annoying.

what?

Ian · 10-22-2006, 10:03 PM

Yeah...Solid rod ends on the tension rods is like the least noticeable thing ever

!Zar! · 10-22-2006, 10:13 PM

Sounds like your lca is bent 9/10

Don't try to bandaid the problem with tension rods and what not.

dct223 · 10-22-2006, 10:37 PM

agreed... change your LCA....

if its still messed up get some tension rods so you can adjust back to reguular settings... there isnt anything to be ready about for tension rods and its a decently priced mod.

OptionZero · 10-22-2006, 10:54 PM

any accidents on that part of the car?

slideways2004 · 10-22-2006, 11:05 PM

if you are not ready for pillowball t/c rods, then you should sell teh 240sx and buy a cadillac.

Prok0 · 10-22-2006, 11:11 PM

If you want caster adjustment but dont want solid rod ends you could get these...Saw them on Enjuku's website the other day, dont know much about them, but it looks like something you would probably want...
http://storesense.megawebservers.com...ods/Detail.bok

TurDz · 10-23-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prok0

If you want caster adjustment but dont want solid rod ends you could get these...Saw them on Enjuku's website the other day, dont know much about them, but it looks like something you would probably want...
http://storesense.megawebservers.com...ods/Detail.bok

Wow, that seems like a great product. I didn't know that kind of thing was out there. Thanks for the suggestion.

!Zar! · 10-22-2006, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OptionZero

any accidents on that part of the car?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurDz

(drifting into a curb btw...

).

Quote:

Originally Posted by slideways2004

if you are not ready for pillowball t/c rods, then you should sell teh 240sx and buy a cadillac.

A little harsh eh?

DrFtKiNg240sxy · 10-23-2006, 12:20 AM

Holy Crap!

Your story is exactly like mine. I hit a curb, bent my LCA, replaced it with a new one and my caster is still a little off. My car also pulls to the right. LoL

I guess Im going to get new Tension Rods soon =)

DoriftoPnoy · 10-23-2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrFtKiNg240sxy

Holy Crap!

Your story is exactly like mine. I hit a curb, bent my LCA, replaced it with a new one and my caster is still a little off. My car also pulls to the right. LoL

I guess Im going to get new Tension Rods soon =)

yea well when you do something like that you dont just blow your lca. You also can fuck up the tie rod end and the bushing in the tension rods.

DrFtKiNg240sxy · 10-24-2006, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoriftoPnoy

yea well when you do something like that you dont just blow your lca. You also can fuck up the tie rod end and the bushing in the tension rods.

I forgot to mention that I also snapped my stock tension rod and replaced it with another stock tension rod. So i dont know what else can be bent. When I got my alignment they told me it was slighty off so I guess Im just going to get an aftermarket Tension rod.

O yea, Im filipino too! Haha

TurDz · 10-23-2006, 06:00 PM

The accident was 2 years ago, I think I mentioned that to you, OptionZero. It was by the 2nd Street train tracks...haha

Guys, thanks for the suggestions, but I don't really care for insulting remarks.

Plain and simple, I'm just not as well-versed in solid-link suspension as you guys are. Since all of you agree that it isn't a major change at all, that's great, I'll plan to buy some soon. I said I wasn't ready for them because I wanted to save them for when I'm on coilovers and other solid links, then align them all together. For now, I'm just planning to run on Koni Yellows and sway bars with stock alignement.

The way I hit the curb wasn't sideways, but more like I ran head on into it, (15 degrees off from perpendicular) on the right front side wheel.

Thanks for the input.

OptionZero · 10-23-2006, 06:11 PM

Yeah, those are primarily for the AutoX competitors who do not want to be bumped into a higher class because of the pillowball mounts.

If the car is still drivable, you don't need to replace the thing now; wait and do the Konis, tie rods and rear multilink all at the same time.

sncs14 · 10-23-2006, 08:22 PM

I wouldn't go so far as to say pillow ball tc rods are the an unnoticable suspension mod...but ride comfort is not something that will be terribly compromised. I would say just spend the money and get the new LCA and adjustable tc rods.

sw20>>s14 · 10-24-2006, 02:21 AM

just get a tap and tap a few threads on your stock tc rod to see if itll compensate before buying some...how much is it off by? if its a whole lot, maybe consider throwing your car on a rack to see if its still within spec and whether or not the frame needs to be pulled a little or not...

Johny5 · 10-24-2006, 08:53 AM

Don't Street Drift And These Things Won't Happen

chmercer · 10-24-2006, 09:53 AM

tap a few threads on your stock tension rod? what? there are zero threads on the stock tension rods

sw20>>s14 · 10-24-2006, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmercer

tap a few threads on your stock tension rod? what? there are zero threads on the stock tension rods

thats right

...its been so long since ive seen/had stock ones, i got them confused with toyotas' tc rods (mr2s, ae86, etc.)...nvm, my mistake...

articdragon192 · 10-24-2006, 10:22 AM

Check if the mounting position of the LCA on the crossmember is tweaked.

spdfreek0o · 10-24-2006, 01:16 PM

^bingo, check all suspension mounting points.

McRussellPants · 10-24-2006, 04:08 PM

lol, thats all that SPC company is.

some dude with a stack of OEM tension rods, a hacksaw and a die in the backyard fabbin some cleezo adjustable rods that maintain a BUUTTTTERERRRRY SMMOOOTOOTOTOTTTTTHHHH ride.

TurDz · 10-24-2006, 08:41 PM

If anyone could help me out some time I'd appreciate it. I wouldn't know what I should look for, but I'll definately inspect the area thoroughly for bends/misalignment when I have the chance.

BTW, the drifting accident was pretty much at 10mph, and as I said before, I pretty much ran straight on top of the curb (like I drove straight into it). No curb rashing or anything.

articdragon192 · 10-25-2006, 03:40 AM

Unbolt the LCA from the crossmember and check to see if there are any bends. Also check the hole to see if it has stretched at all.

10-22-2006, 09:29 PM	#1
TurDz Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,618 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Caster out of spec...what are my options? I got my car aligned a long time ago and I found out my caster on one side is very far from the stock setting. They said it couldn't be fixed either, and that it was probably due to an accident and something got slightly bent (drifting into a curb btw... ). Anyway, what are my options to get it back to stock oem spec? If I simply replace the tension rod on that side, would it correct the caster? Or maybe a different component was damaged? I would spend money on SPL tension rods, but I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet. I'd appreciate any insight on this topic. I've been driving with a slight pull to the right for probably 1 or 2 years, so it's not too urgent for me. __________________

10-22-2006, 10:13 PM	#5
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Sounds like your lca is bent 9/10 Don't try to bandaid the problem with tension rods and what not. __________________

10-22-2006, 10:37 PM	#6
dct223 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: hella NORCAL! Age: 39 Posts: 1,664 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	agreed... change your LCA.... if its still messed up get some tension rods so you can adjust back to reguular settings... there isnt anything to be ready about for tension rods and its a decently priced mod. __________________ Sfourteen

10-22-2006, 11:11 PM	#9
Prok0 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: FL Age: 38 Posts: 376 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you want caster adjustment but dont want solid rod ends you could get these...Saw them on Enjuku's website the other day, dont know much about them, but it looks like something you would probably want... http://storesense.megawebservers.com...ods/Detail.bok __________________ Sales @ Enjuku email:[email protected] phone:352-241-8399

10-23-2006, 06:00 PM	#15
TurDz Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,618 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	The accident was 2 years ago, I think I mentioned that to you, OptionZero. It was by the 2nd Street train tracks...haha Guys, thanks for the suggestions, but I don't really care for insulting remarks. Plain and simple, I'm just not as well-versed in solid-link suspension as you guys are. Since all of you agree that it isn't a major change at all, that's great, I'll plan to buy some soon. I said I wasn't ready for them because I wanted to save them for when I'm on coilovers and other solid links, then align them all together. For now, I'm just planning to run on Koni Yellows and sway bars with stock alignement. The way I hit the curb wasn't sideways, but more like I ran head on into it, (15 degrees off from perpendicular) on the right front side wheel. Thanks for the input. __________________

10-22-2006, 10:00 PM	#2
chmercer BANNED Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: texas! Age: 39 Posts: 3,288 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	dont be a lame bitch, get some tension rods "I am not prepared to go solid rod ends just yet" that is pretty high up on the list of gay shit i have read on this forum its not like you are getting solid engine mounts

10-22-2006, 10:03 PM	#3
McRussellPants Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 2,168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	TeNsIoN RoDs R soooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOOOooooooooooo annoying. what?

10-22-2006, 10:54 PM	#7
OptionZero Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Norcal Age: 41 Posts: 6,263 Trader Rating: (2) Rides Gallery: OptionZero Feedback Score: 2 reviews	any accidents on that part of the car?

10-22-2006, 11:05 PM	#8
slideways2004 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Age: 38 Posts: 1,706 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	if you are not ready for pillowball t/c rods, then you should sell teh 240sx and buy a cadillac.

10-23-2006, 12:20 AM	#12
DrFtKiNg240sxy BANNED Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: hills of chino Posts: 574 Trader Rating: (9) Rides Gallery: DrFtKiNg240sxy Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Holy Crap! Your story is exactly like mine. I hit a curb, bent my LCA, replaced it with a new one and my caster is still a little off. My car also pulls to the right. LoL I guess Im going to get new Tension Rods soon =)

10-23-2006, 06:11 PM	#16
OptionZero Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Norcal Age: 41 Posts: 6,263 Trader Rating: (2) Rides Gallery: OptionZero Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Yeah, those are primarily for the AutoX competitors who do not want to be bumped into a higher class because of the pillowball mounts. If the car is still drivable, you don't need to replace the thing now; wait and do the Konis, tie rods and rear multilink all at the same time.

10-23-2006, 08:22 PM	#17
sncs14 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Las Vegas Age: 42 Posts: 1,003 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: sncs14 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I wouldn't go so far as to say pillow ball tc rods are the an unnoticable suspension mod...but ride comfort is not something that will be terribly compromised. I would say just spend the money and get the new LCA and adjustable tc rods.

10-24-2006, 02:21 AM	#18
sw20>>s14 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: bay area Posts: 5,656 Trader Rating: (19) Feedback Score: 19 reviews	just get a tap and tap a few threads on your stock tc rod to see if itll compensate before buying some...how much is it off by? if its a whole lot, maybe consider throwing your car on a rack to see if its still within spec and whether or not the frame needs to be pulled a little or not... __________________ s14\| y34\| 911 gts\| exige s\| 600rr\| r3\| 250r\| 85 girlfriend

10-24-2006, 08:53 AM	#19
Johny5 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Dallas, Tx Age: 40 Posts: 3,221 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Don't Street Drift And These Things Won't Happen __________________ www.stewartleask.com

10-24-2006, 09:53 AM	#20
chmercer BANNED Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: texas! Age: 39 Posts: 3,288 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	tap a few threads on your stock tension rod? what? there are zero threads on the stock tension rods

10-24-2006, 10:22 AM	#22
articdragon192 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West covina Age: 39 Posts: 6,792 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Check if the mounting position of the LCA on the crossmember is tweaked.

10-24-2006, 01:16 PM	#23
spdfreek0o Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 280 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	^bingo, check all suspension mounting points.

10-24-2006, 04:08 PM	#24
McRussellPants Nissanaholic! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, Tx Posts: 2,168 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	lol, thats all that SPC company is. some dude with a stack of OEM tension rods, a hacksaw and a die in the backyard fabbin some cleezo adjustable rods that maintain a BUUTTTTERERRRRY SMMOOOTOOTOTOTTTTTHHHH ride.

10-24-2006, 08:41 PM	#25
TurDz Nissanaholic! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,618 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If anyone could help me out some time I'd appreciate it. I wouldn't know what I should look for, but I'll definately inspect the area thoroughly for bends/misalignment when I have the chance. BTW, the drifting accident was pretty much at 10mph, and as I said before, I pretty much ran straight on top of the curb (like I drove straight into it). No curb rashing or anything. __________________

10-25-2006, 03:40 AM	#26
articdragon192 Post Whore! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: West covina Age: 39 Posts: 6,792 Trader Rating: (9) Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Unbolt the LCA from the crossmember and check to see if there are any bends. Also check the hole to see if it has stretched at all.

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