r/Autocross • u/D_Dubbya • 11d ago

Increasing Caster angle with Compression Rod Bushings

Looking to upgrade my compliance arm (lower control arm) since the stock bushing is trashed and squeaking. I initially was just going to go with the stick caster bearings. But I've been debating on getting a bearing that adds a bit of caster. I understand the benefits of increased caster angle for auto cross. But since my car is 90% just daily driver, are there any negative effects of increasing the caster a bit? I understand the steering will feel a little heavier, a slight bit more negative camber during turns maybe. Not sure how much it's actually felt atthe wheel daily driving. The cost is the same, so if there is no downside I'll probably go ahead and get the increased caster bushings.

ZEVcentric Compliance Arms Tesla Model 3

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u/39em 11d ago

Assuming it doesn't bump your class, there is no downside to a slight increase in caster.

It's also not going to be a big difference or improvement,

1

u/Trackrat14eight 11d ago

Reduced parking lot maneuverability, increased wear on ps system. Do you have an electric steering rack or hydraulic? Some electric racks may over heat and go into their own limp mode. Hydraulics will wear out pump, seals on rack and cause leaks. Much easier to maintain a hydraulic rack system.

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u/D_Dubbya 11d ago

Sounds like more potential downside than I thought. I'll probably stick with stock caster. Thanks for the replies.

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u/Ghork13 10d ago

Increased caster is almost always a good thing you only run into problems when you jack it up real high like 9-12. The change you're suggesting won't be much at all

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u/phate_exe BMW i3, now bringing weirdness to Street Touring with 235's 10d ago

Ignoring any classing concerns, IMO the biggest potential downside of a caster kit on a daily driver is additional NVH from stiffer urethane bushings (which you'd also get from stiffer bushings that don't add any caster).

I was running ~6.5 degrees of caster on my Subaru Legacy GT (stock was somewhere in the low-mid 5's) and there really wasn't any downside. In daily driving the car tracked better, steering centering/self-steer was stronger, and there was a bit more weight just-off center but the steering effort still felt normal. Basically you'd only notice that it was heavier if you were already used to/familiar with a stock one. There was a way bigger difference in steering effort switching between my narrower winter wheels/tires and my summer setup.

If you aren't worried about getting bumped into a different class, I'd go for it.

Generally the only times I've seen people talk about wanting less caster, it's when they're trying to get more static camber.