Caster/Camber??
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Caster/Camber??
Ordering some new XRF ball joints to replace worn out ones on my truck. So guess my questions are where exactly are these on my suspension (caster/camber)? Can't seem to find a "how to" replace these in my searches. Per my alignment guy i need a new Caster so doing all this myself and having him do the alignment.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs Village, Ar
Langpie. Camber is how far your tire is leaned in or out. Caster is how far forward or back from suspension points your wheel is. You don't buy them, just adjust. Do a quick google search for better explanation
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
Ordering some new XRF ball joints to replace worn out ones on my truck. So guess my questions are where exactly are these on my suspension (caster/camber)? Can't seem to find a "how to" replace these in my searches. Per my alignment guy i need a new Caster so doing all this myself and having him do the alignment.
Here are the pages from the service manual.
One pdf file works for F-250/350 4x4 and F-450/550 (all models)
The other works for F-250/350 4x2 trucks.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
I did a lot of goggle searches... looking for what these actually look like and where are they on my truck. He said I have and aftermarket Caster, believe it wasnt adjustable. Could be wrong. And I know I cant do the alignment, just looking to see how these are replaced and how to check them.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Sorry, 01 F350 4x4
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Is the Caster on top? Camber on bottom?
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
Caster and Camber are measurements or settings. Those terms do not describe anything that you can hold in your hand or purchase anywhere.
The camber setting is regulated by a specifically sized bushing that is located in the upper ball joint socket. You change that bushing to adjust the reading. Zero camber is when the wheel is perfectly straight up and down (90 degree angle to the pavement). A negative camber is when the top of the tire leans in towards the vehicle. Positive camber is when the top of the tire leans away from the vehicle. The alignment shop uses the appropriate sized bushing to achieve the desired settings.
The caster setting describes the angle of pivot when the wheels are turned. Since your truck is a 4x4, that setting is built into the components and not adjustable.
The camber setting is regulated by a specifically sized bushing that is located in the upper ball joint socket. You change that bushing to adjust the reading. Zero camber is when the wheel is perfectly straight up and down (90 degree angle to the pavement). A negative camber is when the top of the tire leans in towards the vehicle. Positive camber is when the top of the tire leans away from the vehicle. The alignment shop uses the appropriate sized bushing to achieve the desired settings.
The caster setting describes the angle of pivot when the wheels are turned. Since your truck is a 4x4, that setting is built into the components and not adjustable.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Caster and Camber are measurements or settings. Those terms do not describe anything that you can hold in your hand or purchase anywhere.
The camber setting is regulated by a specifically sized bushing that is located in the upper ball joint socket. You change that bushing to adjust the reading. Zero camber is when the wheel is perfectly straight up and down (90 degree angle to the pavement). A negative camber is when the top of the tire leans in towards the vehicle. Positive camber is when the top of the tire leans away from the vehicle. The alignment shop uses the appropriate sized bushing to achieve the desired settings.
The caster setting describes the angle of pivot when the wheels are turned. Since your truck is a 4x4, that setting is built into the components and not adjustable.
The camber setting is regulated by a specifically sized bushing that is located in the upper ball joint socket. You change that bushing to adjust the reading. Zero camber is when the wheel is perfectly straight up and down (90 degree angle to the pavement). A negative camber is when the top of the tire leans in towards the vehicle. Positive camber is when the top of the tire leans away from the vehicle. The alignment shop uses the appropriate sized bushing to achieve the desired settings.
The caster setting describes the angle of pivot when the wheels are turned. Since your truck is a 4x4, that setting is built into the components and not adjustable.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,446
Likes: 26
From: Panama City, FL
Jack your front end off the ground to where you have 1 inch ground clearance under the tire and put a crowbar under the tire and move the tire up and down while looking at the ball joints. If you have any up/down movement on the ball joint then they need to be replaced. I took mine to ford because I didnt have the press to press in and out the old and new ones. Cost me $900.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Jack your front end off the ground to where you have 1 inch ground clearance under the tire and put a crowbar under the tire and move the tire up and down while looking at the ball joints. If you have any up/down movement on the ball joint then they need to be replaced. I took mine to ford because I didnt have the press to press in and out the old and new ones. Cost me $900.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 27
From: Mesa AZ
Trying to align the wheels with faulty ball joints is a waste of time. Fix the ball joints first and then do the alignment. It's possible that your camber setting will be OK after your ball joints are replaced. If not, then your alignment shop can change or replace that bushing.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 870
Likes: 9
From: Carbondale, CO
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 870
Likes: 9
From: Carbondale, CO