Meaning of Caster, Function, Types, and the Difference with Camber
Caster is the term used to refer to one of the angles of a car's wheels similar to camber. So what is the function of caster? What are its types and how does it differ from camber? For more details, please pay attention to the following review.
What Does Caster Mean?
As explained earlier, caster is the term used to describe the angle of inclination of the front wheel axis of a car formed from the vertical line of the car's wheel when viewed from the side of the car.
Function of Caster in Cars
Here are the important functions of caster in cars that you need to know.
1. Stabilizing the wheels
The caster angle in a car can function to stabilize the wheels when the car is driving straight even when the steering wheel is released. This certainly impacts driving comfort.
2. Helping the wheels return to a straight position
The caster angle also helps the car's wheels return to a straight position after turning. This can enhance the driver's comfort in returning the wheels to a straight position after turning the car, as the driver does not need to exert much effort. This can also prevent uneven tire wear.
3. Reducing impact from bumps
When a car traverses damaged roads or uneven and pothole-filled surfaces, it often experiences impacts that cause jolts or make the ride harsh. With the presence of the caster angle, these impacts can be reduced so that the steering remains comfortable to use when accelerating and the jolts can be dampened.
Read Also: What is Toe Angle, Its Function, and Its Issues
Types of Caster Angles
Based on the angle values, caster in cars is divided into several types. The complete types are as follows.
1. Neutral Caster
The caster angle formed when the steering axis is parallel to the vertical line from the center of the car's wheel.
2. Positive Caster
The caster angle formed when the steering axis is tilted backward towards the vertical axis of the car's wheel. Positive caster is the type of caster angle preferred by drivers because it stabilizes the wheels and steering on straight roads and makes it easier for the wheels to return straight after turning. This condition applies at both low and high speeds.
3. Negative Caster
The caster angle formed when the steering axis is tilted forward towards the vertical axis of the car's wheel.
Read Also: What is Wheel Alignment? Its Function and Maintenance!
Difference Between Caster and Camber
When the car is moving, the caster works in conjunction with other wheel angles such as camber. Although both work together, they have differences. The differences are as follows.
1. Angle Aspect
As explained earlier, caster refers to the tilt of the wheel axis vertically as viewed from the side of the car. Meanwhile, camber refers to the measurement of the wheel tilt angle on a vertical plane measured from the front and back.
2. Function Aspect
Caster in cars functions to stabilize the wheels or steering when the car is driving straight and facilitates the car's wheels to return to a straight position after turning. Meanwhile, camber functions to stabilize the car's speed when turning at corners.
Thus, the review regarding the meaning of caster, its functions, types, and its differences with camber. As is known, the caster or camber angle is an angle that needs to be considered in the car's wheel alignment process. Therefore, adjusting these angles cannot be done carelessly if you want the car's maneuvering to be optimal. If you want to adjust the wheel angles on your car, you can do so at the official Daihatsu workshop.
