Suspension System: Caster

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and 2004 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Identifying Positive Caster, True Vertical And Steering Axis

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Caster is the deviation from vertical of an imaginary line drawn through the ball joints when viewed from the side. The caster specifications in this article will give the vehicle the best directional stability characteristics when loaded and driven. The caster setting is not related to tire wear.