Increase Caster. How?

Discussion in 'Chassis' started by HidRo, Jul 14, 2017.

  1. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    Hi guys,

    I would like to know if there is a way to increase caster on a pretty much stock chassis.
    I understand you can do so by installing mk3 GTI 16V a-arms etc, or by changing to adjustable top mounts.
    Is there any way to do it?
    What kind of top mounts can I use (mind you this is a just a "for fun" car, trackdays etc, but not a money pit [:D] )?

    Thanks!
    Gonalo
     
  2. jamesa Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2003
    Likes Received:
    301
    Location:
    Abz
  3. mr.brown

    mr.brown Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    97
    Location:
    Sunny Surrey
    What about balljoint spacers to move the bottom end?
     
  4. MUSHY 16V

    MUSHY 16V Moderator Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2008
    Likes Received:
    800
    Location:
    aberdeen
    you get bushes that can adjust the caster also a cheap way is to remove the alignment shim tube on the rear bush that gives you a few mm though the top mount would give you the most adjustment
     
  5. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    I'm interested in both options above. So can you guys elaborate a bit more?
    Never heard of those shims not the balljoint spacers. Where can I get them or more information on them?
     
  6. beetie

    beetie Forum Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2003
    Likes Received:
    228
    Location:
    leicester
    Superpro do an offset rear wishbone camber bush. I think toyotec has a set on his mk2
     
    MUSHY 16V likes this.
  7. MUSHY 16V

    MUSHY 16V Moderator Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2008
    Likes Received:
    800
    Location:
    aberdeen
    Aye bud that's what was on about not sure if they do mk2 or not but they do for the mk4 and they should fit
     
  8. beetie

    beetie Forum Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2003
    Likes Received:
    228
    Location:
    leicester
  9. Toyotec

    Toyotec CGTI Committee - Happy helper at large Admin

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2006
    Likes Received:
    3,320
    Location:
    Creating Pfredstarke
    To increase caster on a MK2, I use super pro rear wishbone bushes, that have an eccentric middle bush.
     
  10. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    Ah, didn't know that such thing even existed!! As for the eccentric part, will it stay put in the specified position? Do you need to adjust it?
     
  11. jamesa Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2003
    Likes Received:
    301
    Location:
    Abz
    Do you know how much caster you want ?

    The bushes give less than 1`... the top mounts much more.
     
  12. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    Right, that was I what I was reading!
    It seems the bushes get you 0.6. When I had the major issue with my car on -2 camber, it was 0.5 caster I believe. So, I could not get much caster going on anyway, if I wanted to go -2 camber.
    I believe that I've read that mk3 gti 16v control arms will give 6 caster? Is that so? Is the rule of thumb "get as much caster you can" true?
     
  13. skydivebaz

    skydivebaz Forum Member

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2012
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Black Isle, Ross-Shire
    Mk 3 Gti/vr6 is stock 3.5deg. Mk2 was1.5.

    Sent from my MI 5s Plus using Tapatalk
     
  14. MUSHY 16V

    MUSHY 16V Moderator Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 26, 2008
    Likes Received:
    800
    Location:
    aberdeen
    using 5 stud wishbones with 4 stud also moves the wheel forward in the arch so not ideal in some cases
     
  15. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    Ok, so back to top mounts. How easy and safe are they to install and use? Either I'm not seeing how it will actually work, or it doesn't seem that solid. A couple 6mm or 8mm Allen screws will hold what ever happens there?
    Anyone has pictures of it? Maybe even installation?
     
  16. jamesa Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2003
    Likes Received:
    301
    Location:
    Abz
    Not sure ... my knowledge is from reading and talking to the guy that set up my Mk1 Golf. The car is for hillclimbs / sprints and is focused on the final point below. It has 5` positive caster using Compbrake top mounts.

    The benefits of increased caster are:

    Increased dynamic negative camber in turns
    Improved high speed stability
    Improved road feel, steering feedback and sensitivity
    Increased steering weight, this can be used to overcome some over compensating power steering systems
    Improves steering turn-in response during corner entry

    https://www.powerflex.co.uk/road-series/geometry-information

     
  17. jamesa Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2003
    Likes Received:
    301
    Location:
    Abz
    PM me your email and I will send a picture of my Mk1, if appropriate ?
     
  18. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    It seems that it's pretty much a good thing to do, to get more caster!
    PM sent.
    Not sure if it's the same between mk1 and mk2, but still, pictures are welcome!

    Thanks!
     
  19. HidRo Forum Member

    Joined:
    Jan 30, 2004
    Likes Received:
    12
    Location:
    Portugal
    Thanks for the picture and explanation.
    I'm not sure why exactly, but my car seems to be off in the caster setup.
    With -2 Camber, it will have 0.34 caster.
    With -1 Camber, it will go up to 1 caster.
    Not that great, I believe...
     
  20. Toyotec

    Toyotec CGTI Committee - Happy helper at large Admin

    Joined:
    Jul 26, 2006
    Likes Received:
    3,320
    Location:
    Creating Pfredstarke
    You set it to have maximum castor when fitting and it stays like that once the wishbone is clamped forever.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice