Ascender 4WD L6-4.2L (2003)
Alignment: Description and Operation
Caster Description
Caster Description
Caster is the tilting of the uppermost point of the steering axis either forward or backward, when viewed from the side of the vehicle. A backward tilt
is positive (+) and a forward tilt is negative (-). Caster influences directional control of the steering but does not affect the tire wear and is not
adjustable on this vehicle. Caster is affected by the vehicle height, therefore it is important to keep the body at its designed height. Overloading the
vehicle or a weak or sagging rear spring will affect caster. When the rear of the vehicle is lower than its designated trim height, the front suspension
moves to a more positive caster. If the rear of the vehicle is higher than its designated trim height, the front suspension moves to a less positive caster.
With too little positive caster, steering may be touchy at high speed and wheel returnability may be diminished when coming out of a turn. If one
wheel has more positive caster than the other, that wheel will pull toward the center of the vehicle. This condition will cause the vehicle to pull or lead
to the side with the least amount of positive caster.